New Releases

Miracles
Tim Stafford
Bethany House, July 2012
Are you sometimes confused by which miracles to believe? Award-winning Christianity Today journalist Stafford takes a careful look at unexplained events in our modern world---some hard to accept and others hard to deny---and places them in historical and biblical context. He then explores questions about what role they might play in your life. 240 pages, softcover from Bethany.

Live Life Right Here Right Now!
Carole Lewis
Regal Books, July 2012
 Many people spend a majority of their time living either in the past or in the future. Those who live in the past are often filled with regret, replaying again and again decisions that might have led to a better today. Those who live in the future often forget that it’s the decisions they make today that will shape tomorrow. In this inspirational title, Carole Lewis challenges readers to treasure today and make it the very best day of their lives! Live Life Right Here, Right Now shows readers how to become the person they’ve always wanted to be by living into the joys and trials that today brings along. Carole’s message is simple: We cannot change the past, but making today count will have a profound effect on our future.

The Girl's Still Got It
Liz Curtis Higgs
WaterBrook Press, July 2012
Walk with Ruth as she journeys to Bethlehem, certain of her calling, yet uncertain of her future with her mother-in-law. Bringing this rags-to-riches story alive with her novel approach to Bible study, Higgs helps you see how God works to redeem each loss and disappointment in Ruth and Naomi's lives - and yours! Includes discussion quesitons and a study guide.

Marvelously Made
Monica Rose Brennan
Regal Books, July 2012
Most women feel torn, to greater and lesser degrees, between what the voice of culture tells them to be and what it means to be a woman created and defined by God. Marvelously Made invites women to discover the truth about who they are and experience the deep contentment that comes with living into and out of the Creator’s design. Readers will dig into Genesis 1–3 and Psalm 139 to find out God’s intention for women and shift their perspective from Who am I? to Who is God?, the key to unmasking the identity the Creator has in store for every unique, one-of-a-kind woman.

Rare Earth (Marc Royce Series #2)
Davis Bunn
Bethany House, July 2012
Marc Royce stares down from the helicopter on the Rift Valley slashing across Africa like a scar. Tribal feuds, drought, and dislocation have left their devastation. And he sees a new wound--a once-dormant volcano oozing molten lava across the dry landscape-and clouds of ash obscure his vision. His undercover assignment is similarly obscured. Supposedly dispatched to audit a relief organization's accounts, Marc finds himself amid the squalor and chaos of Kenyan refugee camps caught in a stranglehold of corruption and ruthlessness. But his true task relates to the area's reserves of once-obscure metals now indispensible to high-tech industry. The value of this rare earth inflames tensions on the world's stage as well as among warring tribes. When an Israeli medical administrator, Kitra, seeks Marc's help with her humanitarian efforts, they forge an unexpected link between impoverished African villages and another Silicon Valley rising in the Israeli desert. Precious metals and inventive minds promise new opportunities for prosperity, secure futures, and protection of valuable commodities from terrorists. As Marc prepares to report back to Washington, he seizes a chance to restore justice to this troubled land. This time, he may have gone too far.

Survival Guide for Young Women
Holly Wagner & Nicole Reyes
Regal Books, June 2012

Navigating the decade of the 20s and beyond can be tricky. Most women are making life-shaping decisions during these crucial years—but how can they know the choices they make now won’t mess up the rest of their lives? How can they use this time to lay a foundation that is strong enough to support their long-term dreams? Survival Guide for Young Women is the essential guide for Christian women who long for a lifetime of spiritual meaning and personal fulfillment. Holly Wagner and her 20-something friend Nicole Reyes help readers discover who they are and why they are here. Packed with relatable illustrations and practical tips, this handbook for life will challenge young women to make the most of every minute of their 20s . . . and beyond.

 

Make it Count: 180 Devotions for the School Year

Sue Christian

Abington Press, July 2012

From September to June, your students' calendars are filled with homework, exams, football games, play rehearsals, concerts, and more. Remind them to slow down and focus on their daily faith walk with this school-year devotional. Filled with brief inspirational thoughts, quotations, and prayers, it will encourage young hearts in the things that matter most! 208 pages, softcover from Abingdon.

 

Legend of the Book Keeper (Lost City Chronicles, Book One)

Daniel Blackaby

Russell Media, June 2012

The Most Ordinary of Boys... The Most Extraordinary of Books...
When the two collide, a destiny is set into motion which cannot be undone. Without warning, a secretive cult emerges ready to kill, and a horrifying Beast appears in the dead of night - craving to devour the Keeper of the Book. Suddenly, Cody Clemenson is forced to flee with his best friend Jade.  Their journey will lead them to mystical locations and thrust them into uncharted lands, where an ancient feud between two long-lost cities is teetering on the brink of war. Will Cody rise to the occasion and become the hero he's always dreamt of being? Or will he succumb to the power of the evil empire? The fate of the world now hinges on him - and the cryptic words written in a simple, leather Book...  

A Power Long Maintained - Now Faded,
A Secret Long Kept - Soon Unveiled,
A City Long Lost - Ready to Be Found. 

New Releases

Monumental: In Search of America's National Treasure DVD
Kirk Cameron
Word Entertainment, June 2012
How did the U.S. become the freest, most prosperous country in the world? Kirk Cameron challenges you to discover America's true "national treasures"---the people, places, and principles that have empowered this nation. Beginning in England and moving forward, you'll learn about the founders' motivations, designs, and goals and how to apply the same truths today. (PG.) Approx. 90 minutes. 

Instant Family Devotions
Mike Nappa and Jill Wuellner
Baker Books, June 2012
Parents---discover a "bored-no-more" guide to having faith conversations with your kids! Each of these 52 zero-prep devotions features an icebreaker, Bible exploration, discussion prompt, and real-life application. Whether used around the dinner table, during family activities, or just before bedtime, this practical, imaginative resource will challenge and encourage your family toward lasting spiritual growth---together. 192 pages, softcover from Baker.

Devotions for the Beach
Miriam Drennan
Thomas Nelson, May 2012
There's nothing quite like the warmth and relaxation of the beach-away from the stresses of the world and into a place of peace and refreshment. Devotions for the Beach is the gentle breeze that takes you there, to see the majesty of God and to open your heart and soul to the One who created it all. These ninety devotions explore the parallels of life with the elements of the shore to help you see God, to find hope, to draw strength, and to rest in the comfort of His arms throughout your day. Included are striking photographs with a fresh, contemporary design for timeless appeal.

Tidewater Inn
Colleen Coble,
Thomas Nelson, June 2012
Historic preservationist Libby Holladay ironically knows nothing about her own history. That is, until her friend uncovers information on a remote island in the Outer Banks---and then disappears! With the help of Coast Guard captain Kirk, can Libby find Nicole and unearth clues about her extended family before it's too late?

Starring Me
Krista McGee
Thomas Nelson, June 2012
Kara McKormick is auditioning for a new teen TV show! She loves the screen test process---but has no idea it's a "character" test as well. Will the spunky New Yorker meet the standards of co-star Chad Beacon's parents? And when tragedy strikes, will Kara choose her family over her career? Includes reading group guide. 320 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Risk (The Quest for Truth vol. 2)
Brock Eastman
Focus on the Family, May 2012
Flying to coordinates unknown, the Wikk kids land the Phoenix on planet Evad and descend into an ancient jungle. Revealed is a highly intelligent civilization, once inhabitants, but now vanished, leaving behind astonishing technology! High stakes lead the Wikk kids on a dizzying ride from the pinnacle of a ziggurat into an endless underwater labyrinth. Dive into adventure, as the twins face a deadly showdown with the evil Ubel! Can they win the struggle to survive the savage snares, with the help of the elusive, Brother Sam?
The Quest for Truth series follows the four Wikk kids in their desperate race to find the mysterious planet Ursprung and stop the Ubel renegades from misusing its long-lost secrets. Ancient cities, treacherous villains, high-tech gadgets, the Phoenix -- encounter all these and more on this futuristic, interplanetary adventure.

NLT2 My Beautiful Princess Bible
Tyndale, June 2012
Show your 4- to 9-year-olds what it means to be royalty in God's kingdom!"Letters from God" and prayers by Sheri Rose Shepherd * Easy-to-understand New Living Translation * 6.5-point type * Fun pink-and-purple interior with highlighted Scripture verses * 24 full-page illustrations * "Promises for Little Princesses" * Presentation page * Size: 4.5" x 7.25" * 992 pages, padded hardcover from Tyndale

Book Review

Through My Eyes
By Tim Tebow
with Nathan Whitaker
HarperCollins Publishers 2011

Reviewed by Diane Busch

What an inspiring story!  And it's true!  Tim Tebow is an amazing young man, who in this book tells his life story so far.  He begins with the miracle of his birth, after doctors had told his mother to have an abortion to save her life.  He is the youngest of 5 children and his parents were missionaries to the Philippines.  They moved back to Florida when Tim was three years old and his father worked as a pastor and ministry leader, while his mother home-schooled all the children.
You will be inspired by the way God worked in Tim's life to prepare him for the future.  You don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this rendering of his life journey so far: as a son, a brother, a neighbor, a friend, a football player, and a Christ-follower.

New Releases

Implosion
Joel Rosenberg
Tyndale, June 2012
In the midst of financial turmoil, political uncertainty, declining morality, and the constant threat of natural disasters, can history's greatest democracy stage a miraculous comeback? Through the lens of biblical prophecy, best-selling author and international political expert Rosenberg helps you understand the economic, social, and spiritual challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. 400 pages, hardcover from Tyndale.

The Gospel of Yes
Mike Glenn
WaterBrook Press, June 2012
Are you comfortable living within the confines of "no"? Do you define yourself as a Christian by what you don't do? Listen to God---who says yea, not nay! Focusing on divine affirmation, Glenn shows how God will answer prayers of the downtrodden when we say "yes" to his call to embrace identity, simplicity, authentic relationships, and more. 240 pages, softcover from Waterbrook.

Winning Balance
Shawn Johnson
Tyndale Momentum, May 2012
wenty-year-old American gymnast Shawn Johnson is a four-time Olympic gold and silver medalist; a national- and world-champion athlete. Already a popular role model to all ages, in 2009 she captured the national spotlight again when she won the widely popular Dancing with the Stars. Yet Shawn is no stranger to hard work and adversity. Her loss of the major gymnastics prize everyone expected her to win in Beijing, the all-around Olympic gold medal, was the loss of a dream she’d worked for since childhood. And later, she suffered a potentially career-ending injury in a skiing accident that forced her life to a halt and made her rethink what was really important. She wasn’t sure who she was anymore. She wasn’t sure what her goals were. And she wasn’t sure she was satisfied with where she was with her faith and God. Could she find the right kind of success in life—the kind that doesn’t involve medals or trophies, but peace, love, and lasting joy? This is the amazing true journey of how the young woman who won an Olympic gold medal on the balance beam became even more balanced.

Mortal (The Book of Mortals v. 2)
Ted Dekker
Faith Words, May 2012
Years after the apocalypse, Earth is inhabited by dead souls living in a manufactured utopia. But Rom Sebastian has gathered a secret faction of followers who have all taken the blood to become the first living beings in centuries. When the Order creates an elite army to kill them, will they survive?

Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame (The Enchanted Attic)
L. L. Samson
Zondervan, May 2012
When Ophelia Easterday dozes off while reading her latest favorite book, she wakes to find herself Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame! Can Ophelia, her twin brother Linus, and their friends win a race against time to get Quasimodo back home---and keep him alive in the modern world while trying? 144 pages, softcover from Zonderkidz.

Crazy Noise! CD
Hillsong Kids Jr.
Hillsong, May 2012
Your little ones can't sit still? Channel all that youthful exuberance into singing, dancing, and praising God! Sure to get your kids on their feet, this high-energy recording created just for preschoolers features "Great Day," "Let Your Light Shine," "Tiny Little Voice," "Children of the Bible," "Song of Love," "Free As a Bee," "Life with Jesus," and other joyful tunes.

New Releases

Go and Do
Jay Milbrandt
Tyndale, April 2012
With an MBA and a law degree from Pepperdine University, Jay Milbrandt had the world at his feet. But rather than following his peers into big firms with high profile clients and even higher salaries, Jay has chosen a completely different road—a journey that has led him across large portions of the globe to “go and do likewise,” as Jesus modeled and instructed in His life on this earth. In his efforts to bring justice and healing to people all around the world, Jay’s pursuit of justice has become an adventure far greater than he could have ever dreamed or imagined. As Christians, we are called to take a step of faith for Christ, to change ourselves, and perhaps by doing that, to change those we encounter along the way. Go and Do is an invitation for all of us to join in the adventure of God’s story arc. It is an opportunity to understand why so many are finding such satisfaction and joy in reaching out to others. It is a chance to climb on board and discover exactly what role each of us can play in actively engaging this world as we, too, “go and do.”

Unstuck
Arnie Cole and Michael Ross
Bethany House Publishers, April 2012
Feel like your Christian walk isn't progressing the way it should? Drawing on extensive research concerning spiritual growth, Back to the Bible leaders Cole and Ross offer a solid plan for getting Unstuck using the power of Bible engagement. Discover a practical and proven way to encounter Scripture, connect with God, and revitalize your faith! 256 pages, softcover from Bethany.

Darkroom
Joshua Graham
Howard Publishing, April 2012
After scattering her mother's ashes in Vietnam, photojournalist Xandra Carrick moves home to New York to rebuild her life and career. When she experiences supernatural visions that reveal atrocities perpetrated by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, she finds herself entangled in a forty-year-old conspiracy that could bring the nation into political turmoil. Launching headlong into a quest to learn the truth from her father, a Pulitzer Prize winner who served as an embedded photographer during the war, Xandra confronts him about a dark secret he has kept-one that has devastated their family. Pursued across the continent, Xandra comes face-to-face with powerful forces that will stop at nothing to prevent her from revealing the truth. But not before government agencies arrest her for murder, domestic terrorism, and an assassination attempt on the newly elected president of the United States.

Murder in Miami, Cuban Trilogy #2
Noel Hynd
Zondervan, May 2012
Join U.S. Treasury agent Alexandra LaDuca as she follows the trail of a deadly global money-laundering scheme. In Murder in Miami, Alex travels to South Florida to speak to a Cuban defector---and walks into a lethal trap set by the Dosi cartel. Can she emerge from the Miami underworld with her life---and her faith---intact?

When a Child You Love is Grieving
Harold Smith
Beacon Hill Press, April 2012
Compassionate care can make a tremendous impact in a child's life; this is ever truer when the child is grieving. Distinguished grief specialist Harold Ivan Smith explains how adults can best help children who are mourning the death of a loved one. They need support and time to grieve. With an ABC-like approach, Smith offers insights and activities for the parent, teacher, or friend who wants to give their support. This new and revised edition will help you help a hurting child grieve through healthy and necessary outlets.