Howard Books is set to roll out almost 2 million copies of a new Christmas-themed gift book from the author of the biggest-selling Christian book in recent history.

Rick Warren, author of the best-seller The Purpose-Driven Life (Zondervan), is partnering with the company to release The Purpose of Christmas for $17.99 on Nov 4. Based on a 2006 Christmas message Warren preached at his church, the gift book will contain “the clearest representation of the gospel I’ve ever written,” the California mega-pastor said.

A division of Simon & Schuster, Howard—which will roll out the 144-page hardcover book with an initial print run of 1.8 million—plans a major consumer and trade advertising campaign that will “address all consumers,” including in-store promotions, catalog placement and media appearances. The publisher will also simultaneously release audio and Spanish versions.

Retailers anticipating maximum exposure for the title are already making plans to fit it into their store strategies. Parable is featuring the title in a special Christmas flier, and general market retailers are planning front-end promotions.

“We expect The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren will be one of the biggest religious books we will have this fall,” said Jane Love, religion buyer for Barnes & Noble, citing an increased customer interest since the 2002 release of The Purpose-Driven Life.

Read the full report in the Sept. 22 issue of Christian Retailing.