Michael’s Reward
Mario Bernheim
Paperback, 260 pp., $14.95
Mario Bernheim (January 24, 2011)

Michael’s Reward tells the story of a very rich and happy family man whose life is turned upside down when Satan gets God’s permission to wage a battle against him in an effort to show God that Michael’s love for Him is directly tied to all his riches. The ensuing catastrophes in Michael’s life reduce him to living by the freeway in a box. But through his perseverance in faith, he’s blessed with a visit from the Almighty, and his life is turned around. This modern retelling of the Old Testament story of Job reshapes it to the challenges and tests of our faith today.

Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
Mike Slaughter
Paperback, 112 pp., $12
Abingdon Press (August 2011)

Every year, we say we’re going to cut back, simplify, and have a family Christmas that focuses on the real reason for the season: Jesus. But every year, advertisements beckon, the children plead, and it seems easier just to indulge our wants and whims. This Christmas, cut through the hype and experience the peace of knowing that God is truly with us. In five short, engaging chapters, Pastor Mike Slaughter inspires readers to approach Christmas differently, and be transformed in the process.

Deliver Me from Evil
Kathi Macias
Paperback, 320 pp., $14.99
New Hope Publishers (September 5, 2011)

Mara is a teen who was sold by her parents in Mexico and then smuggled across the border into San Diego where she was forced into sexual slavery. Bible-college-bound Jonathan and his 16-year-old sister, Leah, cross Mara’s path and become involved in her dramatic rescue. Interwoven between the stories of Mara, Jonathan, and Leah is the heartbreaking story of another young woman in captivity in the Golden Triangle of Thailand, whose past life mysteriously connects to the young people in San Diego.

Empty Promises
Pete Wilson
Paperback, 224 pp., $15.99
Thomas Nelson (April 10, 2012)

Every human experiences an inner emptiness of the soul, that gnawing feeling and unquenchable longing that drives us to sacrifice everything we have and everything we are so we become more beautiful, more successful, and more powerful. We are by design a worshiping people, giving our lives and our devotion to something to pursue and adore, somebody to idolize. What drives this futile attempt for something more is the heart’s true desire for significance, worth, and value—a desire that can be met only in the person and worship of Jesus Christ.

Day of War
Cliff Graham
Paperback, 368 pp., $14.99
Zondervan (June 4, 2011)

Day of War is a gritty, intense, stylistic portrait of the Mighty Men of Israel—a rag-tag band of disgruntled warriors on the run with David, the soon-to-be King, whose legendary deeds are recorded in 2 Samuel 23 and 1 Chronicles 11.