Holiday gift guide 2014
“ Blind Hope “ Set in rural Tennessee at the onset of World War II, this novel is the second for Shelton, a teacher, coach and member of Northlake Church of Christ in Tucker, Ga.
More Christian fiction: Prolific Christian thriller author Ted Dekker’s first attempt at biblical fiction, “ A.D. 30“ (Center Street, 2014), has a Bedouin princess heroine who encounters Jesus during a “Lawrence of Arabia”-type quest.
Houston and Karen Heflin. I Promise It’s True. Abilene, Texas: Stealthy Bee, 2014. 36 pages. $11.99.
The husband-and-wife authors, members of Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, offer parents a rhyming, question-and-answer book to affirm their unconditional love for their children.
“Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters.” For Tweens: Tweens (ages 10 to 12) who are looking for a positive alternative to the “Dork Diaries” books will enjoy the new “Desperate Diva Diaries” series (B&H Kids) by Angie Spady. It weaves faith into the life of a dramatic sixth-grade girl. Titles include “Catie Conrad: Faith, Friendship and Fashion Disasters.”
“Life Lessons for Dad: Tea Parties, Tutus, and All Things Pink.“
Michael Mitchell. Life Lessons for Dad: Tea Parties, Tutus, and All Things Pink. Nashville, Tenn.: B&H Publishing Group, 2014. 224 pages. $12.99.
Drawn from his blog, “Life to Her Years,” and illustrated with personal photos, Mitchell offers simple, touching advice for dads with daughters. The author is director of admissions at Oklahoma Christian University and a member of the Mayfair Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.
“No More Perfect Kids: Love Your Kids for Who They Are” Also for parents: Jill Savage and Kathy Koch urge parents to stop forcing their children to live out their parents’ dreams — and to stop comparing their kids to their friends’ offspring — in “No More Perfect Kids: Love Your Kids for Who They Are” (Moody Publishers, 2014). Koch is an education professor and Savage is a blogging mother of five children.
FOR EVERYONE
Phil and Al Robertson. The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible. Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 2014. 1216 pages. $29.99.
“The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible“ With the full text of the New King James Version, this Bible comes hardcover or leather-bound and includes 30 stories from Phil and Al Robertson, “Duck Dynasty” stars and elders of the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. It also includes 125 topical articles written by the Robertson patriarch and his oldest son.
For church leaders: The “NIV Ministry Essentials Bible“ (Hendrickson Publishers, 2014) promises elders, ministers, missionaries and church members quick access to tools for everyday ministry issues. The Bible includes 250 articles by church leaders on topics including managing and motivating volunteers, managing conflict and ministering to someone with an eating disorder.
