Bestsellers
The twenty-four best-selling books at re:fresh books & christian resources in recent months are described below together with other bestsellers in recent years. (figures in brackets are previous position in the list)
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 1. Fabrice Muamba - I'm Still Standing (4)
On March 17 2012, during a televised FA cup match, Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed without warning. For 78 minutes his heart stopped beating. The message went out “Pray for Muamba.” And miraculously he recovered. I’m still Standing tells the remarkable story of this popular sportsman and highlights his Christian faith.
It is an excellent gift for any football fan.
Published by Trinity Mirror Sports Media. 254 pages, paperback. £12.99
Click HERE for a more detailed review
 2. Mud, Sweat and Tears (1)
by Bear Grylls
The autobiography of adventurer, TV celebrity and Chief Scout, Bear Grylls. From his childhood, through school, to training for the SAS, a parachuting accident that saw his back broken in three places, his ascent of Everest, and his appointment as Chief Scout.
The book is written for a general audience but includes a number of references to the importance of his Christian Faith.
An ideal gift for men and boys (there is also an abridged Junior Edition).
Published by Random House. Paperback. 472pages. £7.99
Click HERE for a more detailed review.
 3. JRR Tolkien:The making of a Legend (23)
by Colin Duriez
Colin Duriez’ book JRR Tolkien: The making of a legend traces Tolkein’s life from his early childhood to his friendships with, and influence on, other literary giants, most notably CS Lewis.
Published by Lion. Paperback 240 pages. £8.99
Click HERE for a more detailed review.
 4. Crazy Love
by Francis Chan
Francis Chan's first book reflects his passion to see Christians become wholehearted followers of Jesus. After chapters that look at the awesomeness of God, human mortality and God's "crazy, relentless, all-powerful love" Chan challenges his readers to take risks for God. He seeks to inspire us rather than shame us into total commitment, and yet his message does challenge our lukewarm, self-engrossed response to God's love.
 5. Heaven is for Real (2)
by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent
A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back The true story of a four-year old boy who, during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He survives and begins talking about family events of which he hade never been told. Told by the father, but often in Colton's own words.
Published by Thomas Nelson. 208 pages, paperback. £9.99
 6. I was just Wandering (12)
by Jeff Lucas
Another book of meaningful musings from the self-styled Mr Bean of the Christian world. Lucas ranges over a variety of life's experiences including the challenge of healing and suffering, times of doubt, the effects of showing simple kindness and much more.
Published by CWR. Paperback 147 pages. £8.99
 7. Every Good Endeavour
Connecting your work to God's plan for the World
by Timothy Keller
Timothy Keller takes a fresh, Biblical look at work - how does our work fit into God's bigger plan for our lives and for the world? After four chapters looking at God's purposes in work he turns to problems when work seems fruitless, pointless, selfish or an idol and then presents a new vision of work for the Christian.
Hodder & Stoughton. Hardback, 286 pages. £12.99
 8. Cross Roads
by Wm Paul Young
A second novel by the author of the best-selling The Shack.
Multi-millionaire Anthony Spencer finds himself trapped in a coma and facing not only death but the God he has managed to avoid for most of his life. But this isn’t the God he imagined and neither is the fate the one he might have expected.
Click HERE for a more detailed review.
Published by Hodder Faith. Hardback 256 pages.
 9. John Sentamu's Faith stories
Ordinary people can have an extrordinary impact on society as they live out Jesus' message of faith, love and compassion. This book tells the story of twenty such people, some of whom have turned personal tragedy into opportunities to show Christian compassion. Each story has a short introduction by the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
Darton, Longman & Todd pub. Paperback. 139 pages. £8.99
 10. What's so Amazing about Grace (10)
by Philip Yancey
We are saved by God's grace, but do we really appreciate this incredible truth? We often speak of grace but do we understand it, and do our lives proclaim it?
If grace is God's love for the undeserving, what does it look like in action? If Christians are its sole dispensers, then how are we doing at lavishing grace on a world that knows more of cruelty and unforgivingness than it does about mercy?
Published by Zondervan. Paperback £9.99
 11. Battlefield of the Mind (18)
by Joyce Meyer
The Million copy bestseller: control the way you think to banish the damaging emotions of worry, doubt, confusion, depression, anger and condemnation.
Published by Hodder & Stoughton. 288 pages, paperback. £8.99
 12. The Me I want to be (9)
by John Ortberg
The author of If you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat (See above) reminds his readers that life is not about any particular achievement or experience. The most important thing is not what you do but who you become.
Your life is God's project. His vision for you is not just that you are saved by grace, but that you also learn to live by grace, flourishing with the Spirit flowing through you.
Published by Zondervan. Paperback . 208 pages. £8.99
 13. Illusion (19)
by Frank Peretti
A new novel from the author of This Present Darkness.
A 19 year-old girl is suddenly transported from 1970 to 2010. Now she has to establish a new identity in an age of personal computers and cell phones. Illusion has mystery, suspense and romance. There are some subtle analogies to Christian truth, which Peretti explains in a final ‘note from the author’.
Published by Monarch. Paperback. 572 pages. £9.99
Click HERE for a more detailed review
 14. Eric Liddell: Pure Gold (3)
by David McCasland
A new biography of the 'Chariots of Fire' athlete who refused to run on a Sunday in the 1924 Paris Olympics.
From his childhood in China, through his sporting career to his return to China as a missionary, where he died in a Japanese internment camp, weeks before the end of World War II. Includes 16 pages of photographs and supplementary material.
Published by Lion. 224 pages. Paperback. £9.99
 15. Mere Christianity (5)
by C.S. Lewis
2012 marks the 60th anniversary of this Christian classic, based on a series of talks broadcast by the BBC between 1942 and 1944. It has helped and continues to help many on their journey to accepting Christ. While the language may not suit everyone, this book remains ideal for those who need to be challenged intellectually as well as spiritually.
Published by Collins. 256 pages, paperback. £7.99.
 16. The Highway code for Retirement (6)
by David Winter
A positive and practical guide for those approaching retirement and those already retired. Writing from experience, David Winter looks at the financial, emotional and spiritual implications in planning for retirement, facing life without work and without other people.
Published by CWR. 112 pages, paperback. £6.99
 17. The Reason for God (23)
by Timothy Keller
The Reason for God is in two halves. The first half tackles some of the big questions that hinder faith in God – Why does God allow suffering … how could a loving God send people to Hell etc. The second half looks at reasons for faith – the evidence for God, the problem of sin, the true story of the cross, the argument for resurrection and our response.
Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback. 320 pages. £8.99
18. There are no Strong People (8)
by Jeff Lucas
Can God really bless people who mess up?
Can good people do bad things?
Samson is an enigma. But Jeff Lucas uses his story to challenge and encourage Christians.
Published by CWR. 223 pages. Paperback. £9.99
 19. Redeeming Love (11)
by Francine Rivers
California’s gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep. Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. Then she meets Michael Hosea...
A new spin on a familiar story of God’s unconditional love.
Published by Monarch. Paperback. 448 pages. £8.99.
 20. Nearing Home (16)
by Billy Graham
In his 93rd year, the veteran evangelist and Bible teacher writes honestly about old age and the prospect of dying. This is an honest, down-to-earth, and throughly Biblical look at many aspects of old age. The book is packed with practical advice on preparing for times when our mental faculties may not be what they are today but at the same time it trumpets a message of hope that the best is yet to come.
Thomas Nelson Publishers. 182 pages, hardback, £8.99
 21. If you want to Walk on Water
You've got to get out of the Boat (14)
by John Ortberg
The book that inspired the launch of re:fresh books & christian resources is still a best-seller eight years on. John Ortberg challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and experience the tremendous potential of the life of faith.
Published by Zondervan. Peperback. 211 pages. £8.99
 22. The Case for Christ (17)
by Lee Strobel
A former legal journalist and one-time atheist shows how his own search for the truth about Jesus led him to faith in Christ.
Published by Zondervan. Paperback. 304 pages. £9.99 .
 23. The Five Love Languages (22)
by Gary Chapman
Marriage should be based on love, But does it seem as though you and your spouse are speaking two different languages?
New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman guides couples in identifying, understanding, and speaking their spouse’s primary love language—quality time, words of affirmation, gifts, acts of service, or physical touch.
Moody Publishing. Paperback. 208 pages. £9.99
 24. Who is this man?
by John Ortberg
On the eve of his crucifixion it seemed like Jesus’ influence on the world had ended. On the contrary, it had just begun.
In Who Is This Man?, Ortberg reveals how Jesus has impacted civilization and individual human hearts.
Published by Zondervan. Paperback. 208 pages
 25. Multiply
Disciples making disciples
by Francis Chan with Mark Beuving
Multiply is written as a 24-session course in discipling for use in small groups. It is not so much about techniques as what to teach disciples and so offers material to strengthen the faith of the teacher as well as the taught. It ranges through material on discipleship, the church, studying the Bible, understanding the Old Testament and understanding the New Testament.
Each session is accompanied by a 5-minute on-line video.
Published by David C Cook/Kingsway. 333 pages, paperback. £8.99.
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Books that have previously featured in our Bestseller lists
 We don't do God
The Marginalisation of Public Faith
by George Carey and Andrew Carey
Described by Chief Rabbi, Lord Sacks, as "an important and disturbing book that should be read by everyone concerned for the future of faith in Britain." The former Archbishop of Canterbury and his journalist son pull no punches as they look at ways in which our society discriminates against public expressions of faith - and particularly the Christian faith.
Published by Monarch. Paperback. 174 pages. £7.99.
 Pure Joy
Rediscover your conscience
by Christopher Ash
Conscience is a God-given part of being human, with tremendous potential for good. 'This book is about the joy of a clear conscience in every day of living and in the day of death,'' enthuses Christopher Ash. 'With a clear conscience, we can enjoy not just the stuff we think of as "spiritual", but all sorts of things like sleep, sport, friendship and holidays.
Published by IVP. 200 pages. Paperback. £9.99
 A Lineage of Grace
by Francine Rivers
A Lineage of Grace is a compilation of the five books in the best-selling series of the same name. It shares the stories of five unlikely women who formed links in the lineage of Jesus. They are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary the mother of Jesus. Each was faced with extraordinary, scandalous challenges and each took great personal risk to fulfill her calling.
Published by Tyndale House. Paperback. 560 pages. £10.99
 Imagine Church
by Neil Hudson
How can an ordinary church grow disciples who live their whole lives as followers of Jesus? Our time in church needs to equip us to be salt and light. Drawn from real experience, this book offers help and hope from churches which have begun to do just that with lessons from a three year pilot project, practical ideas for your church and real-life stories of churches and individuals. It doesn't offer quick fixes but does offer new hope.
Published by IVP. Paperback. 192 pages. £9.99
 The Grace Outpouring
by Roy Goodwin and Dave Roberts
The story of how Roy Goodwin and his wife established the Ffald-y-Brenin house of prayer in a remote corner of Wales and of the many people who have been blessed through this and other prayer initiatives including the Caleb Prayer movement.
Published by David C Cook. Paperback. 192 pages. £8.99.
Miracle in the Mine
by Jose Henriquez
The story of an ordinary Christian suddenly called upon to show extraordinary faith, trapped 2,300ft underground with 32 other miners. As the world watched and waited, Jose was organising prayer meetings and Bible studies amongst the miners, 22 of whom professed faith in Christ.
As they emerged one by one, many were wearing tee shirts declaring ‘Thank you Lord’ in Spanish and English.
Hardback, 192 pages plus colour pictures. £12.99
 Prayer
Finding the Heart's True Home
by Richard Foster
A comprehensive, profound and immediately accessible book which opens the way for all to increase their understanding and develop their practice of prayer. Richard Foster explores the riches of the historical classics of prayer as well as his own personal experience and roots his teaching in scripture.
Hodder & Stoughton. Paperback. 297 pages. £8.99.
 The Highway Code to Marriage
by Michael & Hilary Perrott
The Highway Code for Marriage, is intended for couples who are about to get married, people who are giving up on their marriage, and people who want to make their marriage even better. It is an attractively-produced pocket-sized book of 106 pages presented in a punchy point-by-point Guide Book format with liberal use of bullet points, bold shoulder-heads and tinted boxes to assist readability.
Published by CWR. Paperback. 128 pages. £6.99
 God on Mute
by Pete Greig.
Why does God allow terrible things to happen to his children? Why does he allow us to suffer, and most importantly, why is he sometimes silent when we feel that we need him the most?
The book follows the Easter story; it examines Jesus’ awful experiences in Gethsemane and on the cross and links this with our experiences of suffering and the silence of God.
Kingsway Publications. Paperback. 346 pages. £8.99
The Vicar of Baghdad
by Andrew White
Canon White, Vicar of St George’s Church Baghdad, is well-known for his work to communicate a message of hope and compassion in the troubled city. He is respected by people on every side of the Middle Eastern conflict and has worked as a mediator.
 You can Change
by Tim Chester
A book for those who struggle with sin. You may be; a new Christian, struggling to change the habits of your former way of life; an older Christian, feeling you've plateaued: you grew quickly when you first believed but now your Christian life is much of a muchness; a Christian who's fallen into sin in a big way, wondering how you'll ever get back on track. This is a book by a fellow-struggler that offers hope.
 King's Cross
by Timothy Keller
Timothy Keller looks at the life of Christ as told in the Gospel of Mark. He shows how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal, calling each of us to look anew at our relationship with God. Like Keller’s other books, it speaks to skeptics and committed Christians alike.
 The Marriage Book
by Nicky and Sila Lee
From the Alpha stable, this popular book is described as "great to give to friends who are getting married or those already married."
How can we stay happily married to one person for the whole of our lives? How do we resolve conflict? How can we discover and rediscover sexual inimacy? The Marriage Book is designed to prepare, build and mend marriages.
Faith under Fire
by Andrew White ("The Vicar of Baghdad")
Andrew White has seen the best and worst of humanity: articulate, agreeable imams and rabbis; Christian venality and dishonesty. What has kept him willing to see the best? Every time he returns to Iraq he may be saying goodbye to his family for the last time. What do they think? He suffers from MS. How does he remain cheerful despite his physical weakness, and its progression? What does he say to God, alone in his study?
 The Power of a Whisper
by Bill Hybels
The founder and Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church encourages Christians to listen to that still, small voice that directs our decision-making, prompts us in those dark nights of the soul and spurs us on to growth.
 God's Adventurer
by Stuart Windsor
The National Director of New Malden-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), is described in Baroness Cox's biography as 'larger than life in every respect' A former Barnardo's boy, RAF Intelligence officer and Assemblies of God Minister, Stuart has been involved in extraordinary adventures from delivering aid under shell fire in Nagorno Karabakh to redeeming slaves in Sudan. Along the way he has met and helped many of the heroes of today's persecuted church.
 The Heavens Proclaim His Glory
Compiled by Lisa Stilwell
Stunning pictures of the Universe captured by the NASA Hubble telescope with short, insightful comments. Includes a presentation page. An ideal gift.
Hardback, 176 pages.
Getting your Kids through Church
without them ending up hating God
by Rob Parsons
Rob Parsons addresses every Christian parent's concern. He gives advice and reassurance to anxious parents and identifies five things that can quench faith in their children. He urges parents to teach their children how to love God even when things are falling apart.
 The Shack by William Young
A true publishing phenomenon – a Christian book that spent more than a year at the top of the New York Times Trade Fiction list.
A man whose daughter has been abducted receives an invitation, apparently from God, to the remote shack where she died. This is a thought-provoking novel about suffering, forgiveness and other issues of faith.
The Radical Disciple
by John Stott
The last book from the Christian statesman who was once billed by Time Magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people.
The book is a call to God's people to live fully-commited lives. He examines eight neglected areas of discipleship - non-conformity (to the world), Christlikeness, Christian maturity, Creation-care, a simple lifestyle, balance (individual discipleship and corporate fellowship, worship and witness, pilgrimage and citizenship), and an awareness of our mortality.
 Counterfeit Gods
by Timothy Keller
Three thousand years ago, the most developed nations in the world worshipped idols, gods of wood and stone. Today we may laugh at their ignorance but the modern manifestations of idolatory are no less foolish and just as harmful. Timothy Keller looks at the empty promises of love, money and power.
 Biblefresh
Biblefresh is an initiative of the Evangelical Alliance with about 50 Christian agencies to promote more engagement with the Bible in the year that marks the 400th Anniversary of KJV. The Biblefresh Handbook is a 144-page resource offering a potpourri of articles, practical ideas, background information, and inspirational testimonies and stories from a host of well-known Christian writers and leaders.
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 Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers
This is the first book in the two-part Marta's Legacy Family Saga. On the eve of the First World War, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland and her difficult childhood behind, determined to find a new life on her own terms. Her Mother’s Hope is a moving story about faith and dreams, heartache and disappointment and ultimately the resilience and tenacity of love. The sequel Her Daughter's Dream is also available.
re:fresh books bestsellers in 2009
For more detailed reviews (where available) click on the title below
1. THE SHACK by William P Young (Fiction)
A true publishing phenomenon – more than a year at the top of the New York Times Trade Fiction list. A man whose daughter has been abducted receives an invitation, apparently from God, to the remote shack where she died. A thought-provoking novel about suffering, forgiveness and other issues of faith.
 2. FINDING GOD IN THE SHACK by Roger Olson (Doctrine)
Published by IVP . A theologian examines the key themes of The Shack.
See also Finding God in the Shack (same title) by Randal Rauser. Published by Paternoster/Authentic.
3. IF YOU WANT TO WALK ON WATER YOU’VE GOT TO GET OUT OF THE BOAT by John Ortberg (Christian Lifestyle)
The book that inspired the launch of re:fresh books & christian resources. John Ortberg challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and experience the tremendous potential of the life of faith.
4. THE REASON FOR GOD by Tim Keller (Apologetic)
Written for a generation of sceptics, critics and cynics, the book tackles some of the big questions that hinder faith in God and then goes on to argue positively for faith.
 5. REAL LIFE JESUS by Mike Cain (Doctrine)
Mike Cain unpacks Jesus’ claims in John’s Gospel and shows us why they cannot be ignored: sin, forgiveness and restoration affect us personally. The author challenges us to look again at Jesus: the real-life version, not the caricature.
 6. I DARED TO CALL HIM FATHER by Bilquis Sheikh (Biography)
The true story of a high-ranking Pakistani woman who began a remarkable journey of faith through reading about Jesus in the Koran and through dreams.
7. THE VICAR OF BAGHDAD by Andrew White (Biography)
Canon White, Vicar of St George’s Church Baghdad, is well-known for his work to communicate a message of hope and compassion in the troubled city. He is respected by people on every side of the Middle Eastern conflict and has worked as a mediator.
 8. SECRET BELIEVERS by Brother Andrew (Biography)
Sub-titled What happens when Muslims turn to Christ this book describes the oppression, discrimination and persecution faced by Christians in Muslim countries and the way in which they react.
 9. THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS by CS Lewis (Fiction)
A Christian Classic, written nearly 70 years ago. Letters from a senior demon to his nephew, instructing him on how to undermine the faith of a new Christian.
10. THE CASE FOR CHRIST by Lee Strobel (Apologetic)
A former legal journalist and one-time atheist shows how his own search for the truth about Jesus led him to faith in Christ.
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