The Gathering Storm

Bodie and Brock Thoene

Summerside Press

softcover, 320 pages, $14.99

978-1-609-36033-7

Mega-selling authors Thoene build on their popular "Zion Covenant" and "Zion Chronicles" series, covering the time period in between with the new "Zion Diaries" series. Using their legendary research and writing skills, the Thoenes draw readers into Adolf Hitler's blitzkrieg with this novel of strong faith and unique history.

The American-born daughter of an Austrian father who protests Hitler's policies, Loralei Bittick Kepler spends time in Berlin as the dictator is rising to power, then in Brussels, Belgium, where she and her family must flee the German army. Tragedy finds them, though Lora and others do make it across the English Channel. As she faces the loss of her husband, she embraces the many European refugees landing in England. She finds solace in work—and in the arms of Eben Golah, a man whose mystery is as profound as his heart for saving people.

The Gathering Storm is a unique blend of present and past, history and romance, ancient secrets and future peace. Readers will enjoy once again the Thoenes' storytelling, and take into their hearts Lora, Eben, Varrick and many others who take their stand against evil.

—Ann E. Byle

Bittersweet

Shauna Niequist

Zondervan

hardcover, 256 pages, $16.99

978-0-310-32816-2

Writing with another tasty theme in mind, Niequist (Cold Tangerines) sees bittersweetness as "the idea that in all things there is both something broken and something beautiful, that there is a sliver of lightness on even the darkest of nights, a shadow of hope in every heartbreak."

In Bittersweet: Thoughts on Change, Grace, and Learning the Hard Way, she shines light in that darkness, thanks to her own journey through change and heartbreak and questions and doubt, through her struggle to find good and God in the messiness of life.

Niequist and her husband faced job changes, a move and miscarriages, all rendered here in the smooth language and deep honesty that defines her style as a writer. She's honest, too, about the good things—food, friends, family. Her short essays allow a glimpse into her life, but, more importantly, her heart.

Readers searching for an honest look at the bitter and sweet of life will find it here; those looking for fine writing and God in the day to day will experience that here as well.

—Ann E. Byle

Encountering Heaven and the Afterlife

James L. Garlow and Keith Wall

Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 288 pages, $14.99

978-0-764-20811-9

Encounters with angels, ghosts and the afterlife are a dime a dozen, but Garlow and Wall, whose previous book Heaven and the Afterlife became a best-seller, combine credible accounts with excellent storytelling in Encountering Heaven and the Afterlife: True Stories From People Who Have Glimpsed the World Beyond. Each encounter with a divine emissary gives insight into the afterlife. 

Although the authors include scriptural background and history, the most compelling part of the book is hearing the voices of those who share their testimonies. One story mentions a child revived after falling to the bottom of a swimming pool, and he suffered no brain damage. Another tells of a man who explained how he died and came back to life, which eased the pain of a family member who had blamed himself for his brother's death.

Readers who are open to reading about near-death experiences or encounters with angels will appreciate this addition to the topic. Skeptics may even be won over by these believable accounts.

—Jennifer Toth

Hipster Christianity

Brett McCracken

Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 256 pages, $15.99

978-0-801-07222-2

Hipster Christianity: When Church and Cool Collide is not another how-to guide on becoming the next relevant church. Rather, it explores the "cool" movement in Christianity based on twentysomething journalist McCracken's research and personal experience.

Divided into three parts, the book first explains the history of what it means to be cool or hip and how the idea entered the church.

Next are discussions on what hipster Christianity is, where it is found and how being hip is put into practice. Finally, McCracken concludes by sharing some problems and solutions in hip Christian culture and how it compares to the core message of the faith.

Geared toward those who grew up in the '80s and '90s, this discussion on the desire to be hip and relevant will benefit young people in the church as well as the leaders who wish to reach them.

—Nicole Anderson

Nudge

Leonard Sweet

David C. Cook

hardcover, 256 pages, $19.99

978-1-434-76474-4

Theologian and trend spotter Sweet challenges the notion that evangelism is simply persuading people to accept propositions about sin and salvation, in Nudge: Awakening Each Other to the God Who's Already There. He sees evangelism as "nudging people to pay attention to the mission of God in their lives and to the necessity of responding to that initiative in ways that birth new realities and the new birth."

Sweet explains that Christianity is a mix of signs, images, rituals and stories, contending that evangelists are called to read "the signs of the times," scanning the cultural landscape for divine activity. Sweet structures his work in two parts, "Shining," helping readers see the manifestations in real life, and "Sensing," focusing on how we experience God through our senses.

This paradigm-shifting book is a rich and fascinating read. Well rounded and well read, Sweet quotes from a diversity of sources, among them poets, apologists, writers, psychiatrists and philosophers. Pastors, ministry teams and lay people will benefit from Nudge.

—Brian Smith McCallum

The Art of War for the Spiritual Battle

Cindy Trimm

Charisma House (Strang Book Group)

softcover, 224 pages, $15.99

978-1-599-79872-1

While reading Sun Tzu's The Art of War—an ancient Chinese manual on conducting military operations, popular in today's corporate world—charismatic author Trimm saw the relevance of the concepts to spiritual battle, thus the title of her book, The Art of War for Spiritual Battle: Essential Tactics and Strategies for Spiritual Warfare.

Believing that Christians aren't gaining much ground, Trimm calls on readers to fight again like "the evangelists and revivalists of old"—to get divine direction for this time in history. She writes that God is looking for spiritual generals to organize and lead the charge, and emphasizes scriptural operation of authority and leadership in the church.

Clear and direct, Trimm writes to motivate believers to exercise the disciplines of a prayer warrior, to organize prayer initiatives, to wage prayer campaigns and to establish and expand God's kingdom. Discouraged Christians will be challenged to believe that they still have a role to play in a war that has not yet seen its end.

—Christine D. Johnson

Angel Song

Sheila Walsh and Kathryn Cushman

Thomas Nelson

softcover, 352 pages, $14.99

978-1-595-54685-2

Annie Fletcher is proud of her sister Sarah and her upcoming graduation. But a night of celebrating new beginnings turns into tragedy as Sarah loses her life.

In her loss, Annie finds herself hearing music and quickly realizes that no one else is hearing it. In her search to figure out what she is experiencing, she decides it is easily explained away by stress, but as time goes on, she's not so sure.

As her late sister's neighbors—and their Down Syndrome son—take her under their wings, Annie is forced to come to terms with hurts of the past. As God places the right people at just the right times to direct her, Annie is forced to tear down the walls she has built around herself and in so doing, discovers a world she never before believed in and promise for a new future.

Angel Song aims to speak to anyone who has ever wondered whether God could use angels to touch a life. The authors also affirm the value of individuals who have a disability yet seem to have special gifting.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

Evolving in Monkey Town

Rachel Held Evans

Zondervan

softcover, 400 pages, $14.99

978-0-310-29399-6

Anyone who knows American history or has seen the movie Inherit the Wind will be familiar with the names Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan and the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, a famous court case on creationism in which they played a part.

In Evolving in Monkey Town: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Learned to Ask the Questions, Evans, a twentysomething journalist, shares her journey of growing up in Dayton, Tenn., where the case took place. The book brings readers into Evans' home, where she grew up with her theologian father and spent her halcyon days at Christian schools, including Bryan College—named after William Jennings Bryan. She introduces readers to people who've crossed her path—from "Matt the Apologist" to Zarmina, a Muslim woman—and shares her journey from fundamentalism through doubt and eventually to faith.

Evans' autobiographical account is an important contribution to the dialogue between church and culture. Her writing is lucid, witty and trenchant, and her transparency will appeal to seekers. Evolving in Monkey Town gives readers permission to live and even rest in uncertainty and doubt.

—Brian Smith McCallum

23 Questions About Hell

Bill Wiese

Charisma House (Strang Book Group)

softcover with DVD, 160 pages, $15.99

978-1-616-38027-4

Wiese follows up his New York Times best-selling 23 Minutes in Hell with 23 Questions About Hell: Everything You Want—And Need—To Know! The author says he was once sent to the place of the damned for 23 minutes, and he offers lessons learned from that experience on a DVD that comes with the book.

In 23 Questions, he addresses common and not so common concerns, one per chapter, using the Scriptures to explain why God created such a place, what it's like and who goes there. The first chapter goes to the root of all of the questions, asking, Isn't God mean for making hell? Other such inquiries also delve into God's character, one asking whether He would be unloving to not allow a "good person" to enter heaven.

Wiese combats the views that hell is metaphorical and not a real place, and that anyone who goes there is annihilated and not left to suffer eternally. With the heart of a prophet and the love of an evangelist, he leads unbelievers to pray the sinner's prayer, urging them to take hell seriously and make the choice to go to heaven.

—Christine D. Johnson

Gotta Have It!

Gregory L. Jantz with Ann McMurray

David C. Cook

softcover, 272 pages, $14.99

978-1-434-76624-3

Author and founder of A Place of Hope Counseling Center, Jantz offers a way to freedom from the "excessities" of life—whether food, alcohol, exercise or any other stronghold used to cushion life's blows—in Gotta Have It! Freedom From Wanting Everything Right Here, Right Now. He argues that often what is considered a necessity isn't at all, and it inevitably crowds out those things that are, cheating individuals of a free and full life.

Helping readers understand what is a necessity and what is a desire, he offers them opportunity to question their motives and the whys and wherefores of the not-so-healthy things that have crept into their lives. Through questions, application exercises as well as the cases of his patients, he sheds light on how to break free into God's way to a life of abundance, patience, endurance, wisdom and hope.

This book is helpful for anyone who is ready to take honest inventory of his or her life and with the help of God, truly live.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

The Outsider Interviews

Jim Henderson, Todd Hunter and Craig Spinks

Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)

hardcover with DVD, 208 pages, $24.99

978-0-801-01345-4

Inspired by Barna Group President David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons' 2007 book UnChristian, three men set out to conduct interviews with young adults who don't consider themselves Christians to find out how they perceive believers and the church.

Henderson, Hunter and Spinks filmed interviews in four cities, giving their reflections on what was said in The Outsider Interviews: A New Generation Speaks on Christianity. Mainly, their aim is to instruct the church on how culture has changed, how Christianity is now perceived and how such perceptions have created the need for a change in how believers connect with "outsiders."

The authors want readers to really listen to unbelievers without becoming defensive, in order to be more effective communicators. They caution Christians not to perceive all hostility as persecution, realizing that outsiders have seen Christianity misrepresented and are reacting to that.

The Outsider Interviews is challenging to read and sure to cause a variety of responses, both negative and positive. A DVD of the interviews accompanies the book.

—Deborah L. Delk

The Power of a Praying Life

Stormie Omartian

Harvest House Publishers

hardcover, 256 pages, $13.99

978-0-736-92688-1

Adding to her best-selling "The Power of a Praying ... " series, Omartian presents a new classic in The Power of a Praying Life: Finding the Freedom, Wholeness, and True Success God Has for You. From beginning a ministry in music and exercise to spanning a career writing 50 books, Omartian shares insights learned in times of joy and pain.

Her book reads quietly and confidently, offering healing to readers who have questions about prayer. She shares scripture and insights in different sections that explain the significance of God's will in the life of the Christian, how to know the enemy, God's holiness, His love and the power of prayer and fasting.

As in previous classics on prayer, Omartian aims to teach once more the basic principles that need to be retaught in this generation in regard to prayer.

This well-written book should teach, disciple and build faith in the hearts of all who read it.

—Jennifer Toth

Back on Murder

J. Mark Bertrand

Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 384 pages, $14.99

978-0-764-20637-5

Back on Murder: A Roland March Mystery is an engaging crime novel taking readers on assignment with Houston's best homicide detective.

Detective March believes he is on his way out of the force because his peers trivialize his accomplishments—until he observes evidence at a major crime scene. Determined to find the victim and regain the respect he once held, he pursues his gut instinct to connect the victim with a missing, high-profile teen girl.

Because of his rogue decision, he is taken off the murder case and put on the task force to find the missing teen. Refusing to give up on solving the murder case, March finds himself cracking an internal cover-up when a fellow officer approaches him with answers to the case.

Bertrand captures a realistic view of a homicide detective's life, from the paperwork to life-threatening situations. Readers will relate to the struggles of his characters, their faltering faith and success.

—Nicole Anderson

Danger Close

William G. Boykin and Tom Morrisey

Fidelis Books (B&H Publishing Group)

hardcover, 336 pages, $24.99

978-0-805-44955-6

Author Boykin and retired Lieutenant General Morrisey explore the Islamist threat in the terrorist thriller Danger Close,which imagines an Al Qaeda intent on trumping itself with a more deadly attack on America.

After a successful tour in Afghanistan, Lieutenant Blake Crenshaw accepts a secret assignment from the CIA's counterterrorism chief. He switches places with an Anglo recruited into Al Qaeda by Muslim clerics in prison. Under this identity, he joins a D.C. sleeper cell and travels via London to a Pakistani training camp. There he learns of a nuclear device provided by North Korea for detonation near the Capitol and must escape before Predator drones take out the camp.

Throughout his ordeal, Blake, a devout Christian, must reconcile his faith with the life of deception and violence he must lead for a greater good—adding a dimension of spirituality often missing from espionage thrillers. In addition, the authors' attention to detail, particularly with military hardware, makes the story chillingly plausible.

—John Leatherman

The Imam’s Daughter

Hannah Shah

Zondervan

hardcover, 288 pages, $19.99

978-0-310-32575-8

After 10 years of enduring abuse behind the closed doors of her Muslim home, Shah had determined that it was time to flee before being sent to Pakistan and forced into marriage. After years of keeping up appearances for the sake of her family and her culture, Hannah could take no more and, at the point of contemplating suicide, she mustered the courage to leave the life she had known.

While her escape opened up a new world of unimaginable freedom—revealing to her what love really is and bringing her into a new life in Christ—it did not come without dark hours and sheer terror, as her father hunted her down.

Now married and living as freely as she can under a new name, Shah travels the world speaking to bring awareness to what happens behind closed doors and to bring the promise of a brighter future for Muslim women.

The Imam’s Daughter: My Desperate Flight to Freedom is a powerful story for readers curious about the lives of Muslim women and for those who desire to see God’s love and power in action.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

Anatomy of the Soul

Curt Thompson

Tyndale House Publishers

hardcover, 304 pages, $22.99

978-1-414-33414-1

Psychiatrist Thompson provides an innovative look at the way God has wired the mind in Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections Between Neuroscience and Spiritual Principles That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships.

Drawing on the problems of real-life patients as well as psychological studies of biblical figures, Thompson shows how understanding the workings of the mind leads to spiritual healing. For example, the logical, left brain allows one to know the facts of salvation, but the abstract, right brain permits experiencing God’s love. Likewise, the brain’s lower “reptilian” and “mammalian” lobes provide hardwired emotional responses to stimuli, but the cerebral cortex allows a Christian to override instinct when God requires it.

The chapter structure provides a self-reinforcing progression to advancing God’s mercy and justice through what Thompson calls an integrated life, represented by the acronym FACES: flexible, adaptive, coherent, energized and stable. He admits he is not undertaking anything bold, like proving God’s existence via neurons, but is just challenging believers to examine their walk with Jesus in a new and scientific way.

—John D. Leatherman

The Wisdom of Pixar

Robert Velarde

IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)

softcover, 168 pages, $15

978-0-830-83297-2

In The Wisdom of Pixar: An Animated Look at Virtue, Velarde offers a thoughtful perspective on Christian principles as presented in some of the most popular animated films in recent years. Cars, Up and Finding Nemo are just a few of the films he examines to find themes that support Christian values.

While careful to point out that Pixar does not tie all its films to theology, Velarde draws sensible conclusions and connections between the Christian life and many Pixar characters and plotlines. The themes of hope and imagination run throughout many of the films—Remy from Ratatouillebecomes fascinated with humans because of their creativity, for example.

Velarde discusses the creativity of God and how humans created in His image also have the gift of imagination. Other themes such as justice, humor, love and even technology are explored in depth.

Concise chapters and discussion questions make this book accessible for group studies.

—Bonnie Bruner

The Homecoming

Dan Walsh

Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 320 pages, $14.99

978-0-800-73389-6

A sequel to The Unfinished Gift, Walsh’s The Homecoming continues the story of Shawn Collins and his son Patrick as the pair navigate a new reality without wife and mother Elizabeth. Shawn’s relationship with his father, Ian, is repaired,yet Shawn’s military duties during World War II keep them apart.

Readers will be happy to see character Katherine Townsend again, in a new role as Patrick’s nanny. Mrs. Fortini returns, too, offering food and friendship to all. The family must cope as Shawn is ordered stateside to speak at War Bond rallies—a job many would relish, but which he dislikes. How can he keep tabs on his son, and what about his father’s failing health? And how can he understand his feelings for Katherine?

From a historical perspective, The Homecoming is entertaining. In fact, Walsh’s best writing occurs when he describes Shawn’s crash landing of his B-17 in enemy territory. The book flows slowly, though readers will soon become immersed in the drama of World War II and the Collins family.

—Ann E. Byle

Connecting Like Jesus

Tony Campolo and Mary Albert Darling

Jossey-Bass (Wiley)

hardcover, 256 pages, $21.95

978-0-470-43102-3

While the 21st century offers many ways to communicate—smartphones, Twitter, Facebook, e-mail, Instant Messaging—paradoxically, these technologies can leave people feeling alienated and disconnected.

In Connecting Like Jesus: Practices for Healing, Preaching, and Teaching, sociologist and preacher Campolo and communications expert Darling have combined forces to bridge the gap of interpersonal distance. Their goal: to help people “relate to others in ways that deeply satisfy the deepest needs of our souls.” Divided into three parts—Connecting Like Jesus, Practices of Soul Healing and Practices for Teaching and Healing—the book focuses on important themes, including self-awareness, overcoming fear and redeeming conflict.

Connecting Like Jesus is an essential resource for churches and religious organizations. Yet it has broad appeal and will aid students, seminarians, counselors, church leaders and lay people. In sum, it will intrigue any reader interested in how the Holy Spirit can break down walls between people.

—C. Brian Smith

The Soul of Spider-Man

Jeff Dunn and Adam Palmer

Regal Books

softcover, 144 pages, $9.99

978-0-830-74752-8

The Soul of Spider-Man: Unexpected Spiritual Insights Found in the Legendary Superhero Series follows a trend of authors using popular stories to illustrate biblical lessons. Taking their cue only from the films and not the comic books,Dunn and Palmer trace Director Sam Raimi’s trilogy about the wall-crawling superhero, inserting biblical narratives where possible.

The wisdom of Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben and his catchphrase “With great power comes great responsibility” is driven home, as are lessons about love, fear, sin, bitterness and death. Since the awkwardness of Spider-Man alter-ego, Peter Parker, has resonated with young viewers, the authors have a wealth of material to mine.

Written for younger teens, The Soul of Spider-Man is divided into short chapters with simple terminology, and will provide a helpful resource for youth groups.

—DeWayne Hamby

Chasing Superwoman

Susan M. DiMickele

David C. Cook

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-1-434-76462-1

In Chasing Superwoman: A Working Mom’s Adventures in Life and Faith, working mothers receive the support needed for the daily struggles they encounter when multitasking between work, family and a relationship with God.

Sharing her experiences as a working professional and a mother, DiMickele addresses the emotional issues mothers face in meeting the expectations others put on them and the demands they place on themselves. She empathizes with her readers on the common concerns of guilt, fear and insecurities, time management and raising spiritually developed children. She also acknowledges how, often, the church fails to meet the needs of working moms, but encourages them not to isolate themselves.

DiMickele helps mothers know that, with God’s grace, they can do their best, —and that the working mother does not have be a superwoman.

—Nicole Anderson

TOP PICK

The Radical Disciple

John Stott

IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)

hardcover, 144 pages, $15

978-0-830-83847-9

Christian Living

Stott, an elder statesman of evangelical Christianity, delivers what will most likely be his last book in The Radical Disciple: Some Neglected Aspects of Our Calling. The book, culled from a recent speech given by the 88-year-old minister, presents a back-to-basics approach to what it means to be disciple of Christ.

Stott presents eight characteristics of discipleship—nonconformity, Christ-likeness, maturity, creation care, simplicity, balance, dependence and, finally, death, which symbolizes finishing well and dying to self. He uses the book’s final chapters to acknowledge his own frailty and impending passing while presenting lessons of faith. He even ends the book with a personal message to readers about the future of publishing and a final “farewell!”

There’s a weightiness when someone offers final words, and with a respected theologian such as Stott, his final rallying cry to younger generations is inspiring. The Radical Disciple offers a spiritual diagnostic for all believers.

—DeWayne Hamby

FICTION

Chasing Lilacs

Carla Stewart

FaithWords

softcover, 304 pages, $13.99

978-0-446-55655-2

In Chasing Lilacs, Stewart’s first book, she tackles weighty topics, including puberty, mental illness and suicide. The story centers on Samantha “Sammie” Tucker, a 12-year-old in the small Texas community of Graham Camp. With her mother deep in depression, Sammie is mostly raising herself. Her best friend, Tuwana, voices her opinion on most everything, regardless of whose feelings she hurts. Cly, a mysterious visitor, seems to switch between juvenile delinquent and friend.

At a time when her life should be carefree, Sammie is worried about everything—and then things go from bad to much worse. Her mother is found dead, by her own hand. Aunt Vadine, Sammie’s mother’s estranged sister, comes to help, complicating matters further. The frightened girl begins to worry that she may be mentally disturbed as well, but soon finds her hope in God.

Chasing Lilacs is a page-turner with realistic characters, descriptive scenery and fast-paced action, and will especially appeal to those who recall 1950s’ small-town life.

—Beth Anderson

Darlington Woods

Mike Dellosso

Realms (Strang Book Group)

softcover, 304 pages, $13.99

978-1-599-79918-6

Dellosso continues his run of supernatural horror in his latest release, Darlington Woods, a thrilling tale of a man’s relentless search for his missing son in the darkness of a village lost to fear.

After losing his wife and son, Rob Shields travels to a small town in Maryland, expecting nothing more than to live out the remainder of his days enduring haunting dreams and hallucinations. Visiting the local diner, he encounters a peculiar man who seems to know something about the whereabouts of his son, who he starts to hope may still be alive.

Juli, the waitress, also seems to be hiding what she knows, and when Rob insists on venturing to Darlington to find his son, she knows her calling is to go with him. Through the dark woods, Juli tells Rob that Darlington has only one way in and one way out. The town seems abandoned, yet each home glows with lantern light.

As strong as fear may seem, the theme of Darlington Woods is that God’s light casts out all fear. Readers will enjoy the high suspense and plot twists, as well as the journey of finding faith in the midst of despair.

—Bonnie Bruner

LEADERSHIP

Five Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them

Charles Stone

Bethany House Publishers (Baker Publishing Group)

hardcover, 224 pages, $19.99

978-0-764-20705-1

A pastor, Stone provides sustaining advice to his colleagues in Five Ministry Killers and How to Defeat Them: Help for Frustrated Pastors. Using research from the Barna Group, Stone analyzes his profession almost as a business, with the congregation as the customers.

His five “killers” are denial, emotional investment in the wrong issues, unhealthy response to frustration, over-reliance on self (or self and God) and neglect of spouse and family. Rather than deal with each in turn, Stone acknowledges the inevitability of frustration in any church, then outlines four decisions a pastor should make: speak up with courage, own up with humility, show up with integrity and open up with vulnerability.

Stone hopes that by spelling out the challenges leaders face, it will help the lay community better understand and appreciate their pastor.

—John D. Leatherman

Radical

David Platt

Multnomah Books

softcover, 240 pages, $14.99

978-1-601-42221-7

Platt, lead pastor of Alabama’s Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, wonders if the “American Dream” is compatible with the Great Commission, in Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream. The author contends that the American church has turned away from the message of Jesus and molded the Christian life into its own image—one that closely resembles materialism, excess and complacency.

He encourages readers to re-visit the revolutionary message of Christianity. He draws inspiration from leaders such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who defied Hitler and urged believers to abandon attachments to this world. Ultimately, Platt challenges readers to partake in a Radical experiment. The book, in fact, includes a contract, an agreement to commit to five goals—praying for the entire world, reading through the entire Bible, sacrificing money for a specific purpose, spending time in another context and multiplying community.

Platt’s work is, in a word, convicting. Radical will inspire Western readers to think beyond themselves and see through a global lens as well as spread the message of Christ.

—C. Brian Smith

WOMEN'S ISSUES

I Will Carry You

Angie Smith

B&H Books (B&H Publishing Group)

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-0-805-46428-3

Smith, wife of one of the members of the music group Selah, recounts the couple’s darkest days and the faith that pulled them through in I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy. In 2008, Smith and husband Todd discovered that their expected fourth daughter had health conditions making her “incompatible with life,” their doctor said.

Advised to terminate, the Smiths determined to carry their daughter Audrey to term and eventually held the newborn for her brief two hours of earthly life. The biblical story of Lazarus is also recounted as Smith relates to the grief of Mary and Martha. She offers tips for those watching their loved ones grieve and shows how to help children cope with loss as well.

I Will Carry You is heart-wrenching read, especially for parents, but it’s an important resource for those walking through their own valley of the shadow of death. As Smith quotes, “joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ.”

—Hamby

When a Man You Love Was Abused

Cecil Murphey

Kregel Publications

softcover, 256 pages, $13.99

978-0-825-43353-5

Popular author Murphey tackles the taboo topic of sexual abuse in When a Man You Love Was Abused: A Woman’s Guide to Helping Him Overcome Childhood Sexual Molestation. The book was spawned from a magazine article that generated significant response. Acknowledging that the problem is far too common, the author offers a sympathetic take on personal healing.

In addition to providing many personal stories of couples who have faced such challenges, Murphey offers his own advice to wives, including allowing a husband’s inconsistencies and the need for honesty and not pushing him to forgive the abuser. Although men may glean insights that will help, Murphey’s attention is consistently pointed toward women. He even relates stories of the prominent role wives have played in the healing of men he has counseled.

As an abuse survivor himself, Murphey, a New York Times best-selling author, combines balanced, heartfelt compassion and practical steps for healing.

—Hamby

The Truth About the Shroud of Turin
Robert K. Wilcox
Regnery Publishing
softcover, $16.95, 234 pages
978-1-596-98600-8

Casual readers may have forgotten about the holy relic explored in The Truth About the Shroud of Turin: Solving the Mystery, as it has faded from its earlier prominence in the news in the '70s and '80s. Since then, however, novelists such as Dan Brown have introduced readers to spiritual mysteries in books such as The Da Vinci Code, so a true-to-life, faith-fueled narrative on conspiracies and cover-ups could provoke new interest.

Wilcox wipes the dust from the subject, consulting experts in various scientific disciplines as well as addressing carbon-dating controversies contributing to the dismissal of the shroud's authenticity. He summarizes 10 compelling reasons for its authenticity, including how starkly the image of Christ contradicts popular renderings of Him from the time of its discovery.

Regardless of individual conclusions, however, Wilcox offers a fair, thorough and fascinating narrative on the relic's history.

—DeWayne Hamby

GrAttitude
Ace Collins
Zondervan
softcover, 192 pages, $14.99
978-0-310-32477-5

In GrAttitude: Practicing Contagious Optimism for a Positive Change, Collins points out that gratitude is much more Collins tells stories of individuals who have learned gratitude, such as missions pioneer William Carey, who reached out to a world beyond himself to share the gospel. Another story includes a young lady inspired to love and serve others after witnessing a nun at her school working diligently.

GrAttitude is characterized by great stories that serve as an encouragement for readers to take on a fresh perspective on life and the call of Christ.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

Plan B
Pete Wilson
Thomas Nelson
softcover, 224 pages, $14.99
978-0-849-94650-9

Nashville pastor Wilson's Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would? is a book Plan B offers encouragement to those struggling to redeem their decisions or who are facing doubts about their direction in life. Wilson's pastoral heart speaks clearly, pointing to the cross of Christ as the ultimate solution of love and hope.

—Bonnie Bruner

Pure Scum
Mike Sares
IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)
softcover, 174 pages, $15
978-0-830-83629-1

Pastor Sares chronicles the development of Scum of the Earth, the unusually named, Denver-based church for the
Pure Scum: The Left-Out, the Right-Brained and the Grace of God. The title and the church's name are derived from 1 Cor. 4:9-13.

Following a series of unsatisfying jobs, from steel to sales, Sares entered the ministry at age 40, his first church assignment ending in a forced resignation. Supportive friends and family provide funding for Sares to start his own church, and he conceived Scum: welcoming all regardless of past sins, focusing on God without "Christianese" and reaching out to those intimidated by traditional churches.

Sares goes on to describe Scum's ongoing challenges, such as congregants who come only for the meal served before the sermon and others who find Jesus and then backslide.
While some readers may not agree with Sares' concept of Scum as what a church should be, this unique approach to evangelism should be useful reading for anyone interested in outreach ministry.

—John D. Leatherman

Valley of Bones
Eric Wilson
Thomas Nelson
softcover, 416 pages, $14.99
978-1-595-54460-5

Valley of Bones, the final installment of the "Jerusalem Undead" trilogy, blends best-selling author Wilson's After Gina Lazarescu stages her own death to protect herself and her loved ones from Akeldama, a blood-collecting cluster of demons, she finds that her son—dead for the past seven years—has been resurrected.

Meanwhile, Akeldama warrior Natria sets out to find answers to Gina's staged "death" and plans to destroy members of the Concealed Ones, the original 36 raised from the dead during Jesus' crucifixion.

Valley of Bones is an exciting adventure that will grab readers' interest in the power of the Nazarene's blood. A beginning summary of past settings and character relationships is provided to help readers who have not yet read the trilogy's previous titles.

—Nicole Anderson

Divanomics
Michelle McKinney Hammond
Tyndale House Publishers
softcover, 272 pages, $12.99
978-1-414-33382-3

In Divanomics: How to Still Be Fabulous When You're Broke, speaker and TV host Hammond is candid about her Using the Bible as her guide, along with wise counsel, Hammond shows how to maintain one's "Diva" status through organization, pinching pennies and learning the difference between needs and wants. She teaches from personal experience that no one cares more about your money than you do.

Divanomics shows readers how to hold their heads high with dignity and grace, rebuilding self- and financial worth with simple tools. McKinney defines a true Diva as a woman "who knows that life is not about her, but rather the contribution she makes to others … and the legacy she will leave." Written with such Diva girls in mind, the book is a hopeful, encouraging read for women who were never taught how to spend and save responsibly.

—Andrealynn Boyd

Edge of Apocalypse
Tim LaHaye and Craig Parshall
Zondervan
hardcover, 432 pages. $24.99
978-0-310-32628-1
audio CD, unabridged, $29.99
978-0-310-32629-8

Best-selling author LaHaye ("Left Behind" series) partners with Parshall for Edge of Apocalypse, the debut release in the new prophecy-based fiction series "The End."

Joshua Jordan, former U.S. spy-plane-hero-turned-weapons-designer, has created a missile defense system christened "Return to Sender." He uses it to diffuse a North Korean attack designed to level New York City. Following that success, he is caught in a web of political double-dealing, international intrigue and personal danger. Jordan's integrity, personal values and patriotism are put to the test, as he feels his wife pushing him to accept a Savior he is not ready for.

Though it's fiction combined with eschatology, Edge of Apocalypse has a realistic feel, as if it were lifted from tomorrow's headlines. Readers seeking end-times adventure will welcome this action-packed beginning and look forward to future releases in the series.

—Beth Anderson

Giving Church Another Chance

Todd D. Hunter

IVP Books (InterVarsity Press)

hardcover, 176 pages, $18

978-0-830-83748-9

Hunter, founding pastor of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Orange County, Calif., shares his journey of despair in
Giving Church Another Chance: Finding New Meaning in Spiritual Practices. The author's background includes time spent at Vineyard, Calvary Chapel, emerging churches, house churches and more. Through Hunter's pilgrimage, he learned that "church is the place to engage in important spiritual practices that have nourished followers of Jesus for thousands of years."

Giving Church Another Chance is in no way a tirade against the church. Rather, it is a call to re-engage spiritual practices and live in the way of Jesus. Simply put, Hunter writes for the disaffected believer: the "de-churched" and "re-churched."

Readers of Richard Foster, Dallas Willard and Eugene Peterson will appreciate Hunter's contribution to how spiritual disciplines fit within the context of communities and bodies of believers. In the midst of our frenzied culture and harried pace of life, Hunter reminds us that speed is not the greatest good. Instead, deep, lasting change and transformation is the goal, with church the springboard to that end.

—C. Brian Smith

Kaleidoscope

Patsy Clairmont

Thomas Nelson

hardcover, 208 pages. $16.99

978-1-400-20270-6

Popular author and Women of Faith speaker Clairmont takes a lighthearted look at the Christian life in Kaleidoscope: Seeing God's Wit and Wisdom in a Whole New Light. In 33 chapters—with such titles as "The Tube of Mirrors," "Barnyard Wisdom," "Stretchmarks" and "Sewing Kit for the Heart"—she delves into everyday issues for busy women.

In a style that is totally Clairmont, the author mines the book of Proverbs and discovers the wisdom she believes God has for women today. She addresses topics aiming to reveal truth in relationships, everyday lives and health. Although humor is found on every page, there is also insight, prayerful advice and deep scriptural knowledge.

Kaleidoscope could be used as a devotional, but would also be enjoyable for use in women's meetings or casual reading. For women who would better understand the Christian life and enjoy a personal relationship with their heavenly Father, this book is an excellent read.

—Beth Anderson

Wildflowers of Terezin

Robert Elmer

Abingdon Press

softcover, 352 pages, $13.99

978-1-426-70192-4

In the international flavor of his youth series "Young Underground," Elmer's latest stand-alone novel Wildflowers of Terezin is the story of a young nurse and a pastor who risk their lives to protect the Jews in German-occupied Denmark during World War II.

Pastor Steffen Petersen begins to see how his world is dramatically changing when he finds himself caught in crossfire on the streets of Kobenhavn. While being treated for his injuries at Bispebjerg Hospital, Steffen meets Hanne Abrahamsen, a striking young Jewish nurse full of compassion.

Days later, rumors of Jewish deportation bring Hanne to Steffen's church, seeking a hiding place for her family. Though Steffen usually finds comfort in his pastoral duties, his faith comes alive when he helps those truly in need.

Wildflowers of Terezin is based on actual events during the German occupation in Denmark. Readers will appreciate the historic value of the novel, while the characters bring life to both the sorrows of war and the joys of love reunited.

—Bonnie Bruner

Yesterday's Promise

Vanessa Miller

Whitaker House

208 pages, $9.99, 400 pages

978-1-603-74207-8

Author and playwright Miller addresses the women-as-preachers debate in her latest romance novel, Yesterday's Promise.

Lead character Melinda Johnson knows at a young age that God has called her to preach alongside her father, Bishop Johnson. When he retires and appoints her ex-fiancée, Steven—now a widower with a young child—as pastor and bishop, it reopens old wounds.

While dealing with the rejection brought on by her father's choice, she finds out that her father hopes she and Steven will reconcile. But it doesn't help the situation when Steven proclaims he still does not agree that women should preach.

Yesterday's Promise goes beyond the traditional romance and gives a descriptive example of the communication barriers between men and women relating to love, career, ministry and family.

—Nicole Anderson

The Map

David Murrow

Thomas Nelson

softcover, 244 pages, $14.99

978-0-785-22762-5

Murrow, author of Why Men Hate Going to Church, outlines a man's spiritual growth guide in The Map: The Way of All Great Men. The map is a metaphor for how Jesus' ministry is highlighted in the Gospel of Matthew.

The first third of the book recounts the international treasure-hunting intrigue that supposedly led Murrow to the figurative "map." The author then reveals the story is fiction, but mines it for examples and illustrations.

Murrow observes that in Matthew's Gospel, Jesus undergoes three journeys to spiritual maturity—submission, strength and sacrifice. Submission's journey, up to the Sermon on the Mount, embraces traits Murrow classifies as feminine—giving, forgiveness and mercy. Strength's journey, ending with the Last Supper, focuses on Jesus' more masculine traits—righteousness, pride and anger. His final journey of sacrifice turns feminine again as He renders the ultimate act of service.

In the book's final third, Murrow suggests how much of contemporary Christianity stifles men by overemphasizing the feminine journey of submission. The Map is intriguing reading for men seeking to advance spiritually.

—John D. Leatherman

My Bangs Look Good

Susanna Foth Aughtmon

Revell (Baker Publishing Group)

softcover, 192 pages, $12.99

978-0-800-73418-3

In My Bangs Look Good & Other Lies I Tell Myself, Aughtmon reflects on the lies she has believed that have hindered her spiritual walk. Geared toward young adult women, the book shares the author's own journey of how she came to know the truth about God.

Aughtmon examines many misunderstandings about God, such as the idea that He is vengeful, that He owes His children something or that He cannot hear those who cry out to Him. Disputing these myths, she points to the truth, sharing many inspiring stories such as the story of Mary who was visited at a young age and told the most outlandish thing she had ever heard.

This is an encouraging book for young women seeking to push past the myths that have bogged down their Christian walk, remove the cloak of fear and step out into a faith-filled life.

—Heidi L. Ippolito

A Positive Life

Shane Stanford

Zondervan

hardcover, 224 pages, $19.99

978-0-310-29292-0

The journey propels readers on a rocket ride through Stanford's childhood home in Mississippi, dealing with hemophilia, the spires of Duke University, secret hotel meetings with officials about ordination, golf, the inner workings of the United Methodist Church, hospital stays and much more. Through it all, he addresses the stereotypes and stigmas that often accompany HIV.

A Positive Life is a guide on how to grow as a man, father and pastor, in crisis, while living with chronic disease, and is for anyone wanting to see God's grace and unconditional love at work. The Bible study and resource guide at the back is helpful for church leaders of all denominations as well as for people looking to grow in compassion and love.

—Andrealynn Boyd