Books to steer people through doubt and trauma, a light look at theological battles over beards, and a historical novel of friendship tested by jealousy and the strains of World War I are among titles publishing in July.
Nonfiction
July 4
The Message of Matthew: Echoes: The Bible Meets the Culture of Today by Eugene H Peterson ((NavPress, $11.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64158-510-1) pairs the contemporary language biblical text with examples of myriad ways Scripture has influenced art, film, music, television, literature, and even casual conversation.
Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament by Benjamin P. Laird (IVP Academic, $30 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5140-0110-3) explores several misunderstood, disputed, and overlooked topics in order to provide fresh insight and clarity about the canon’s creation and modern relevance.
Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith by Jennifer L. Holberg (IVP Academic, $25 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5140-0524-8) draws on works by Dante, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Flannery O'Connor, Marilynne Robinson, and Holberg's own stories to reflect on the importance of story to life and to faith.
Centering Discipleship: A Pathway for Multiplying Spectators into Mature Disciples by E. K. Strawser (IVP Praxis, $20 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5140-0706-8) guides church leaders toward re-imagining and restructuring their churches and communities to turn spectators into missional, mature followers of Jesus.
July 5
Understanding and Trusting Our Great God by Tim Challies (Harvest House, $19.99, ISBN 978-0-7369-8581-9) is a unique devotional from the bestselling author, featuring quotes and commentary that offer insights into the character of God.
July 11
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs: Reformation Commentary on Scripture, edited by David Fink (IVP Academic, $60, ISBN 978-0-8308-2959-0) draws on diverse theological traditions through a wealth of early modern perspectives for preachers, scholars, and readers seeking comfort in God's Word.
The Night is Normal: A Guide through Spiritual Pain by Dr. Alicia Britt Chole (Tyndale Momentum, $17.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-4964-6515-3) offers practical tools for navigating life's dark and difficult moments and moving from suffering and disillusionment to hope.
Wake Up to Wonder: 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Everyday by Karen Wright Marsh (Brazos, $19.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-58743-580-5) presents stories and practices of 22 Christians from across centuries and cultures to help readers bring deeper meaning and purpose to their lives.
Beard Theology: A Holy History of Hairy Faces by Church Mouse (Hodder Faith, $14.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-5293-1864-7) tracks the cultural and religious significance of beards across centuries and invites reflection on theological disputes and debates that seem trivial today once caused heated passions among clergy and theologians.
From the Heart: An Honest Look at Life and Faith by Rob Parsons (Hodder Faith, $19.99, ISBN 978-1-5293-5815-5) is a collection of his columns for the U.K.'s Premier Christianity Magazine reflecting on the challenges of everyday spiritual life.
July 18
Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman: A Mom’s Must-have Guide by Robin Jones Gunn (Focus on the Family, $16.99 trade paper, ISBN 978-1-64607-112-8) provides heart-level mentoring that will help moms and their young daughters grow closer, rather than drifting apart as a girl shifts from childhood toward adolescence.
July 25
Hope Is the First Dose: A Treatment Plan for Recovering from Trauma, Tragedy, and Other Massive Things by W. Lee Warren (WaterBrook, $26, ISBN 978-0-593-44539-6) is a neurosurgeon’s memoir of personal tragedy, grief, and the road to recovery through trust in God, the Great Physician.
Fiction
Ladies of the Lake by Cathy Gohlke (Tyndale Fiction, $25.99, ISBN 978-1-4964-5353-2) portrays a young orphan finding bonds of friendship that are tested by love, jealousy, and the strains of World War I.
