In light of the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Charisma House recently announced the release of the e-book version of The Harbinger, a 9/11-themed title.

Written by Jonathan Cahn, president of Hope of the World ministries and senior pastor and Messianic rabbi of the Jerusalem Center/Beth Israel in Wayne, N.J., The Harbinger paints a fictional narrative of the downfall of present-day America that mirrors the demise of ancient Israel foretold in an Old Testament passage.

Christian stores need to get in the e-books business, but they are going to have to do it on their own.

That is the verdict of CBA after a yearlong inquiry into how brick-and-mortar retailers should respond to the growth of digital publishing.

The trade association has confirmed that a proposed industry-wide platform—which, Christian Retailing previously reported, Executive Director Curtis Riskey said in July seemed to be unlikely—has been shelved.

A task force looking into the possibility was unable to find a “viable, broad-based cooperative solution,” CBA has announced in a white paper detailing its efforts. High start-up costs, limited foreseeable return on investment and perceived high risk in a cooperative program were among the obstacles cited in the report, “Christian Retail Channel e-Book Status: An exploration into the rise of e-books.”

“However, retailers should pursue individual solutions through available technologies,” the white paper concluded.

While some “hysteria” had overstated the impact of e-books, digital sales were significantly impacting the book business and stores needed to embrace them, the report said. However, the task force found some retailers concerned that trying to find a way to offer digital sales might be futile. “A number of large, successful bookstores do not have an Internet presence or online multichannel strategies.”

As part of its deliberations, the task force looked at more than a dozen e-book sales options. Members of the group included independent retailers and marketing group representatives.

The white paper was written by Riskey along with Eric Grimm, CBA manager of strategic partnerships, and Michael Regennitter, CBA director of membership. Click here to download the white paper.  

An independent Christian store has been named best bookstore in Indianapolis.

Kira’s Cottage Christian Store in Franklin, Ind., was voted first in the annual A List poll by local television station WRTV. The business, owned by Kira Brant, beat out 30 other nominees, including Barnes & Noble and second-placed metaphysical bookstore, The Spiritual Garden.

“I am really excited that we won, because it shows our entire community that a small, independent store that loves the Lord is important,” said Brant. “Through all of our ups and downs, the Lord continues to take care of our store and show us why we are here ... to serve Him.”

The store was one of 16 shopping categories in the city-wide awards that drew a total of more than 145,000 votes. Among the comments from those voting for Kira’s Cottage were appreciation for “a hidden gem” and its “wonderful homey atmosphere.”

Opened eight years ago, Brant’s store has been in several Indianapolis-area locations before moving to the downtown area of Franklin last year. While other Christian bookstores have reduced their book inventory in recent years and diversified into other categories, Kira’s Cottage—opened originally to sell Brant’s own art and designs—has broadened beyond gifts.

“A lot of bookstores are looking at me thinking I’m crazy, but I just really feel in our community there’s a real need for the books,” she said. “Our books and Bibles have been selling much better than some of our gifts.”

The store hosts a book club and art classes. “We always try to have lots going on, to give people more reason to come in.”

A Nashville court has heard an appeal against a ruling that could have widespread implications for church-run bookstores.

An attorney for the city’s Christ Church congregation spoke Friday at a Davidson County Chancery Court hearing into the denial of property tax exemption on the church’s bookstore and fitness center, The Tennessean reported.

Alliance Defense Fund lawyer Erik Stanley said that the church’s constitutional rights were being violated by the ruling, which left the church facing a property tax bill of $425,000, the newspaper said. State law exempts college bookstores, hospital gift shops and “family wellness centers” from paying property taxes, Stanley told the court.

Assistant Metropolitan Attorney Jeff Campbell said that a bookstore charging retail prices and a fitness center with annual fees did not qualify for the exemptions. “No one is casting doubt on the sincerity of their beliefs, but not every instance of religious outreach is entitled to the exemption,” he said.

A written ruling on the case will be made at a later date, The Tennessean said.