Alvin Slaughter, a worship leader and music artist who first came to prominence as a vocalist for The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, brings a message of encouragement to the weary in Reinvent Your Life: How to Turn Your Life Around, Rediscover the Fire of Your Faith and Get Your Power Back (978-1-599-79608-6, $12.99), releasing April 6 from Charisma House, an imprint of Strang Book Group.

Slaughter has noticed a persistent discouragement in the body of Christ and relates lessons from his own struggles with fear, depression, financial failure and marital strife. Chapters include "Discovering Your Life's Passion," "Facing the Music," "Confronting Failure Myths," and "Next-Level Belief."

"When I experienced despair in life's journey, I felt paralyzed emotionally and spiritually to the point that, even though I sort of knew what I needed to do to make things better, I just didn't have the heart. I didn't have the faith, the fire in my soul to do anything about it," Slaughter writes in the book's introduction.

To combat his problems, Slaughter said he had to face his personal issues and embrace the truth of God's Word, which helped him and his wife "reinvent" their lives, a challenge he issues to those struggling with similar issues.

Slaughter points out that believers can receive power from God to help them through their problems, but they must also work hard to reshape their lives.

"Let God help you to reinvent your life," he writes. "You must take biblical steps to get refreshed, get focused, and let your mind be transformed. And keep at it. There is no substitute for perseverance in your walk with God."

To promote Reinvent Your Life, Slaughter is scheduled to appear on television programs such as TBN's Praise the Lord and It's Supernatural!, as well as radio interviews, book signings and speaking engagements. A digital media campaign will also be implemented, including podcasts, an online journal from the author and social media.

For more information, visit www.strangbookgroup.com. To order, call Strang Book Group at 800-283-8494.

A highly anticipated biography, Haggard's Why I Stayed: The Choices I Made in My Darkest Hour chronicles her life after the fallout of her pastor-husband Ted's public moral failure. The story, already spotlighted through the couple's appearances on Oprah and in the documentary The Trials of Ted Haggard , arrives on the printed page with more room for her to elaborate.

Christian fiction pioneer Francine Rivers talks with Christian Retailing Assistant Editor about her newest book, Her Mother's Hope (Tyndale House Publishers), and the lasting legacy of her collection of best-selling books.

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Describe your music in a Tweet (140 characters): "Quirky Pop/Indie/Alternative. Sonic pop ideals, but the songs were written and mostly built around spare organic instrumentation."

When did you decide to start doing music together? "When Tal was 16 and Acacia was 14. It was the year we lived in Russia with our family working in social services with The Salvation Army, specifically the humanitarian ministry the organization had established in the former Soviet republic in 1991."

Who are your musical influences? "Feist, Imogen Heap, Vince Guaraldi, Fiona Apple, Sixpence None the Richer, Natasha Bedingfield."

What was it like to work with producer Monroe Jones (Third Day, Chris Rice)? "We couldn't have found a more amazing person to work with. His personality, talent and direction really blew us away."

Who is your target listener? "We just want as many people as possible to hear the message of God's love in our music. We love all our fans, from the teens and college kids at our shows, and their parents who seem to enjoy our sound just as much."

Can you each pick a song from the album and explain the themes/sound behind it? Tal: " ‘Walkin' Your Dog' was inspired by the fact that when one chooses to walk with God, He doesn't guarantee the American dream. He guarantees more than material happiness, He promises things that can't be gained simply by getting what you think you want. Finding what He has for you personally requires personal time spent with Him."

Acacia: " ‘Merry Go Round' is all about living life in fullness. We so easily fall into our hum-drum commonplace duties instead of realizing that we live and serve a living God. ... I wanted [and] still want to be ‘filled to the measure of all the fullness of God' (Eph.3:19). I believe that if you are in His will and seeking Him as Lord, then your ordinary days can become extraordinary. So the song is that reminder to get off the ‘same old-same old' and find refreshment and life through His presence."

Since its explosion in the late 20th century, the Christian book market has witnessed a wide range of Bible products as demand continued to increase.

As a religious book retailer, you're often faced with a variety of buyers who are searching amid a wide array of diverse products. For instance, when a shopper walks into your bookstore with little or no Catholic knowledge and wants to buy a Catholic Bible as a gift, how do you determine which to offer?

Your role as the "religious book expert" is to identify the gift recipient's needs prior to making your recommendations. There are a number of different types of Catholic Bibles available depending on the gift recipient's age, need or specific event. From medium- to large-print to pocket guide Bibles, the offerings are endless.

Listed below are demographics along with suggested Catholic Bible resources:

Adults: The New American Bible (NAB) is the version most often used at mass. It accurately translates the original text into modern English. Family Bible editions are also widely available.

Adults may also enjoy a Bible study book that focuses on a topic of interest such as how to's, prayer, the saints, the rosary and more.

For adults entering the Catholic faith, a Catholic Answer Bible including the official NAB translation and information about Catholic beliefs and practices, with their foundations in Scripture, might be helpful.

Teens: Young readers will enjoy an NAB Bible that includes prayers, faith basics and extras tailored specifically to them. Areas of interest could also include confirmation and the saints.

Children: There are a wide variety of age-appropriate Catholic children's Bibles, including editions for first communion, Lent, Easter, Advent, Bible stories and the sacraments. Be sure to recommend titles with friendly illustrations and explanations.

Your product knowledge and keen selling abilities lend credibility as a solid and reliable religious book retailer. The more you learn about your products, the better prepared you are in delivering the ideal customer experience in meeting their needs.

Laurie Perolio-Bullinger is direct marketing manager for Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publisher of periodicals, books, curriculum, tapes, software and educational materials. www.osv.com.