Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson (with Mark Schlabach) shares his views on faith, family and ducks in unPHILtered: The Way I See It. He also expounds his opinions on topics such as gun control, taxes and prayer in school, with an emphasis on home and family mingled with his signature off-the-wall comments. Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, releases the book in hardcover ($25.99) Sept. 2.

In Wanting to Believe: Faith, Family, and Finding an Exceptional Life (B&H Books), Ryan Dobson, son of child and family psychologist Dr. James Dobson, discloses the principles his parents sought to impart to him on topics such as marriage, finances and identity. Ryan tells how as an adolescent, he tested the limits of his parents’ boundaries and questioned their faith, ultimately embracing their faith as his own. Wanting to Believe is available Sept. 1 for $14.99 (softcover).

The love of God is the topic of Stormie Omartian’s Choose Love: The Three Simple Choices That Will Alter the Course of Your Life (softcover, $14.99). Omartian explains how Christians can reflect God most clearly and transform their relationships by choosing to show God’s love in all situations. Harvest House Publishers releases Choose Love this month. Omartian is the best-selling author of “The Power of a Praying” series with more than 28 million books sold.

Gary Wilkerson, son of David Wilkerson, founder of Times Square Church and Teen Challenge, has penned with R.S.B. Sawyer the story of his father’s life and ministry in an upcoming Zondervan release, David Wilkerson: The Cross, The Switchblade, and the Man Who Believed. Gary Wilkerson, president of World Challenge and lead pastor of The Springs Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was also his father’s ministry partner before David’s death in 2011. This hardcover ($22.99) is available Sept. 2.

Living Courageously: You Can Face Anything, Just Do It Afraid (hardcover, $24) is the newest book from No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Joyce Meyer. In this FaithWords title releasing Sept. 16, Meyer shows how Christians can use strength from God to overcome fear and achieve joy and fulfillment. She argues it is the inherited right of a child of God to enjoy life and teaches readers how to start living to the fullest.

Gary Chapman, Paul White and Harold Myra partnered to offer hope and guidance to employees in Rising Above a Toxic Workplace: Taking Care of Yourself in an Unhealthy Environment (Northfield Publishing/Moody Publishers, Sept. 1). The book includes true stories from workers who share what they learned and how they coped, as well as a survival guide of strategies and insights. Chapman is the No. 1 New York Times best-selling author of The 5 Love Languages; White is a licensed psychologist; and Myra served as CEO of Christianity Today International for 32 years. Their hardcover book retails for $19.99.

By examining the seven miracles Jesus performed in the book of John, Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author of The Circle Maker, reminds readers that God still does miracles today. In The Grave Robber: How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible Possible (hardcover, $22.99), Batterson urges readers to seek not the miracles, but God, the miracle-worker. Sept. 2 is the release date for this Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group) title.

Lance Ford tells the stories of evangelicals who are transcending negative stereotypes and joyfully living out the good news in Revangelical: Becoming the Good News People We’re Meant to Be (Tyndale Momentum/Tyndale House Publishers). Ford is an author and cofounder of KC Sentral, a missional training agency in Kansas City. Revangelical retails in softcover for $15.99 and releases Sept. 1.

While Staff Sergeant Shilo Harris ran reconnaissance in Iraq in 2007, a roadside bomb exploded his Humvee. Three of Harris’ best friends died in the blast. Harris lost his ears, three fingers and part of his nose, and one-third of his body was burned, leading doctors to give him just a 2% chance of survival.

With Robin Overby Cox, Harris tells of God’s faithfulness in his journey to recovery in Steel Will: My Journey Through Hell to Become the Man I Was Meant To Be (9780801016554, $21.99, Baker Books). Releasing this month from Baker Publishing Group, the book is meant “to demonstrate what it means to live fearlessly, with a clear understanding of the Grace that can redeem mayhem,” Harris writes.

He recounts his troubled childhood as the son of a military father struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and his years as a young adult trying to understand manhood. When he met Kathreyn, who was full of strength and faith, he fell in love and they were married.

During his second deployment, Harris was nearly fatally injured. He endured PTSD and 50 surgeries and skin grafts.

ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, along with Helping a Hero, built a home for his family in 2012.

Along the journey, Harris found his faith deepening by layers. He writes: “I found in faith a Father of infinite love.”

To order, call 800-877-2665.

Founder of Family Talk and Focus on the Family helps parents bequeath ‘heritage of faith’ to their children

The preservation of the family has been the life work of Dr. James Dobson, well-known child and family psychologist and founder of the nonprofit organizations Family Talk and Focus on the Family. Dobson has worked through radio, video and print media, and advised three U.S. presidents in family matters. This month, FaithWords releases his new work, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.

“I have written dozens of books in the past forty years, but this one is the capstone,” Dobson said.

Rather than financial, the legacy he urges families to pass on is “an unshakable heritage of faith.” Dobson describes Your Legacy as “a compendium of my thoughts about winning your children—and others—to Jesus Christ, because nothing comes close to it in significance.”

Dobson begins by briefly tracing his family history from his great-grandfather, George Washington McCluskey, to present day. McCluskey was an evangelist and pastor, who said the Lord made a promise to him late in life—that all his descendants for four generations would be Christians. This promise, Dobson writes, “manifested itself through the next eighty years and continues to this day.”

The backstory reveals a connection between Dobson’s life work and the prophecy of his great-grandfather and spotlights the importance of passing on an inheritance of faith.

Much of the book discusses the spiritual training of children at all ages. For parents, Dobson argues, there is no higher priority in life.

“Fortunately, we are not alone in this assignment,” he writes. “God loves our children even more than we do, and He is faithful to hear and answer our prayers.”

The release precedes the simulcast of a documentary, also titled Your Legacy, in more than 10,000 churches nationwide Oct. 1-5. The film is an updated version of Dobson’s documentary from the late 1970s, which 100 million people viewed.

Dobson also discusses how to reach family members with the gospel and devotes a chapter to the power of words in relationships. He answers some tough questions from parents as well.

To order the book, call 800-759-0190.

John Eldredge and son Sam Eldredge invite young men and their fathers to a life journey in Killing Lions: A Guide Through the Trials Young Men Face (9781400206704, 208 pages, hardcover, $19.99). Releasing Sept. 9 from Thomas Nelson, the book was born out of a series of weekly phone calls between Sam, a young writer in his 20s, and his dad, best known for 2001’s Wild at Heart.

In Killing Lions, the Eldredges talk about topics key to learning how to become a man, including dealing with money, getting married, chasing dreams and finding a life of your own. With a title that refers to a Masai rite of passage into manhood, Killing Lions speaks to a searching generation and takes the pressure off young men who are trying to figure out life all on their own.

Mark Batterson has ventured into YA territory with the start of a new trilogy. The first book, Jack Staples and the Ring of Time, written with Joel N. Clark, sees an 11-year-old Irish boy awaken to a fantastical world. He is unwittingly drawn into a war that’s been raging since time before time. Encountering creatures beyond imagination, Jack must face his fears if he is to fulfill his destiny—to save the world and destroy it—and in the process, he discovers new and extraordinary abilities in his epic battle between good and evil. Published by David C Cook, the 240-page softcover book (9780781411073) retails for $9.99 and is available Sept. 1.

 CATHOLIC

ENCOUNTER JESUS

Fr. Dave Pivonka, T.O.R., and Deacon Ralph Poyo
Servant Books (Franciscan Media)
softcover, 144 pages, $14.99
9781616367893
September

Pivonka and Poyo offer guidance in Encounter Jesus to readers who want to learn to follow Jesus wherever He leads.

 THE FEASTS

Cardinal Donald Wuerl and Mike Aquilina
Image
hardcover, 224 pages, $23
9780804139922
Sept. 16

Authors Wuerl and Aquilina examine the history and traditions behind the holidays, from favorite holidays such as Christmas to forgotten ones such as the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Through the feasts, Christians learn the life of Christ, share it and come to imitate it. This book continues the work the authors begun in their books The Mass and The Church, exploring the basics of Catholic life. Each chapter of The Feasts uncovers the biblical origins and development of one of the great feasts or fasts.

THE WAY OF SERENITY

Father Jonathan Morris
HarperOne (HarperCollins Publishers)
hardcover, 240 pages, $24.99
9780062119131
Sept. 16

FOX News religion analyst, program director of the Catholic Channel on SiriusXM radio and best-selling author Morris reveals how the Serenity Prayer offers a path to peace and fulfillment for everyone, not just those in recovery programs. Exploring the prayer phrase by phrase, Morris shows the hope that can be found by gaining a deeper spiritual understanding of its words and by practicing its message. The Way of Serenity includes narratives, historical anecdotes and biblical passages that demonstrate the power of the Serenity Prayer to help readers grow closer to God and find greater peace and happiness.

CHILDREN

A GIFT FOR BABY’S DEDICATION

Lois Rock; illustrated by Sanja Rescek
Lion Hudson (Kregel Publications)
hardcover, 48 pages, $9.99
9780745964911
Sept. 27

Uncomplicated prayers, traditional and modern, are collected in A Gift for Baby’s Dedication for a grown-up to say with a child. The prayers have been chosen to remind children of the promises made by their congregation and parents to help raise the child in the Christian faith. Accompanied by soft illustrations, this padded-cover gift book is decorated with foil titling.

 CONRAD AND THE COWGIRL NEXT DOOR

Denette Fretz; illustrated by Gene Barretta
Zonderkidz (Zondervan)
hardcover, 40 pages, $12.99
9780310723493

For children ages 4-8, Conrad and the Cowgirl Next Door follows the story of Conrad, a cautious kid who becomes concerned when he has a chance to visit his uncle’s ranch and learn the cowboy way of life. Conrad is concerned that he doesn’t know the rules and that it might be dangerous to be a cowboy, so he brings his Mega Ultimate Extreme First Aid Kit to the ranch. In this humorous tale about what it means to love your neighbor, Conrad encounters Imogene Louise, the know-it-all cowgirl who is happy to point out his shortcomings. Conrad is the second in “The Next Door” series.

GOD GAVE US ANGELS

Lisa Tawn Bergren; illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
WaterBrook Press
softcover, 40 pages, $10.99
9781601426611
Sept. 16

The newest title in Bergren’s best-selling “God Gave Us” series features the character of Little Cub as she considers why God gave us angels. This picture book for children ages 3 and up follows little Cub and Papa Bear as they wander their arctic neighborhood and discuss the questions young ones have about angels—what they do, how they look, why they’re here and how they help care for us.

PROMISES FOR GOD’S PRINCESSES

 Katrina Cassel
Tyndale House Publishers
softcover, 224 pages, $9.99
9781414396606
September

This devotional book is filled with Scriptures about God’s love, protection and promises. The diary-style book’s 100 devotions tie in the Scriptures to help young girls apply them to their lives.

 WILD AND WACKY BIBLE ADVENTURES FOR KIDS

Sandy Silverthorne
Harvest House Publishers
softcover, 144 pages, $8.99
9780736956734
Sept. 1

Comical illustrations and up-to-date retellings of Bible stories in Wild and Wacky Bible Adventures for Kids are designed for kids ages 6-12. Writer-iillustrator Silverthorne pairs biblical accounts with contemporary culture, resulting in a humorous but informative blend of Bible lessons and modern-day applications. Stories are introduced with improbable questions that will stimulate young readers’ thinking.

GIFT BOOKS

BLESSED TO CALL YOU FRIEND

Annie LaPoint
Harvest House Publishers
hardcover, 48 pages, $12.99
9780736962186
Sept. 1

Blessed to Call You Friend invites readers to honor their friends and celebrate the joys they share together. Featuring LaPoint’s illustrations, this book is a collection of timeless quotes and Scripture verses.

 FIRST PRAYERS FOR BABY

Sophie Piper; illustrated by Annabel Spenceley
Lion Hudson (Kregel Publications)
hardcover, 48 pages, $8.99
9780745964072
Sept. 27

First Prayers for Baby is a book of simple prayers and blessings for a newborn child. Including traditional and modern prayers, it is a fitting gift for a baptism or dedication. Illustrated with pastel images of babies and their toys, the book is presented in a padded hardcover with a dedication page and space for a photo.

FRIENDS RULE THE ROOST

Susan Winget
Harvest House Publishers
hardcover, 48 pages, $12.99
9780736962247
Sept. 1

With Winget’s whimsical roosters, chickens and bright Provençal art throughout, this collection of friendship quotes and Scripture verses celebrates the blessing of close friends.

YOUNG ADULT

THE LESSER SUN

L.B.Graham
Living Ink (AMG Publishers)
softcover, 384 pages, $14.99
9780899577739
Sept. 25

The Lesser Sun, the second title in “The Wandering,” opens almost three years after the collapse of Barra-Dohn. Kaden Omiir, once the crown prince of a mighty empire, is now an apprentice to the Amhuru, the nomadic keepers and protectors of the Golden Cord. He and his family and the others who survived the city’s fall with them are now traveling with Tchinchura—who bears the last Southland fragment of the Golden Cord that is still in Amhuru hands—in search of any information that will help them in their struggle against the Jin Dara.

THE LIFE: AN OUTREACH BIBLEZINE

 New Living Translation
Tyndale House Publishers
softcover,
112 pages, $4.99
9781414396361
September

Tyndale House appeals to teens who are curious about spiritual things with The Life: An Outreach Biblezine. Using the New Living Translation (NLT), this unconventional Bible was created in partnership with Youth for Christ. The Life moves teens beyond religion to an introduction to Jesus’ personal story and His Word.

THE MASTER SONG

Andrew Maloney
Whitaker House
9781629111766
softcover,
352 pages, $15.99
Sept. 1

The Master Song, the first of “Blue Time” series, is a high-fantasy fiction tale. The story revolves around five teens in Ireland who find themselves caught in a hidden world. They must learn to grow, trust, fight, sacrifice and love in order to find the first of seven lost jewels that contain the ancient “Verses of the Master Song.” With the Awakened—humanlike animals and plants—they will battle beasts, doppelgangers and an evil power nearly as ancient as creation.

September releases include For King & Country’s highly anticipated sophomore disc

BANNER
Desperation Band
Integrity Music (Provident Distribution)
000768574928
Sept. 30

Banner is the newest release from New Life Church’s Desperation Band, recorded live in July in Colorado Springs, Colorado, before a crowd of 6,000 students and youth workers at the Desperation youth conference. The album’s title refers to God’s name Jehovah-Nissi, which means, “The Lord is my banner,” and aims to encourage younger generations to lift up the name of the Lord.

Known for songs such as “I Am Free,” “Overcome” and “My Savior Lives,” Desperation Band led by Jon Egan introduces new worship tracks and potential church classics such as “Break Open,” “Even Though” and “You Make a Way.”

RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG

For King & Country
Fervent Records (Word Distribution)
080688887421
Sept. 16

Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, also known as For King & Country, follow their top-selling debut release, Crave, with Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong. The album features the new songs “It’s Not Over Yet,” “Without You” and radio single “Fix My Eyes,” which made a strong debut on Christian AC/CHR format stations with more stations supporting the single than any song since 2007.

“This song is a true gift, and the message speaks of where we should place our focus,” the brothers said. “We wrote ‘Fix My Eyes’ in the midst of a very chaotic time in our lives so to feel the incredible embrace from Christian radio and have this song be warmly received is extremely humbling and inspiring.”

SYMPHONY OF WORSHIP
All Souls Orchestra
Integrity Music (Provident)
000768620427
Sept. 16

Billed as a blending of classical and contemporary musicians, All Souls Orchestra releases its live album, Symphony of Worship. Recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the album features popular worship artists such as Paul Baloche, Martin Smith (Delirious) and Graham Kendrick along with a 400-voice choir gathered from across the United Kingdom. Together, they revisit classic worship songs such as “Majesty,” “Shine Jesus Shine,” “Above All” and “Open the Eyes of My Heart.” Also featured are renowned soprano Helen-Jane Howells and violinist Rebecca Eves.

VERITAS
Veritas
Fair Trade Services (Provident)
696859309441
Sept. 9

Contemporary vocal group Veritas—comprising Jeff Anderson, James Berrian, Andrew Goodwin, Jordan Johnson and Lucas Scott—releases its self-titled debut this month. The group uses a pop-opera style to offer listeners fresh takes on popular songs such as “I Can Only Imagine,” “10,000 Reasons,” “Dare You to Move,” “The Lord’s Prayer” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Veritas should appeal to fans of Il Divo, Josh Groban and Susan Boyle.

“The arts give us a chance to reflect the creativity of our Creator and express who He is in a way that all people can appreciate,” the group said.

‘The Middle’ actress Patricia Heaton’s role spotlights challenges of the pastor’s wife

A night featuring a series of unfortunate events played to hilarious results is the basis for the faith-based comedy Mom’s Night Out, starring Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle); Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy); Sean Astin (The Goonies, “Lord of the Rings”); and country singer Trace Adkins.

Directed by the Erwin brothers (October Baby), the film from Affirm Films and Provident Films released to theaters in time for Mother’s Day and will be available for home viewing Sept. 2. The DVD is being promoted with a series of retailer exclusives, such as Blu-ray/DVD combo packs exclusive to Christian retail with bonus content such as blooper reels and special featurettes.

Heaton and her husband, David Hunt, served as executive producers of the film and offered script suggestions based on her research on the life of a pastor’s wife.

“When I did my research, one of the words that came up often to describe themselves is ‘lonely’,” she said. “It makes perfect sense because although they’re surrounded by people, they have to be careful about who they can confide in as a friend. So, we started finding places in the script to illustrate where we can spotlight pastor’s wife’s challenges.”

Heaton said the chance to “humanize” church goers was one of the concepts that drew her to the part of Sondra, the pastor’s wife.

“I think it was the first comedy in the faith-friendly area of movies,” she said. “I am a big believer in comedy. People talk about music breaking barriers and uniting people. I think comedy does the same thing. I was very excited that there was a comedy about people going to church. It makes them more human.”

The actress, who admitted that of all the moms she’s played in her roles, she’s the most like her current television persona, Frankie Heck from ABC’s The Middle, believes the ability for the church to show its softer side is a really good thing.

“I think G.K. Chesterton said, ‘Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly,’ ” Heaton said. “We should be able to laugh at our own unfortunate attempts at living a pious life. I think the world needs to see Christians having fun and laughing at themselves.”

To order the Mom’s Night Out DVD, visit thep.com.