If, like us, you get completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of incredible Christian books there are out there, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve asked our editors here at Christianbook to round up some of the books they think will excite our readers this year!

Included in this list you’ll find much-anticipated books by well-known Christian authors alongside some upcoming authors and debut releases you might want to keep on your radar.

It was certainly difficult to limit ourselves to just ten books, so if you want to peruse some of the releases coming to our shelves in 2022, click here.

Now, let’s dive into the books we think you’ll be turning the page on in the new year…

Hope for the Hurting by Tony Evans

Releases January 11, 2022

Life can be difficult.

We all face our own challenges and difficulties in our lives – health issues, financial disasters, a broken relationship, loss of a loved one to name a few. During these difficult times it can be hard to find hope.

Dr. Tony Evans, bestselling author and pastor, understands this well. In a span of less than two years, he lost many close relatives, and both his daughters received cancer diagnoses. In the wake of this pain, Dr. Evans had to lean deep into his faith and practice his beliefs at the deepest levels.

He was reminded that while God’s Word doesn’t promise us a life free from pain and trouble, it promises us something else… someone else. Someone who will walk with us through all of life’s trials and troubles.

There is hope for the hurting: His name is Jesus.

M is for Mama by Abbie Halberstadt

Releases February 1, 2022

Are you a mama in the trenches? Looking for encouragement? This is the book for you!

Mama of ten, Abbie Halberstadt aims to help women live up to the awesome responsibility of motherhood without settling for mediocrity… or losing their minds in the process.

This colorfully illustrated guide is full of scripturally sound strategies seasoned with humor to help you embrace the challenges of motherhood, deepen your commitment to parenting, and raise your children in God’s grace and to his glory.

Get ready to realize just how worthy you are of the awesome responsibility God has given you!

I’ll Be There (But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants) by Amy Weatherly and Jess Johnston

Releases January 25, 2022

Have you ever wondered why it is such a struggle to make and maintain friendships as an adult? You can be sure you aren’t alone!

While we are more connected than ever through social media, stats actually show the number of Americans who claim to have no close friends has drastically increased over the last few decades.

Amy and Jess, creators of the popular online community, Sister, I Am With You, share an easy-to-follow road map to the place we all want to be – standing beside other women who see us, know us, and love us for who we truly are.

In I’ll Be There (But I’ll Be Wearing Sweatpants), they share real-life vulnerability alongside “I’ve been there too,” wisdom to show you just how much you deserve a community of loving, supportive, there-for-you friends.

If making lasting friendships is a priority for you – this is your go-to guide!

Undistracted by Bob Goff

Releases March 1, 2022

The always-inspiring Bob Goff is back with Undistracted, a book that aims to help us get back on track so we can live our lives with real purpose and joy!

Life is full of distractions, little ones and sometimes, not-so-little ones. Often we find these distractions can cause us to drift off course and to lose sight of what is important to us. But in this book, Goff wants to reassure readers that they can harness today’s distractions, and, by following Jesus’ example, and find focus.

Through inspiring and entertaining stories, Goff show us what it looks like to live a beautiful and purposeful life rather than drifting aimlessly from one season to the next.

The perfect read for those who want to ensure their eyes are fixed on Jesus in all circumstances!

Say Yes by Scott Erickson

Releases January 25, 2022

Have you recently experienced a setback? Or perhaps you are feeling a little disappointed with how life is turning out? Scott Erickson is here to tell you… don’t lose hope!

In Say Yes, Erickson wants to remind us that our darkest moments are sometimes doorways to a deeper, more joy-filled journey. A journey that will help us recover who we are, why we’re here, and why the future is full of possibilities… if we just say yes!

Through his story, Erickson wants to help you learn how to reawaken your deepest desires, disempower for your greatest fears, and identify the destructive narratives holding you back.

Get ready to say yes to what lies ahead today!

Find Your People by Jennie Allen

Releases February 22, 2022

Back on the topic of creating your community, we have the latest release from the wonderful Jennie Allen, Find Your People.

In this book, Allen explores the epidemic of loneliness – a very real issue that has taken hold as many of us hide behind emotional walls because we’re either too busy or because relationships feel risky. But we are meant to live known and loved.

Throughout the book, you’ll read fascinating insights from science and history, timeless biblical truth, and vulnerable stories from Allen’s own life to help you dive into the deep end and experience the full wonder of community.

Loneliness doesn’t have to be reality… get ready to play, engage, adventure, and explore – with others!

Mission Possible by Tim Tebow

Releases March 8, 2022

Are you living with a “mission impossible” mindset? Tebow wants to help you replace that outlook with total confidence!

Tim Tebow believes that the secret to a truly meaningful life is not more comfort or ease, but recognizing the clear, unique mission that God has set before you. Having a focused sense of your personal, God-given significance will bring you a lasting sense of purpose.

That’s why Mission Possible aims to help ignite a spark in your life! Wherever you are, whatever your work, you can find God’s purpose for your life. Accomplish the mission that you have already been called to and equipped for.

It’s never too early and it’s never too late to start living a mission possible life!

I Guess I Haven’t Learned that Yet by Shauna Niequist

Releases April 12, 2022

What happens when everything we’ve been clinging to falls apart? Shauna Niequist invites us to follow along her journey to understand grief, reshape faith, and practice courage when all she wants to do is hide.

Just after her fortieth birthday, Niequist found herself in a season of chaos, change and loss unlike anything she’d ever experienced. She discovered that many of the beliefs and practices that had been useful up to that point no longer worked.

I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet is a journey of both unlearning what is no longer helpful, embracing curiosity, and accepting the unknowns of midlife, heartbreak, and chronic pain. Niequist writes with characteristic candor and grace about the challenges and delights of a move from the Midwest to Manhattan, and also the challenges and delights of releasing our expectations for how we thought our lives would look.

This is a book about learning how to live in a new city, learning how to get back up, and learning how to trust God’s goodness in a deeper way. It’s certainly one we don’t think you’ll want to miss.

Waymaker by Ann Voskamp 

Releases March 1, 2022

Find yourself facing repeated roadblocks in a disorienting world? Bestselling author, Ann Voskamp is here to remind us that God is always at work creating the life of our dreams, often through ways we never would have dreamed for ourselves.

In WayMaker, Voskamp reveals how God is present in the totality of our lives, making a way through whatever heartache, grief, suffering, or obstacles we face. Through Him, our road will lead us to arrive exactly where we always hoped it would, though maybe not in the way we imagined.

We can encounter the WayMaker in surprising ways and begin to see Him not only making poetry out of pain but working in every miraculous detail of our lives.

Even now, the Way is making the way to walk through waves and into a life more deeply fulfilling than our wildest dreams!

Rest & War by Ben Stuart

Releases January 25, 2022

Is your focus frequently scattered or misdirected? Does this leave you full of self-reproach? Ben Stuart wants you to ditch that destructive thinking!

Rest & War is a field guide for the spiritual life offering biblical and practical guidance that will help re-establish Christ as King of your heart and achieve God’s purpose for your life. You’ll learn methods that will help you to overcome sin’s strategies; overpower personal shortcomings; optimize time, energy, and resources; and more.

Most importantly, you’ll be reminded that God has called you into the good fight of life – step into it boldly, strategically. Flee evil and pursue intimacy with your Creator. Uproot what is broken and cultivate what is life-giving. Make war on what is destructive, and rest in the God who loves you.

Are you ready to walk elegantly through the battlefield of life?

Are you a fiction lover? Keep an eye out for an upcoming post about the most anticipated Christian fiction books coming in 2022!

The post Christian Books You’ll Be Reading in 2022 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

What could be better on a cool, fall day than cozying up with a blanket, a mug of something warm and a really good read? There’s absolutely nothing we love more!

But, with so many new releases out there, it can be hard to figure out what to read next. Here at Christianbook, lots of new books hit our desks every week, so we wanted to round up some of our top picks in new fall fiction. Whether you love a suspense, a romance, or a historical novel, you’re sure to find something to read on this list…

Don’t forget that mug of hot chocolate!

The Stone Wall by Beverly Lewis

What would fall be without another brilliant Amish fiction release from Beverly Lewis?! Featuring love and loss, new starts and heartbreaks, The Stone Wall will not disappoint long-time fans or Amish-fiction lovers. It will certainly touch those of you who have experienced a loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s.  In The Stone Wall, readers are introduced to Anna, a women who is eager to begin a new chapter in her life as a Lancaster County tour guide in the area where her Plain grandmother once stayed. Anna wishes she could talk with her grandmother about those days, but the elderly woman suffers from Alzheimer’s.

Eager to see Anna settle in, Martin Nolt, a handsome Mennonite takes her under his wing. As she finds her feet, Anna is moved to volunteer at a retreat for children with special needs where she strikes up a friendship with Gabe Allgyer, the Amish widower who manages it. Anna begins to grow close to the two men and ultimately finds herself faced with a difficult choice. Will Anna find true love? Will she find out about her grandmother’s past in Lancaster County? You’ll have to pick up The Stone Wall to find out!

Two Reasons to Run by Colleen Coble

Is a gripping, suspenseful read more your style? Love turning the pages on an adrenaline pumping read into the early hours of the morning? Colleen Coble’s Two Reasons to Run is the perfect book for you this fall! In this second book of The Pelican Harbor Series, we once again follow Police Chief Jane Hardy who is still reeling from the scandal that rocker her small town after she took over from her retired father. She is finally reunited with her presumed-dead fifteen-year-old-son and his father, Reid Bechtol… but the drama isn’t over just yet.

A murder on board an oil platform exposes and environmental terrorist’s plot to flood the bay with crude oil, forcing Jane and Reid to put their feelings for each other aside and work together. When the life of Jane’s son, Will is put on the line, their working together becomes all the more important. Can they overcome the ghosts of their past to save the bay… and their son? Phew! Reader, this book has it all – lots of suspense, drama and of course some romance. We think you’ll have this book read in record time!

Haunting at Bonaventure Circus by Jaime Jo Wright

Oh, we do love a good read that spans the decades! Jaime Jo Wright, the author of bestselling book The House on Foster Hill, returns with her new page-turning read, Haunting at Bonaventure Circus. Partly set in 1928 and partly set in the present day, this book will keep you guessing right until the very end as you’re transported to a small town with a dark history. Readers will meet Pippa Ripley, a woman trying to search for her roots at the Bonaventure Circus in the roaring twenties. Along the way she uncovers a serial killer is afoot on the circus train and finds herself directly in his path.

Back in contemporary times, we meet Chandler Faulk, a real estate project manager who is tasked with deciding whether the old circus train depot should be torn down or preserved for historical purposes. However, Chandler gets much more than she bargains for when she uncovers the abandoned train depots dark past!

Under the Tulip Tree by Michelle Shocklee

Set during the Great Depression, Under the Tulip Tree is the perfect fall read for any of you out there who love a good historical read. Sixteen-year-old Lorena Leland has always dreamed of living her life as a writer – but when the stock market crashed in 1929, her dreams feel so far away. Her father at his lowest turns to the bottle, her sister is married to a gambler, and Lorena is an unemployed newspaper reporter.

Eager to be working, Lorena accepts a position interviewing former slaves. It’s on this job her life is changed by hearing the story of Frankie Washington, a 101-year-old women whose honest yet tragic past captivates Lorena. She is shocked by all the woman has endured in her lifetime – especially since her own ancestors owned slaves. But will this bond of respect, admiration, and friendship be broken by a revelation no woman sees coming? Under the Tulip Tree will have you feeling all the emotions and will certainly stay with you for long after you’ve turned that last page.

A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White

We’re really feeling our historical fiction reads this fall! Adding to our list of reads that will transport you to another era is A Portrait of Loyalty by Roseanna M. White. In this book, we meet Zivon Marin, a man who was one of Russia’s top cryptographers until the October Revolution tore apart his world and forced him to flee to England. Here, his world collides with Lily Blackwell, a woman who sees the world best through the lens of a camera. A friendship blooms that soon takes over their hearts… but both have secrets they are unwilling to share. When Zivon’s loyalties are called into question, proving him honest is about more than one couple’s future dreams – it becomes a matter of ending the war. There’s suspense, intrigue and romance – the perfect combination for a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Words from the Heart by Kathleen Fuller

Here’s another book for you Amish fiction lovers out there! Words from the Heart is the third book in the Amish Letters series by bestselling Kathleen Fuller. Ivy Yoder knows it’s time to let go of the idea she will one day marry John King – she hasn’t heard from him in over a year. Left feeling humiliated as one of the oldest single women in her Amish community, Ivy finds a welcome distraction when Cevilla asks her to help clean out an attic.

Cevilla also requests her nephew, Noah, to help clean out the attic. As Noah and Ivy work side by side, they come across a stack of letters written during the Korean War. They find themselves swept up in the story of two young people falling in love – will they find love themselves amongst the letters in the attic? This book is a true love story that will have you rooting for Ivy and Noah!

Nine by Rachelle Dekker

Mystery, a dark history and cross-country chases… sound like something you would enjoy reading? Well, you’re in luck with the new release from Rachelle Dekker, Nine. In this book, we meet Zoe Johnson, a woman who has spent most of her life avoiding drawing attention to herself. When a bedraggled teenager with no memory enters the diner where Zoe works, her whole life will be turned upside down. The girl can only remember one thing – she must reach a women in Corpus Christi, Texas – a place hundreds of miles away from they are. Add to that government agents who are hot on their heels trying to catch up with Zoe and the teenager before they reach their destination.

The action in this book is non-stop from start to finish and will have you asking yourself – are we who the world says we are? Or can we change our story and be something more?

Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin

Last, but certainly not least on our must-read fiction list is Through the Autumn Air by Kelly Irvin. Readers will be introduced the the charming mother of ten and widow of seven years, Mary Katherine. A women who is always a bundle of energy, Mary is always willing to step up and lend a hand in her Amish community.

When a mysterious English stranger breaks into her house to make himself a sandwich one night, Mary Katherine realizes he needs more than just a sandwich… he needs a job. Lucky she knows just the person to help – Ezekiel, a local restaurant owner. Working together to care for the stranger, Mary Katherine finds herself drawn to Ezekiel – but the pain of loss in the past is all too real. Can two people in the autumns of their lives put the past behind them and find a future together?

Looking for more great reads? Click here to check out all new fiction releases!

The post New Fall Christian Fiction 2020 appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

What could be better than picking up a new fiction book on a hot summer day?! We love nothing more than finding a cool, shady spot, filling a glass full of iced tea and just escaping into another time or place with our favorite Christian authors!

If you find yourself looking for a new book to read this summer – you’re in luck! We’ve had so many new books arrive here at Christianbook, and we can’t wait to share some of our favorites with you.

In this list, you’ll find books from beloved Christian authors such as Karen Kingsbury, Lauraine Snelling, Tracie Peterson and more.  Whether you are looking for a suspense, a romance, or historical novel, you’ll surely find your next great read here!

Someone Like You

by Karen Kinsgbury

One frozen embryo. Two families with life-long secrets. And a guy who never planned to fall in love again. Karen Kingsbury returns to her beloved Baxter Family series with new release Someone Like You.

Maddie Baxter West’s life is turned upside down when she finds out she was adopted as an embryo. Confronted by a total stranger about this truth and subsequently told she has a sister she never knew about, Maddie is left feeling betrayed. Dawson Gage (the aforementioned stranger) comes into Maddie’s life after the only girl her ever loved – London Quinn – is killed. London’s mother reveals to Dawson that she may have a sister, telling him of the frozen embryo they donated years before. When Dawson and Maddie’s world’s collide, sparks fly. She moves to Portland, where the Quinn’s live, and is given a glimpse into the life she may have had. But will she find her way back?

Even if you are not familiar with the Baxter Family, we’re sure you’ll still enjoy this book. If you love it, there are 29 other books in the Baxter Family series you can get reading once you’re done with this… that’s got to be a book lovers dream!

5-Star Customer Review:

I always say each book I read by Karen Kingsbury is her best, but they just keep getting better.

So many emotions in this book make for incredible reading. I couldn’t put it down until it was finished. Now I can’t wait to see what the next installment will bring.

Feelings of betrayal, death, grief, a social issue you don’t give much thought to, until you actually know someone who has participated in in vitro fertilization/frozen embryos, forgiveness and finding one’s self are huge topics in this book, which I highly recommend. – sgreene01, July 2020

Dead Silence

by Robin Caroll

Always on the lookout for the next great read that will have you on the edge of your seat? Robin Caroll’s latest release is the book for you!

Dead Silence introduces readers to court sign-language interpreter, Elise. As a widow with a young deaf son, lip reading is second nature to Elise… so when she sees someone on the phone threaten a senator’s life she is shocked. But things get even more personal when it turns out that senator is also her mother-in-law. Before she can decide what to do, she receives information that her son is rushed to the ER and she must leave. When she later finds out her mother-in-law has been shot and killed Elise is floored. If Elise comes forward with the information she has about the killer, will she put herself and her child in the assassin’s crosshairs?

This fast-paced novel is full of plot twists and turns that will have you eagerly turning the pages. There’s tragedy, mystery, grief, fear… phew! This book has it all. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride when you crack the spine on this book!

5-Star Customer Review:

I really enjoyed reading this book. I love mysteries and this was a good one. The characters came to life and made you care for them and what they were going through. I thought I knew what was going to happen next but the author was not so predictable and that made the book even better. I would definitely recommend this book and any others written by Robin Caroll. – rhondaryser, June 2020

An Appalachian Summer

by Ann H. Gabhart

Fancy being whisked off to the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains this summer? Well, even if you can’t be there physically, Ann H. Gabhart has you covered in the literary sense with her latest release!

An Appalachian Summer whisks us off to the late-1920s, just after the market crash sent the country’s economy into the downward spiral that led to the Great Depression. Our protagonist, Piper Danson, is wary of flaunting her family’s wealth while so many suffer – even though her family insist on hosting her debut party. Deep down, Piper wants a meaningful life. Which is why she jumps at the chance to volunteer with the Frontier Nursing Service when the opportunity arises. Her volunteer position whisks her away to the Appalachian Mountains where she falls in love with more than just the scenery.

If romance and adventure are your kind of genres, you’re certainly going to enjoy this book. Gabhart expertly weaves a beautiful story of a woman yearning for love, but caught between two worlds. Full of rich detail of vivid surroundings, readers can’t help but be pulled into this story.

5-Star Customer Review:

A Blessing to Cherish

by Lauraine Snelling

Historical fiction lovers, rejoice! We have picked another great historical read to transport you back in time.

A Blessing to Cherish introduces readers to widow, Ingeborg Bjorklund – a woman who, after going through years of hardship, has reached a place of contentment. She is blessed with a wonderful son (also widowed), two grandchildren, and the entire Blessing, North Dakota community she is proud to call her friends. However, there is one friendship in her life that seems to be changing. This change will force her to decide if her settled, predictable life is worth more to her than a future she hardly dares to imagine.

Author Lauraine Snelling is well-known for crafting wonderfully rich storylines, and this book does not disappoint! A Blessing to Cherish is full of wonderful romance and characters you’ll surely fall in love with – it’s a not-to-be-missed read.

The Summer House

by Lauren K. Denton

Now back to the modern era with a contemporary read from bestselling author, Lauren K. Denton! The Summer House is a delightful gem of a book that weaves the authors Southern charm around a women’s journey to find herself.

When Lily Bishop wakes up one morning to find a goodbye note and divorce papers from her husband, her world is shook. As a newcomer to the town, Lily is in need of a job to sustain her – which is when she sees an advertisement for a hair stylist position in the Safe Harbor retirement community. The owner of the retirement community, Rose Carrigan, is a woman who is used to keeping people at arm’s length. But when Lily shows up looking for a job, she begins to warm to her. An unlikely friendship between the two women forms as Lily’s salon becomes the place for colorful residents to share gossip and stories.

Might there even be a new relationship on the horizon for Lily with Rose’s nephew? We urge you to pick up this book and find out more as your drawn into the wonderful community of Safe Harbor and its residents!

5-Star Customer Review:

Delightful story surrounding the lives of Lily and Rose generations apart but united by the life experiences and the drive to make something good out of it. The camaraderie between them was amazing and beautiful. First of Lauren Denton I am reading. Beautiful story and even amazing setting. – Ebos Aifuobhokhan, July 2020

The Way of Love

by Tracie Peterson

Let’s step back in time again! This time with a read from renowned author of books such as Refining Fire and Under the Midnight Sun, Tracie Peterson.

The Way of Love is the second book in the author’s Willamette Brides series and introduces us to Faith Kenner – a woman pursuing her dream to become a doctor. Her dream is to use her gift to help those in need – most especially the native populations forced onto reservations and neglected. When she meets Andrew Gratton – a handsome riverboat captain whose wounds she tends to –  a friendship grows between them. But Faith holds a secret that means their friendship can never become anything more. So, she attempts to bury her feelings as best she can.

All the while, Faith finds herself caught in the middle of a plot to push the local Indian tribes to rebel. As she and Andrew fight for the rights of others against Oregon’s racist laws, their love for each other grows. Will Faith’s secret continue to stand in the way of their love? Well, there’s only one way to find out! This is a book that just does not disappoint – we think it’s the perfect blend of history and romance.

5-Star Customer Review:

The theme of respecting God’s sovereignty, and maintaining one’s faith, while in the direst of circumstances is well developed in this story. There were many times when Faith, who was particularly well named, must live by faith and not by sight, when there is actually no hope to be found. While all fans of historical fiction will enjoy The Way of Love, it will speak to the hearts of those who are desperate for this type of faith. – Pegg Thomas, July 2020

What Momma Left Behind

by Cindy K. Sproles

Did you think we were done with the Appalachian Mountains? Not yet, dear reader! Cindy K. Sproles’ latest release takes us back to this wonderful part of North America – but this time, back in the 1800s.

What Momma Left Behind is a novel all about sacrifice, heartache, and bravery. The community of Sourwood, Tennessee, has been ravaged by death and disease, leaving many children orphaned. When Worie Dressar’s mother dies suddenly, Worie finds herself inundated with orphaned children who keep showing up at her door. Barely surviving herself, Worie must figure out how her mother was caring for these children. Of no help to Worie are her good-for-nothing brothers who only add to her woes. Fighting to save her home, and the orphaned children now in her begrudging care, Worie will learn the power of unconditional love and forgiveness.

Through Cindy’s words and storytelling, you’ll find yourself immersed in this poverty-stricken community in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s a truly delightful read – Worie is such a powerful and lively character, it’s hard not to be drawn into her story!

5-Star Customer Review:

I loved everything about this book! It starts off with tragedy and with traditional mountain life style, she doesn’t even have time to grieve. She gives of her self and cares for those around her. She surpasses her family background and gives her brothers chance after chance to get it right. I finished this book in a couple of days. There were so many twists and turns in the story line, that it was hard to put down. – Ains007, June 2020

The Heart of a Hero

by Susan May Warren

Love a little action in your fiction books? Susan May Warren is the author for you! The second book in the Global Search and Rescue Series has just released – and boy, is it good!

The Heart of a Hero goes deeper into the life of Jake Silver – one of the characters from the first book in this series. Jake is a man who is battling traumatizing memories that resulted from his career as a former sniper and Navy SEAL. As part of the Jones, Inc. rescue, Jake is able to utilize his skills to rescue and save the lost and injured. There’s one particular rescue he can’t quite get out of his mind – the rescue of pediatric heart surgeon, Dr Aria Sinclair. Aria herself, finds Jake exciting and handsome – but he’s also dangerous – and she refuses to take the risk of loving again. When a deadly hurricane threatens to put Aria in the path of danger once again, Jake can’t help but jump on a plane to rescue her. With their very survival in the balance, can they hope for a second chance at life . . . and love?

The characters in this book are so wonderfully written – they each face emotional and spiritual issues that must be overcome so that they can move forward. You can’t help but fall in love with them both! We are pretty certain you’ll be left eagerly awaiting the release of the next novel in this series once you’re done with this book!

5-Star Customer Review:

I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, sat on the edge of my seat and I loved this book! The characters are fantastic and the story sucks you in and takes you on a roller coaster ride. I loved the way faith and romance were gently woven into this super suspenseful story. Ten stars! – Katie Poole, June 2020

Acceptable Risk

by Lynette Eason

A hostage situation. A risky rescue. Family tragedy. Just a little romance. The latest release from Lynette Eason has it all!

In Acceptable Risk, military journalist Sarah Denning agrees to teach at a school in the Middle East. When the school is attacked, she is taken hostage. Her father,  a high-ranking military general,  plans a risky rescue mission with the help of former Army Ranger Gavin Black. But, even once the mission is successfully complete, Sarah’s life doesn’t quite get back to normal.

As soon as she returns, she is discharged from the Army as a result of a false psychiatric evaluation. She is determined to return to the Army, but her plans are delayed when she learns of her brother’s suicide. Unable to believe that he would do such a thing, Sarah enlists Gavin’s help to discover the truth. But what she uncovers may be the biggest story of Sarah’s career—if she can survive long enough to write it.

This one is a real nail-biting read – we’re certain you’ll be turning the pages on this book long into the night!

5-Star Customer Review:

Eason is one of my favorite authors. I have loved every book I’ve ever read by her. This one was no different. The characters are flawed but relatable. There’s a mystery to solve; some twists and turns along the way; and a ton of action, danger, and suspense. – Reenie, July 2020

The Harbinger II: The Return

by Jonathan Cahn

Are the unprecedented crises of our times, the signs and warnings of coming judgment?  Does an ancient mystery hold the secret to the events of our times, and the future of America and the world?  Is this mystery even behind the shakings that have now overtaken the world and America? How much time do we have left?

These are the questions Jonathan Cahn aims to explore in his latest release, The Harbinger II: The Return. This sequel to the bestselling book The Harbinger is being hailed as “a prophetic masterpiece” even more powerful and stunning than the first book!

The Harbinger II will open up the mysteries of the Gate, the Watchmen, the Mystery Ship, the Word in the Ruins, the Book of Days, the Image, the Judgment Tree, the Children of the Ruins, the Convergence, the Handwriting on the Wall, and much more.  It will ultimately reveal the mystery of what is yet to come, including the Shakings, the Plague, the Western Terrace, the Island, the Day of the Watchman, and more.

After reading The Harbinger II, you will never see the world the same way again!

To discover more great Christian fiction, click here!

The post 2020 Summer Christian Fiction appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

The best books of the year have now been chosen by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) for the Christian Book Award ®Program!

Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award program honors titles in eleven categories: Bibles, Bible Reference Works, Bible Study, Biography & Memoir, Children, Christian Living, Devotion & Gift, Faith & Culture, Ministry Resources, New Author, and Young Peoples Literature.

Here are the 2020 winners in each award category…

Book of the Year & New Author

Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament

by Mark Vroegop

Lament is how you live between the poles of a hard life and trusting God’s goodness. Lament is how we bring our sorrow to God. But it is a neglected dimension of the Christian life for many Christians today. We need to recover the practice of honest spiritual struggle that gives us permission to vocalize our pain and wrestle with our sorrow. Lament avoids trite answers and quick solutions, progressively moving us toward deeper worship and trust. Exploring how the Bible – through the psalms of lament and the book of Lamentations – gives voice to our pain, this book invites us to grieve, struggle, and tap into the rich reservoir of grace and mercy God offers in the darkest moments of our lives.

Bibles

CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible

Today’s church can be renewed by listening to yesterday’s saints. The CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible features study notes and commentary from the writings of the church fathers of the second through fifth centuries to help you understand and apply their rich, biblical insights to your life. Also included in this Bible are “Twisted Truth” call-outs describing where some ancient thinkers drifted from orthodoxy, over 25 feature articles highlighting a key selection from one of the early church fathers on an essential Christian truth, and biographies of 25 of the most influential patristic church fathers.

NLT Life Application Study Bible

Today’s number one selling Study Bible has been thoroughly updated and expanded in The Life Application Study Bible offering fresh and relevant insights. New features include – a refreshed interior design with second color for visual clarity; meaningfully updated study notes and features; and the Christian Worker’s Resource – a special supplement to enhance the reader’s ministry effectiveness. Study the stories and teachings of the Bible with study notes, overviews, vital statistics, outlines, and timelines. Grasp difficult concepts using in-text maps, charts, and diagrams. Discover how you can apply the Bible to your life today.

Bible Reference Works

Introducing Evangelical Theology

by Daniel J. Treier

This textbook offers students a biblically rich, creedally structured, ecumenically, evangelical, and ethically engaged introduction to Christian theology. Daniel Treier, coeditor of the popular Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, discusses key Scripture passages, explains Christian theology within the structure of Nicene Creed, explores the range of evangelical approaches to contested doctrines, acquaints evangelicals with other views (including Orthodox and Catholic), and integrates theological ethics with chapters on the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. The result is a meaty but manageable introduction to the convictions and arguments shaping contemporary evangelical theology.

Bible Study

The Logic of God: 52 Essentials for the Heart and Mind

by Ravi Zacharias

We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, The Logic of God, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, “I am convinced that Jesus Christ along uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds.”

With a remarkable grasp of biblical facts and a deep understanding of the questions that trouble our hearts, Ravi tackles the most difficult topics with ease and understanding. But The Logic of God is more than intellectual; it is also personal, offering thoughtful wisdom on the ray of hope in God’s Word; why prayer matters and more. Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is buys, this book is perfect for you. It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace.

Biography & Memoir

Devotedly: The Personal Letters and Love Story of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot

by Valerie Shepard

many know the heroic story of Jim Elliot’s violent death in 1956, killed along with four other missionaries by a primitive Ecuadorian tribe they were seeking to reach. Many also know the prolific legacy of Elisabeth Elliot, whose inspiring influence on generations of believers through print, broadcast, and personal testimony continues to resonate, even after her own death in 2015.

What many don’t know is the remarkable story of how these two stalwart personalities – single-mindedly devoted to pursuing God’s will for their young lives, certain their future callings would require them to sacrifice forever the blessings of marriage-found their heart intertwined. Their paths to God’s purpose led them together. In this book, their only child, Valerie Elliot Shepard unseals never-before-published letters and private journals that capture in first-person intimacy the attraction, struggle, drama, and devotion that became a most unlikely love story. A riveting read for old and young alike this moving account of their personal lives shines as a gold mine of lived-out truth, hard-fought purity, and an insider’s view on two beloved Christian figures.

Children

Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones

by Phil Vischer

The Laugh and Learn Bible for Little Ones is written by VeggieTales. creator Phil Vischer. This simple board book Bible is the perfect companion to the Laugh and Learn Bible for Kids or a delightful stand-alone tool that will introduce toddlers and preschoolers to beloved, gospel-focused Bible stories.

Christian Living

Untangling Emotions: God’s Gift of Emotions

by J. Alasdair Groves and Winston T. Smith

Our emotions are complex. Some of us seem able to ignore our feelings, while others feel controlled by them. But most of us would admit that we don’t always know what to do with how we feel.

The Bible teaches us that our emotions are an indispensible part of what makes us human–and play a crucial role in our relationships with God and others. Exploring how God designed emotions for our good, this book shows us how to properly engage with our emotions–even the more difficult ones like fear, anger, shame, guilt, and sorrow–so we can better understand what they reveal about our hearts and handle them wisely in everyday moments.

Devotion & Gift

Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus

by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

View all 2020 Christian Book Award® Finalists here!

The post 2020 Christian Book Award® Winners appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

This article is an excerpt from Calling: Awaken to the Purpose of Your Work, Pierce Brantley’s new book (David C Cook, May 2020).

“Son, you need a sense of urgency.” When I was a boy, my dad would say this to me whenever he wanted me to treat some task around the house with the same importance as he did. Some tasks are time sensitive. Some tasks are really important because they affect other people. Still others are meant to mature us into more skillful workers. The same is true for your calling.

Your Father God first provides you with a job, and then he waits to see how you treat that work before allowing you to partner with him on bigger things. This isn’t punishment or cause for concern; it’s just the natural order of supernatural work. Hammers before jackhammers. Plumb lines before power tools. Agreement with God before awakening in calling. So often we think of our current jobs as if they have nothing to do with our calling, so we don’t approach them with the reverence they deserve. We’ll never discover our holy work with this attitude.

Jobs are provided supernaturally by God’s hand. When we revere God in that work, honor it as holy, and treat it with intention, it demonstrates to him that we’re ready for what we are really meant to do. That ought to bring an importance—an urgency—to whatever job you have.

This is spiritual urgency. It is agreeing with God that the task right in front of you requires an earnest and persistent attitude. This attitude in and of itself will give new meaning to your work—though it’s really just the start of all that’s in store for you. After all, all kinds of things can awake in others a deep desire for God.

God is looking for you to understand that every moment of your workday—even the mundane parts—is ripe for action. This is the same attitude that great men of the faith had by the time they were in the middle of their own called careers.

A HOPEFUL EXPECTATION

Jesus is coming again. We don’t know the day or the hour, of course, but the Bible is clear that the awareness of his imminent return ought to be in our minds, giving urgency to everything we do.

For the Christian man, the reality of Christ’s coming is the undercurrent beneath every calling and job. We all desire God’s will to be done on earth just as it is in heaven (see Matt. 6:10). Since we don’t know when Jesus might return or even what might happen and in what order, the desire to spread his message ought to become the driving force for what a Christian man does during any day, at work or at home or wherever he is. (We still have to do our actual jobs too!)

The opportunity we have as Christian men is to look out over the world and see it as Jesus does: as a field ready for harvest (see John 4:35). God sees humanity—including that portion you interact with at your job—as being full of potential. He has strategically set you in this time and place, not to mention this place of employment, for just such a time as this.

One thing the sobering reality of Jesus’ return may do is clarify for us what is important. It ought to give us a clear sense of what is useless, hamster-wheel work and what is work that will endure. How much time do we have to tell our family, friends, and coworkers about Christ before it’s too late?

This awareness of our finite opportunity to share the good news ought to give our jobs—whatever they are—a new urgency. Talk about finding meaning in your work!

This urgency will lead us to manifest him throughout our workday.

When the Christian man goes to work, he is colaboring with Christ in the expectation of his return. You cannot overlook it. God is “not willing that any should perish” (2 Pet. 3:9 KJV). This truth makes any job an urgent, critical, meaningful, purposeful, mission-related job.

It gives you your calling.

An expectation that Jesus’ return could happen at any moment is a great lens for looking at all your labor and discerning what needs to be done more, what needs to be done less, and what needs to be undone. Paul said it like this:

No one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Cor. 3:11–15)

In other words, your work matters. No matter what job you have, Paul said you are a builder. If you’re a cook, you’re building with gold or wood. If you’re an accountant, you’re building with silver or straw. Let’s build with the best materials—what do you say? That means having your mind set on demonstrating Christ to those you encounter wherever you spend time.

We don’t know what day or hour the Lord will return. Neither do we know how many days we have on earth if Jesus tarries. In our jobs—and all the parts of our lives—we need to live in light of the possibility that we may not have a tomorrow to talk to our coworkers, bosses, or employees about eternal life.

This article is an excerpt from Calling: Awaken to the Purpose of Your Work, Brantley’s new book (David C Cook, May 2020).

The post The Heart of a Father: An Eternal Perspective by Pierce Brantley appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Who else is a huge fan of suspenseful fiction? Well, it honestly doesn’t get more gripping than Lisa Harris‘ latest release The Traitor’s Pawn. There’s the trading of government secrets, kidnapping and of course, a little bit of romance!

Author Lisa Harris sat down to answer a few questions about the inspiration behind The Traitor’s Pawn as well as what she is working on next. Read on for more!

Want to order your copy of The Traitor’s Pawn? Click here! 

Q: What inspired the idea for your new book, The Traitor’s Pawn?

A: It actually started with a simply hunting scene gone very wrong that I couldn’t get out of my mind, where a woman survives and is a witness of an assassination of a senator. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to make the story more personal to the heroine, so things quickly evolved from there to a story where she is the one in the crosshairs and is being used as a pawn in a much bigger game.

Q: Two of the main characters in The Traitor’s Pawn, Jack and Aubrey, have history together. Without giving away spoilers, can you tell us a little more about their relationship?

A: Because my books usually take place over a very short time span, I love it when my hero and heroine have a complicated history. Something that kept them apart in the past but then, in the end, brings them together. Jack and Aubrey do have a long history, and this unexpected encounter between the two of them in the beginning of the story ends up reminding them both that the feelings they once had toward each other never completely went away.

Q: Did anything surprise you as you were writing the novel?

A: One of the fun things about writing is when I’m headed a certain direction and then a twist in my “author plan” takes me off guard. I always have an end goal for my stories, but there are definitely times where getting there surprises me. In this story, I was surprised when a couple of the good guys turned out to be not so innocent.

Q: Did you face any challenges in creating this story? What was the hardest scene to write?

A: Action scenes are always a challenge for me. For example, in the beginning of the story when Bree is trying to escape her kidnapper, I had to write a fight scene between two experienced fighters, I typically watch YouTube videos for ideas, then I will always block out the scene before writing it down.

Q: Do you see parts of yourself in any of your characters?

A: While I never plan to put any of myself into my characters, I know that I write from who I am. Because of this, the way I look at life, as well as my experiences, does have an impact on my characters. On the other hand, most of my characters – like Jack and Aubrey – who are in law enforcement, are very different from me. They run on adrenaline and don’t hesitate to risk their lives for justice. I would simply run the other way. One of the reasons I write stories like this is because I admire those who daily put their lives on the line to protect our country, and I’m grateful to them.

Q: What do you hope readers will gain from Traitor’s Pawn?

A: Besides a page-turning story that keeps them up all night (sorry!), I hope it reminds them that God redeems even the worst of situations. And that while he knows that life is often filled with injustice and suffering, God is about the long game. He’s more interested in who you become, even if the actual process is difficult. Not that God doesn’t care about the little things, but he’s more interested in our persevering and reaching the finish line.

Q: What new projects are you working on?

A: I’m currently working on a brand new series about a pair of US Marshals that will come out in the fall of 2020, and I am super excited about!

Order your copy of The Traitor’s Pawn by Lisa Harris by clicking here! 

The post Q&A with Lisa Harris Author of The Traitor’s Pawn appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Are you a fan of historical fiction? Well, we have your next page-turning read! Bestselling author Laura Frantz is back with a new release, An Uncommon Woman. The book takes us back to the eighteenth-century, where we meet our protagonist, Tessa Swam. Born and bred on the frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with. When Tessa is taken captive, her hope lies in a commander charged with keeping peace with local tribes.

It’s a romance story full of action that will have you gripped from the very start. To learn more about her latest book, Laura Frantz answered a few questions about the inspiration and research behind An Uncommon Woman. 

To order a copy of Laura Frantz’ ‘An Uncommon Woman’ click here!

Q: Tell us what sparked the idea for your new book, An Uncommon Woman

A: I’ve long been fascinated by Indian captivity narratives and thought it would be interesting to create characters who have been shaped by that life-altering circumstances.

Q: This book is written after the French and Indian War. How did you become interested in this time period? 

A: This time period is a roiling one, rife with conflict and larger-than-life figures who built America. So much of our founding history has been lost or is unknown, yet it contains such amazing material for novels today.

Q: What type of research was required for writing your book? 

A: I read as many Indian captivity stories as I could, both fiction and nonfiction. I delved into the historical records for Jemima Boone, Mary Draper Ingles, and others who survived such events and even thrived in very hostile, heartbreaking situations.

To order a copy of Laura Frantz’ ‘An Uncommon Woman’ click here!

Q: One of the main characters, Clay Tygart, was raised by Lenape Indians. Can you tells us a little about his backstory? 

A: Clay is a conundrum of a frontiersman, born to Pennsylvania Quakers (Friends), captured and raised by Lenape/Delaware Indians, then redeemed and returned to white society. He is at war within himself, taking command of a fort named in his honor as a hero of the French and Indian War, yet desiring peace at all costs on a very embittered, embattled frontier.

Q: What do you hope readers can learn from An Uncommon Woman? 

A: The dedication page of his novel contains words from the ancient hymn Be Thou My Vision. My hope is that no matter what life hands us, we as believers can stand firm and say:

Heart of my own heart, what’er befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Q: What do you love most about writing historical fiction?

A: Preserving history is such a privilege and pleasure. Breathing life into actual events and people through fiction in a day when we’ve lost touch with our roots keeps me researching and writing.

Q: What new projects are you working on?

A: I leap back a century to 1634 with this next novel, set in James Towne, Virginia. And I thought the eighteenth century was conflicted!

To order a copy of Laura Frantz’ ‘An Uncommon Woman’ click here!

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Happy reading!

Ripple Effects

by Pam Tebow

Join Pam Tebow and discover the difference only you can make in the world, using the key you never knew you had! For most of her life, Pam Tebow was serving quietly and faithfully as a wife and mom – answering the Lord’s call to mission work in the Philippines, and homeschooling before anyone knew what the word meant. But along the way, her experiencer were creating unexpected ripples of influence throughout her family, her community, and her world. In Ripple Effects, Pam uncovers and explores the miraculous motivating power of a woman’s influence can have on future generations, wherever she’s planted in life. Whether you are in the midst of endless diaper changes or climbing up the corporate ladder, Pam encourages you to maximise your God-given opportunities… then watch how far the ripples spread!

Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power

by T.D. Jakes

Has life dealt you a crushing blow? Bishop Jakes understands the pain you’re feeling. In his most personal offering yet, Bishop Jakes shares his own suffering over his teenage daughter’s pregnancy and his mother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s – and he exhorts you to remain faithful in adversity. Bishop Jakes aims to show you that God uses difficult, crushing experiences to prepare you for unexpected blessings. If you are faithful through suffering, you will be surprised by God’s joy, comforted by His peace, and fulfilled with His purpose. Crushing is a read that will inspire you to have hope, even in your most difficult moments. It’s a reminder, that He will lead you through.

Pray Big: Learn to Pray Like and Apostle

by Alistair Begg

So many of us struggle with prayer. Many books have been written on the subject and there’s a reason for that. Prayer comes hard to most of us, in most seasons. And when we do pray, we often don’t know what to say. We ask questions like – what is it that my Father loves to hear about? What are the best things I could prayer for my family, my church, and myself? This short book by renowned Bible teacher Alistair Begg combines warmth, clarity, humor, and practicality as he examines Paul’s prayers for his friends in the church in Ephesus. Paul clearly enjoyed prayer, and was excited about it. The truths that underpin and shape his prayers can serve to motivate us to pray and set an excellent example. This is a read that will help you to pray bigger and better prayers as we look to our heavenly Father to do more than all we ask or imagine!

The Next Right Thing

by Emily P. Freeman

When we have a decision to make, what we want more than anything is peace, clarity, and a nudge in the right direction. If you have trouble making decisions because of either chronic hesitation or decision fatigue, Emily P. Freeman offers a fresh way of practicing familiar but often forgotten advise: simply do the next right thing. With this simple, soulful practice, it is possible to clear the decision-making chaos and finally decide without regret or second-guessing. Whether you’re in the midst of a major life transition or are weary of the low-grade anxiety that daily life can bring, Emily will help you create space for your soul to breath – so you can live life with God at a gentle pace!

God, Where Are You?!

by John Bevere

Do you ever feel lost? Especially during a difficult season? Have you ever wondered – “God, where are you?!”? If so, this book from John Bevere is for you. Perhaps you heard God speaking, but now He seems silent. Maybe you moved forward in faith, but now His presence is nowhere to be found. Welcome to the wilderness, the place between receiving a promise from God and seeing it come to pass. In this eye-opening book, John Bevere equips you with key biblical insights and profound stories that will help you navigate your dry or difficult seasons and step into all that God has for you.

Always Near: 10 Ways to Delight in the Closeness of God

by Robert J. Morgan

In this fast-paced, always-busy world, have you ever found yourself just wanting to slow down and be present to God – and yourself? It takes practice and intentionality to do so! Through surprising anecdotes and encouraging wisdom, bestselling author and pastor Robert J. Morgan will help you learn to nurture a sense of the Lord’s abiding nearness and cultivate the blessings of his company. In Always Near, Morgan details 10 ways we can cultivate these blessings, including – discovering special places; abiding in Scripture; Trusting God in difficulty; and more. Through doing this, Morgan shows how you can better experience a relationship with the God who made you, who loves you, and desires for you to enjoy His presence. You’ll seek the Lord and soon discover He was, is, and always will be Always Near.

To discover more summer reading inspiration, click here!

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Did you love Valerie Fraser Luesse’s debut novel, Missing Isaac? If so, you’re in for a real treat! The author has now returned with new book, Almost Home. The latest read is also set in the South, this time during the start of World War II.

Readers will transported back in time and experience, through the character’s eyes, what life was like during that tumultuous period. It’s a book that will grip you from start to finish – you’ll surely be left wanting more from this incredibly talented author!

You can order your copy of Almost Home by clicking here!

Q: Your beautiful gift of storytelling was first introduced to readers in your debut novel, Missing Isaac. In Almost Home, you transport readers back to the South in a wonderful tale that is set during the start of World War II. Why did you select this time period?

A: I grew up hearing stories about the Great Depression and World War II because they deeply affected my family – as they affected all families back then. My mother had one brother who was training as a Navy pilot when the war ended and another who saw combat on Okinawa. When he came home, he used his Army pay to install indoor plumbing in his mother’s house, when I spent my childhood.

Both of my parents were children in the 1940s. I’ve heard my dad talk about scavenging for tinfoil because you could get into the movie theaters in Birmingham with a big ball of it, as theaters collected it for the military. I think the war years are fascinating because they were so elemental. There was too much at stake for people to get distracted by things that didn’t matter.

Q: The South was very integral to the war efforts. Can you explain what you have learned about this in your research?

A: Because land was cheap and plentiful here, and there was an eager workforce of people still struggling to pull themselves out of the Depression, the South made a perfect wartime factory for the military. There were shipyards on the coast and munitions plant that later became part of the paper mill where my dad worked in Childersburg, Alabama. With so many people moving to the South to work, there was no place for them to stay, so Southern families rented out rooms in their homes. I had great-aunts and great-uncles who took in boarders during the war. Alabama actually had POW camps housing German prisoners. From what I’ve read, America’s approach was to treat those captives well in the hopes that Germany would reciprocate. Some German POWs reportedly came back to visit Alabama after the war. It was an amazing time that brought together all sorts of people.

One of my Southern Living friends recommended Allen Cronenberg’s Forth to the Mighty Conflict: Alabama and World War II, which was very helpful. And I was completely mesmerized by a fellow Alabamian, the late Eugene B, Sledge, whose book With the Old Breed: At Pelileu and Okinawa should be required reading for anybody who thinks war is grand and glorious.

Q: With so many families moving to the South for jobs, this created a need for housing. In Almost Home, Dolly Chandler turns her own family home into a boardinghouse that attracts an interesting cast of characters. Can you touch upon some of the characters in Almost Home?

A: They’re a colorful bunch! Dolly and her husband, Si, have such a strong and loving relationship that their boarders initially have no idea what struggles and heartbreak they’ve weathered together. Jesse and Anna Williams are a young Illinois couple whose failing farm has driven them south. Jesse’s wounded pride has made him push away the person he loves most, his wife. Joe Dolphus is a sixty-something widower from Mississippi whose kindness and wry wit make him a favorite at Dolly’s. The Clanahans are an obnoxious couple from Reno – they’re trouble. Harry and Evelyn Hastings are out-of-work college professors from Chicago, who take to the South and the people of Dolly’s house.

And then there’s Reed Ingram, a young vet who grew up on the old loop with Dolly and Si and hopes that this place he loves will help heal his war wounds. Finally, Daisy Dupree is a young war widow who boards with Dolly’s neighbor. She is riddled with survivor’s guilt but finds absolution through her friendship with Anna and her relationship with Reed. There’s one more couple – Catherine, the minister’s daughter, and Andre, the river pirate – who were the first owners of Dolly’s house one hundred year’s ago. We meet them and unravel their secrets through journals that Anna and Daisy discover.

Q: Do you have a favorite character that you really resonated with?

A: Definitely Daisy. The book is dedicated to my late friend Melissa Caine. We became what I call sister-friends in college and remained close until she died of cancer when we were both thirty-two. I basically took everything I loved about Missey and poured it into Daisy. Other than her artistic talent, nothing in the book is based on my friend’s actual life because that would have been an invasion of her privacy and her family’s. But the qualities that make Daisy endearing are inspired by Missey, and the friendship between Anna and Daisy mirrors the relationship I enjoyed with my friend.

Q: Almost Home has an unexpected twist. What was the inspiration behind your creative plot?

A: A Grimm fairy tale I read in second grade! It was called The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and I’ve loved the idea of hidden spaces and secret passageways ever since.

Q: Almost Home celebrates sisterhood and women’s ability to connect and cheer each other on through both good and difficult times. Have you learned anything more about community and resilience as you wrote about women during this time period?

A: I think so many good things in life depend upon our willingness to be open – to new experiences, new relationships, new places… When we’re thrown into challenging circumstances and we can’t understand why, sometimes we just have to take a deep breath, keep an open mind, and see where God might be leading us. Also, we can’t let pride and fear get in the way of reaching out when we need help. Just admitting that we’re struggling is so hard sometimes, but nothing brings people closer together than helping each other the way the women of Dolly’s house rally together.

Q: What do you hope readers gain from reading Almost Home?

A: I’ve always loved that Dolly Parton line from Steel Magnolias: “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”. I’m with Dolly. I want readers to fall in love with these characters, to hurt for them, laugh with them, take them to heart. I want them to get so caught up in the story that they’ll forget the war’s over. And I want them to see that the hardest person to forgive is always yourself.

Q: What’s next on your writing to-do list?

A: A while ago I started a sequel to Missing Isaac. Have you ever hear the expression “coming up a cloud”? It means a storm is coming. Pete and Dovey will be heading down to the Gulf Coast for a second honeymoon and get caught up in Hurricane Camille, leaving their newlywed parents to search for them in a time and place with no GPS, cell phones, or internet. so, while Missing Isaac brought these couples together, the sequel will explore how they weather storms, literally and figuratively.

I would also like to write a prequel to Almost Home, focusing on the river pirate and his young bride and their life in the Florida Keys.

Then there’s the World War II story on the Outer Banks. And a story set in the Louisiana bayous…

The great thing about working for Southern Living is that the magazine has taken me to so many fascinating places. Now I get to take characters and readers there.

Follow Valarie Fraser Luesse on Facebook 

You can order your copy of Almost Home by clicking here!

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The announcements were made at the ECPA Awards Celebration held on April 30th in Chicago at the ECPA Leadership Summit. The night saw the who’s who in Christian publishing come together to celebrate the best in Christian reads. Bestselling author of The Five Love Languages series, Gary Chapman was even there to entertain guests as keynote speaker!

Without further ado, here are the winners from each of the 12 categories… 

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Book of the Year

Embraced: 100 Devotions to Know God is Holding You Close

Embraced is the beautiful new devotional from bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst. These 100 devotions have been written for women at every stage of life’s journey, touching on topics such as personal identity, parenting, marriage, self-worth and more. Throughout the devotional TerKeurst shares her own struggles and doubts to help readers understand that because we have been fully embraced by Him, we can spend our lives trusting His ways.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Bibles

ESV Archaeology Study Bible

The ESV Archaeology Study Bible is a cutting-edge academic resource for those looking to dig deeper into the historical context of the Bible. It features study notes written by field-trained Biblical archaeologists and scholars, color maps, photographs, and drawings. All of this content is designed to bring to life the ancient text of Scripture for readers. With editorial oversight from Dr. John Currid and Dr. David Chapman, the ESV Archaeology Study Bible assembles a range of modern scholarship, helping readers situate themselves in the Bible’s historical context.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Bible Reference Works

Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique

Many prominent Christians insist that the church must yield to contemporary evolutionary theory and therefore modify traditional biblical ideas about the creation of life. They argue that God used – albeit in an undetectable way – evolutionary mechanisms to produce all forms of life. Featuring two dozen highly credentialed scientists, philosophers, and theologians from Europe and North America, this volume contests this proposal. It documents evidential, logical, and theological problems with theistic evolution – making it the most comprehensive critique of theistic evolution yet produced.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Bible Study

The Gospel According to God

Often hailed as one of the greatest chapters in Scripture, Isaiah 53 foretells a critical event in God’s plan for salvation – the crucifixion of Jesus. In The Gospel According to God, MacArthur highlights important connections between Israel’s history and the New Testament, and provides a verse-by-verse exposition of this sometimes misunderstood text. Along the way, MacArthur demonstrates to readers how Isaiah’s prophetic words illuminate essentials truths for us today.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Biography & Memoir

Becoming Dallas Willard

Dallas Willard was a personal mentor and inspiration to hundreds of pastors, philosophers, and average churchgoers. His presence and ideas rippled through the lives of many prominent leaders and authors – including, John Ortberg, Richard Foster and more. As a result of these relationships and the books he wrote, he fundamental altered the way tens of thousands of Christians have understood and experience the spiritual life. The life of Dallas Willard deserves attention because he became a person who himself experienced authentic transformation of life and character. Here is a life that gives us all hope.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Children

God’s Big Story for You

This whimsically illustrated book is a wonderful way to share the gospel message with kids up to age 8. It emphasizes God’s love for everyone, and lets children know that they are a part of God’s big story. The creative, carefully chosen words draws children into the story, while the illustrations ignite children’s imagines as they see kids like themselves alongside characters from the Bible. This book is a great tool for parents, grandparents, Sunday school teachers, or anyone else who wants to explain to children why we need a savior.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Christian Living

The Art of Parenting

Dennis and Barbara Rainey have spent decades helping families find biblical help to strengthen and transform family relationships. Now, in The Art of Parenting, they bring insights and expertise gleaned from those years of ministry, as well as from their own personal experience of raising six children. Focusing on four crucial elements in your children’s lives – relationships, character, identity, mission – they offer advice on how to help your kids discover who they are in Christ, and understand God’s purpose for their lives.

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Devotion & Gift

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift

Ann Voskamp expands her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree with this beautiful keepsake that can be handed down and enjoyed for generations. Each December, families can celebrate the coming of Jesus by opening the book to see a stunning 13-inch, three-dimensional Jesse Tree pop up from the page. Every day of December, readers open the enclosed booklet to read a daily love letter from The Greatest Story ever told, right from our beginning in Genesis to our King’s coming under Bethlehem’s Star. After the day’s reading, readers can open one of the 25 advent doors and discover that day’s Biblical ornament to hang on their own tree!

2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Faith & Culture

The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home

In The Storm-Tossed Family, bestselling author Russell Moore teaches readers – every one of whom is in a family in one way or another – that family is an echo of the gospel. Moore explains to readers that family can be the source of some of the most transcendent human joy, but family can also leave us crumpled up on the side of the road. Family can make us who we are, and family can break our hearts. Why would this social arrangement have that much power, for good or for ill, over us? Moore aims to explore this and show readers why it is such important an important part of life, yet oh so difficult at times.

 2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Ministry Resources

Alongside: Loving Teenagers with the Gospel 

Alongside supports both parents and youth ministry leaders and volunteers to love teenagers well. Through Scripture and captivating personal stories from years of experience working in youth ministry, Hill pulls back the curtain and invites readers to step into the unfiltered world of teenagers. Readers gain practical application and biblical truths to highlight the complexities of relational youth ministry, address the needs of real teenagers encounter in their daily lives and engage their hearts rather than just their behavior.

 2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: New Author

Seeing Green: Don’t Let Envy Color Your Joy

You know that feeling, don’t you? That heart sting when someone else receives the very thing you desire. When your best friend announces her engagement. When you sister says she’s pregnant. When your coworker gets the promotion. You tell yourself you’re happy for her, but you feel a hint of something else. Envy. Join Tilly Dillehay as she uncovers seven common sources of envy and challenges you to change the way you think about God’s glory. In doing so, you will learn to rejoice with others, you will experience greater contentment, and you will discover how to truly love you neighbor.

 2019 Christian Book Award® Winner: Young Peoples Literature

Bible Infographics for Kids

The Bible is far from boring, but sometimes it can feel that way to kids. Bible Infographics for Kids will help spark their excitement for God’s Word with this craze-mazing collection of infographic spreads. These colorful creations visually depict the key concepts, important people, and most unusual facts from the Bible in a new and exciting way. In addition to the incredible infographics found throughout, readers will love playing a Bible timeline board game that folds out from the middle of the book!

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