Barbour Publishing author Wanda E. Brunstetter--who recently hit the 5 million copies-sold mark--visited the offices of Christian Retailing with her husband, Richard, Jan. 12. Wanda has been meeting her fans at book signings at stores across Florida, including LifeWay and Family Christian Stores in the Orlando area. Look for the first installment of her "Kentucky Brothers" series, The Journey, in April.

Anna Smith--wife of Martin Smith, lead singer for the now-defunct U.K. Christian band Delirious--offers Meet Mrs. Smith, an account of her life with Smith and the band.

Through most of the book, Smith shares about her budding romance and the early days of her marriage. She also writes about her daily life and the ups and downs of her numerous pregnancies.

As the Smiths’ family grows, so does their vision to begin a new life reaching out to impoverished communities around the world. While at times Smith struggled with feeling alone during her husband’s international travels or in understandstanding the things that burdened his heart, she stayed strong, trusting the Lord to open her eyes to the same things—and God was faithful.

Mothers will relate to the stories in Smith’s debut book, as she leads them along her journey from newlywed to mother of six, and sees her family work together to make a difference.

—Heidi Ippolito

Meet Mrs Smith

Anna Smith and Carolyn Johnson

David C. Cook

softcover, 224 pages, $14.99

978-1-434-70203-6

February 2011

Ruby Case, a disabled mother of two boys—and a prayer warrior for her community—just wanted to stay out of the limelight, and she is successful at doing so, that is until she unexpectedly raises a young boy from the dead. The people of the quiet coastal town of Stonetree wonder if it truly was a miracle.

His heart hardened by tragedy, the Rev. Ian Clark isn’t sure he believes in miracles anymore, but he is determined to find out. With the help of a few friends, Case and Clark uncover more secrets than they bargained for. Case’s town is ruled by demonic powers, and it’s up to a faithful few to stand together to expose and defeat the forces that have held their town captive for years.

Duran’s debut novel is full of characters having premonitions, seeing apparitions and engaging in occult practices. It is terrifying, but it’s also engaging and an eye-opener for the church, aiming to demonstrate that spiritual warfare is still a reality today. The Resurrection will appeal to readers of supernatural suspense and fans of authors such as Ted Dekker and Eric Wilson.

—Sarah Stegall

The Resurrection  

Mike Duran  

Realms (Strang Book Group)

978-1-616-38204-9

February 2011

Daniel Harrell, senior minister of Colonial Church, Edina, Minn., wanted to do more than preach about Leviticus—he wanted to live it. He records his online Levites-for-a-month experiment in How to Be Perfect: One Church’s Audacious Experiment in Living the Old Testament Book of Leviticus.

Harrell and a likeminded group of 18 church members share insights into their desire to be holy and their need for much grace. Although the pastor admits he doesn’t always understand Levitical law concerning food, clothing and skin disease, he explains such regulations are given because God wants to be involved in every area of life.

The book, which will appeal to younger readers, vacillates between a serious attempt at holiness and an excuse for lightheartedness. However, Harrell addresses with insight some social issues such as homosexuality and poverty. He also successfully relates Jesus’ teaching to Old Testament law, and underscores getting to the heart of God’s commands rather than mere appearances.

Readers of similar titles such as A.J. Jacobs’ The Year of Living Biblically may be interested to see how Harrell’s congregation approached the subject, and how the church used social media to start this movement.

—Eilene Ishler

How to Be Perfect

Daniel M. Harrell

FaithWords

hardcover, 224 pages, $19.95

978-0-446-55717-7

January 2011

Michael Phillips pens an adventurous tale of amateur harpist Angel Marie Buchan and her encounter with the townspeople of a Scottish village full of dark secrets.

A widow, 40-year-old Marie fulfills her dream to visit the land of the Celts. Traveling from her home in Canada, she finds herself drawn to the fishing village of Port Scarnose and extends her stay when her harp captures the interest of Gwendolyn, a savant with a degenerative disease, and the curate, Iain Barclay. Marie becomes entangled in the folklore around Gwendolyn's birth, and learns that both the curate and the duke were in love with Gwendolyn's mother, who died in childbirth.

Countless books have been written about the evidence for the resurrection. However, few skillfully and fairly defend both sides of the case as British barrister (attorney) Foster does in The Jesus Inquest: The Case for and against the Resurrection of the Christ.

A tutor at the University of Oxford, Charles Foster employs characters X and Y, who represent the author’s own internal debate. While X presents the non-Christian view, Y defends the Christian view. Leaving no source untouched, Foster not only combs through the Gospels and Acts, but also delves into Gnostic texts, ancient Roman and Jewish historical documents and even the Koran.

The soon-to-come January issue of Christian Retailing features an unlikely trio of titles in Book News. The three titles that rose to the top of the month’s offerings all included the prefix un-.

Brian Zahnd’s Unconditional? (Charisma House/Strang Book Group) is the subject of our lead story, examining what it means to follow Jesus’ radical call to a life of forgiveness.

In Unplanned (Tyndale House Publishers), former Planned Parenthood Director Abby Johnson tells how participating in an abortion led her to adopt a fully pro-life stance.

And in Unshaken (Zondervan), Dan Woolley of Compassion International tells the story of how he survived being trapped for 65 hours in the ruins of Hotel Montana following Haiti’s devastating January earthquake.

In suspense writer Gutteridge’s Possession, former police detective Vance Graegan leaves his work and the city behind for a fresh start with his family. His past, though, won’t let him go. In his new home, the movers won’t deliver their things unless paid an exorbitant hidden fee. A seemingly simple scam turns complicated when Vance discovers two dead bodies.

The more he learns, the more threats he receives, until finally his wife and young son are kidnapped. Accused of the murders and suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder, Vance must save his family before his jealous and bitter former partner takes everything.

Faith is an important theme in the book; Vance’s little boy has a strong relationship with God. In their most desperate moment, the family reaches out in prayer, and the hand of God saves them.

With a quick pace and unexpected turns, Possession keeps the reader’s attention to the end, though the climax seems to drag a bit. Detail Gutteridge withholds until later in the story keeps the pages turning. Though intense, none of the action is gory or gratuitous—the story is appropriate for younger thrill-seekers.

—Allison Hyer

Possession

Rene Gutteridge 

Tyndale House Publishers

softcover, 400 pages, $12.99

978-1-414-32434-0

January 2011

Set against the historical background of an incident in the author's family, book one in Dale Cramer’s “The Daughters of Caleb Bender” series shows the simplicity, spirit and dedication of his Amish forbears.

A prequel to Levi’s Will, a 2006 Christy Award winner, Paradise Valley begins in Ohio, where the Amish are imprisoned for refusing to allow their children to attend public school, even though it is now the law in 1922. Caleb Bender defends the right to school his children according to his religious convictions, uttering the words, “Your honor, I am not a citizen of this world.”

Allison Chamberlain is a 40-something horse-and-carriage tour leader in America's oldest city, St. Augustine, Fla. Waiting on God to reveal His calling on her life, she is surprised when He tells her to "buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle." It takes a few times of hearing this before she finally gives in and obeys God.

Following God's calling leads her to the "bad" side of town where drugs and prostitutes are prevalent. Allison decides to help one "lady of the evening" escape this lifestyle. Included in the deal is a 12-year-old boy who craves stability and love, but has never known either. Allison takes the two into her home, which she inherited from her childhood nanny.

More women hear about this haven and danger follows when the men who control them fight back. But with the help of her "angels on Harleys," Allison finds success in rescuing women and setting them on a new path in life.

The first in best-selling author Nancy Rue's new trilogy--"The Reluctant Prophet" series--is a hopeful book that reminds believers that they don't always know what is around the corner when God is directing, but it may even change the life of an entire community.
--Tanya Ohle

The Reluctant Prophet
Nancy Rue
David C. Cook
softcover, 496 pages, $14.99
978-1-434-76496-6
October 2010

Using the biblical examples of King Saul, Elijah and David, she shows how God wants to help His children overcome the fear of man, trusting Him alone. Broderson argues that choosing faith rather than fear leads to a truly changed life.

Broderson encourages readers to follow the biblical words of "taking every thought captive" and to reflect on things that are true, pure and holy. Every chapter provides insight into how fear grows, as well as its expressions, including phobias, legalism and lack of perspective.

When a Woman Lets Go of Her Fears is an excellent Bible study resource, with questions at the end of each chapter. Women fighting fear and seeking faith will benefit from Broderson's insights.

--Jennifer Toth

When a Woman Lets Go of Her Fears
Cheryl Broderson
Harvest House Publishers
softcover, 208 pages, $13.99
978-0-736-92792-5
September 2010

Streater opens with the candid story of her family's race to capture the American dream, their financial crisis and redemption. Speaking with integrity and with the wisdom of experience, she advises readers, shattering money myths and replacing them with sound biblical teaching in personal finance.

Your Money God's Way is a practical guide on how to reflect Christ to others through debt reduction, budgeting, tithing, giving and a financially responsible lifestyle. Heartfelt stories, scripture and practical application encourage personal growth.
--Andrealynn Boyd

Your Money God's Way
Amie Streater
Thomas Nelson
softcover, 224 pages, $14.99
978-1-595-55232-7
September 2010

In The Black Madonna, Davis Bunn takes readers on a wild adventure with antiquarian Storm Syrrell and treasure hunter Harry Bennett, introduced in previous novel Gold of Kings.

Storm, working on behalf of an anonymous client and strapped for cash, searches for the historic and allegedly powerful icon the Black Madonna. Bennett's separate search for art counterfeiters turns out to be linked to Storm's, as the pair-with help from friends-face bombings, kidnappings, gunfights and mountain treks, from Europe's palaces to the desert hideouts of powerful Arab tribes. Along the way they each find love and discover that it, ultimately, is behind the whole drama.

Christian themes are evident, though not overt, in this entertaining tale. Bunn, who divides his time between Oxford, England, and Florida, creates an adventure that offers a rollicking good time and insight into the antiquarian underworld of treasure and mystery.

The Black Madonna
Davis Bunn
Howard Books
softcover, pages, $14.99
978-1-416-55633-6
September 2010

In Spiritual Rhythm: Being With Jesus Every Season of Your Soul, best-selling author and pastor Mark Buchanan speaks to readers like an old friend, showing what to expect in each season of life, and comparing the seasons of the soul to winter, spring, summer and fall. However, unlike the seasons of the year, the length of time in each spiritual season is uncertain, only to be determined by God.

Part one of the book travels through the four seasons, from the mourning of winter to reminiscences of the perfect summer of youth. Buchanan ponders the spiritual activities of each season--starting a new Bible study in spring or harvesting souls in the fall, for example--with exercises to encourage personal contemplation and practical application. Part two dwells on the movements made in each season, with hands-on guides and reflection on topics including relationships, prayer, God's Word and adoration.

Filled with examples from young and old, men and women, families, couples and individuals, Spiritual Rhythm is a map to the inner workings of the human spirit. The depth of Buchanan's writing, along with activities for each season and extensive Scripture references, make this book suitable for personal or group study.

--Andrealynn Boyd

Spiritual Rhythm
Mark Buchanan
Zondervan
hardcover, 336 pages, $17.99
978-0-310-29365-1
August 2010

Allison Pittman is certain to spark interest in the Mormon church with the first in "The Sister Wife Series."

In June 1850, Camilla Deardon hears the Mormons singing from their camp near her father's farm, yet ignores her parents' warnings to stay away after meeting handsome Nathan Fox. Camilla leaves and begins life with Nathan near Zion, the Mormons' Salt Lake City, Utah. She, Nathan and their two daughters are devastated at the death of a newborn son, but Camilla's grief returns her to her childhood faith. Her struggles with Mormon doctrine are magnified when Nathan, following what he believes to be the way to heaven, takes a second wife. As she studies the Bible, Camilla discovers that salvation comes through Jesus, yet she is torn by her love for Nathan and her girls. Can she stand against the might of the Mormon church?

Pittman, a fine writer, adroitly guides readers through Mormon doctrine to the truth of Jesus.
--Ann E. Byle

Click here to see the book trailer.

For Time & Eternity
Allison Pittman
Tyndale House Publishers
softcover, 384 pages, $13.99
978-1-414-33596-4
September