New Releases

Soul Surfer DVD
Bethany Hamilton
Sony Pictures Entertainment, July 2011
The astonishing true story of a courageous 13-year-old surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack---but never lost her faith! You'll be inspired by how Bethany Hamilton overcame physical and emotional trauma to return to competitive surfing with the help of her family---and God. Stars AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Carrie Underwood, and Dennis Quaid. Rated PG. Approx. 106 minutes.

Hell is Real (But I Hate to Admit It)
Brian Jones
David C Cook, July 2011
Does hell matter? Jones believes that the reason most Christians don't tell their friends and family about Jesus has nothing to do with not knowing how---it's because they don't think they need to. Drawing on Scripture, he leads you on a collision course with "apocalyptic urgency" that will strengthen your faith and free you to share the gospel. 272 pages, softcover from Cook.

Courageous: Honor Begins at Home
Alex & Stephen Kendrick
Tyndale, July 2011
Police officers Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are prepared to deal with hardened criminals. But when they remove their badges, they face a more daunting challenge---fatherhood. As their children drift away, can these brave men find a way to serve and protect those nearest and dearest to them---and draw closer to God? 400 pages, softcover from Tyndale.


9/11: What a Difference a Day Makes, Ten Years Later
James Moore
Abingdon Press, July 2011
Black smoke billowing from the Twin Towers, a gaping hole in the Pentagon, airliner debris strewn across a Pennsylvania field---nobody will ever forget September 11, 2001. But what have we learned from that tragic day? Reminding us that life is a fragile gift, Moore encourages us to thank God for our freedom, faith, and family. 96 pages, softcover from Abingdon.

Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
Mike Slaughter
Abingdon Press, July 2011
We all do it---overeat, overspend, and shop till we drop---all in the name of celebrating Jesus' birth. But Slaughter shows us a better way! Cutting through the seasonal hype, he shares practical, Bible-based ideas to help you experience the peace of "God with us," the joy of giving sacrificially, and more. Includes reflection questions. 96 pages, softcover from Abingdon.

New Releases

When Bad Christians Happen to Good People
Dave Burchett
Waterbrook Press, July 2011
Sometimes, the people who hurt us the most are those with whom we share faith in Christ. If you've been hurt by the church, the pain and resentment you feel are real. In When Bad Christians Happen to Good People, Dave Burchett speaks from his own experience to give insights into why these abuses happen and how to prevent them. Working toward a solution will benefit you at the same time it helps others. Whether you've been a bad Christian in the past, or have been hurt by one, there is a better way to live.

As Silver Refined
Kay Arthur
Waterbrook Press, July 2011
How do you respond when somebody tramples your feelings? Robs your home? Injures a family member? Trials prompt us to ask God "Why?" But what if unavoidable disappointments are actually appointments that God uses to make us more Christ-like? Learn how to break the downward spiral of discouragement and embrace troubles with faith. Includes study guide.

On Fire CD
Peter Furler
EMI Distribution, July 2011
Recognized worldwide as the frontman of Aussie worship rockers The Newsboys, Peter Furler has captivated generations of believers with his powerful voice, passionate delivery, and faith-on-your-sleeve approach to life. With the highly capable Michael Tait now fronting the 'Boys, Furler strikes out on his own packing a high-octane collection of modern worship and AC rock gems.On Fire showcases the well-traveled showman at the top of his game, from hair-raising worship anthems to penetrating ballads, including the chart-climbing single "Reach" plus "Glory To the King," "Faster and Louder," "I'm Alive," and others.

New Releases

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
Gary Chapman and Paul White
Northfield Publishing, July 2011

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace applies the love language concept to the workplace. This book helps supervisors and managers effectively communicate appreciation and encouragement to their employees, resulting in higher levels of job satisfaction, healthier relationships between managers and employees, and decreased cases of burnout. Ideal for both the profit and non-profit sectors, the principles presented in this book have a proven history of success in businesses, schools, medical offices, churches, and industry. Each book contains an access code for the reader to take a comprehensive online MBA Inventory (Motivating By Appreciation) - a $20 value.

The inventory is designed to provide a clearer picture of an individual’s primary language of appreciation and motivation as experienced in a work-related setting. It identifies individuals’ preference in the languages of appreciation. Understanding an individual’s primary and secondary languages of appreciation can assist managers and supervisors in communicating effectively to their team members.

New Releases

Power of a Praying Wife Devotional
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House Publishers, July 2011
New from bestselling author Stormie Omartian is a book close to her own heart—The Power of a Praying® Wife Devotional. Following up on the insights and prayers of The Power of a Praying® Wife (more than 3.5 million books sold) 100 brand-new devotions, prayers, and supporting Scriptures offer a praying wife fresh ways to pray for her husband, herself, and her marriage.
These easy-to-read devotions will increase any wife’s understanding, strength, and peace, as well as provide her with perspective on the situations and challenges she faces. And each prayer will help both husbands and wives be more attuned to the Holy Spirit so they can do what’s right without allowing negative emotions or unclear thinking to get in the way. A must-have for anyone wanting God’s best for this most important relationship.

Quest for the Scorpion's Jewel (Amarias Adventures)
Amy Green
Warner Press, July 2011
"The Amarias Adventures" begin when 15-year-old Jesse befriends a band of young warriors and risks his life to find a cure for their poisoned leader, Parvel. Though Jesse has a crippled leg, he is asked to join the remaining warriors-part of an elite fighting force known as the Youth Guard-on their mission for the king. Facing danger at every turn, Jesse, Rae and Silas journey over treacherous mountains and across a scorching desert. To make matters worse, an unknown enemy seeks to end their quest before it has even begun. Where is Parvel's God when they need Him most? And with so little information to guide them, how will they ever complete their mission and find the Scorpion's Jewel? Will they even escape with their lives?

Escape from Riddler's Pass (Amarias Adventures)
Amy Green
Warner Press, July 2011
With their quest for the Scorpion's Jewel at an end, Jesse, Rae and Silas return to rescue their injured friend, Parvel, only to find he has been kidnapped by the Rebellion. While trying to evade the Patrol, who threaten their very lives, this time the Youth Guard's journey leads to the mountains, where they are taken captive by a dwarf. Underground the young warriors discover a lost civilization, and a new friend with vital information to help them on their way. But the Rebellion headquarters are hidden within a dangerous maze of tunnels in another mountain, and accessible only by solving a series of riddles. Will Jesse and his friends discover the secret to the Rebellion's tunnels and reach Parvel before it is too late? Or will they be doomed to dwell in darkness forever?

Book Review

Learning (Bailey Flanigan series; book 2)
by Karen Kingsbury
2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

Fans of Karen Kingsbury novels are familiar with the Flanigan family and the Baxter and Blake families.  This is another great book in a long line of interwoven stories about these Christian families.  The series starts with book 1 "Leaving", focusing on Bailey Flanigan, whose dream is to perform on Broadway, and on her family, and on her relationships with guys (namely Tim, Cody & Brandon).

In this installment Bailey finally gets to be a part of the Broadway musical "Hairspray" and moves to New York City.  It seems that Brandon and she are falling in love, but she can never really get Cody out of her head.  Cody is falling in love with Cheyenne, but he can never really get Bailey out of his head.  We must all wait for book 3 "Longing" to see how Bailey's love story will turn out.
In New York City, Bailey has trials to deal with, such as the death of her fellow cast member, Chrissy, and feeling like other cast members don't like her and her Christianity.

As Bailey matures and learns life lessons, so do the other characters in the story, including Landon Blake, who learns that he has COPD and cannot fight fires anymore.  Cody learns lessons too, as he helps Cheyenne in her recovery, coaches the Lyle High football team, and relates with his mother, a recovering drug addict.

One theme of this book is that there is a cost to pursuing dreams.  Lessons must always be learned along the way.

This book was provided free by Zondervan in exchange for an unbiased review.