A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF 2019 * BARNES & NOBLE DISCOVER GREAT NEW WRITERS PICK * OPRAH MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 READING LIST SELECTION * NEW YORK TIMES EDITOR'S CHOICE “A soul-shaking chronicle of the 2015 Charleston massacre and its aftermath... [Hawes is] a writer with the exceedingly rare ability to observe sympathetically both particular events and the horizon against which they take place without sentimentalizing her subjects. Hawes is so admirably steadfast in her commitment to bearing witness that one is compelled to consider the story she tells from every possible angle.” —The New York Times Book Review A deeply moving work of narrative nonfiction on the tragic shootings at the Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina from Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jennifer Berry Hawes. On June 17, 2015, twelve members of the historically black Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina welcomed a young white man to their evening Bible study. He arrived with a pistol, 88 bullets, and hopes of starting a race war. Dylann Roof’s massacre of nine innocents during their closing prayer horrified the nation. Two days later, some relatives of the dead stood at Roof’s hearing and said, “I forgive you.” That grace offered the country a hopeful ending to an awful story. But for the survivors and victims’ families, the journey had just begun. In Grace Will Lead Us Home, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jennifer Berry Hawes provides a definitive account of the tragedy’s aftermath. With unprecedented access to the grieving families and other key figures, Hawes offers a nuanced and moving portrait of the events and emotions that emerged in the massacre’s wake. The two adult survivors of the shooting begin to make sense of their lives again. Rifts form between some of the victims’ families and the church. A group of relatives fights to end gun violence, capturing the attention of President Obama. And a city in the Deep South must confront its racist past. This is the story of how, beyond the headlines, a community of people begins to heal. An unforgettable and deeply human portrait of grief, faith, and forgiveness, Grace Will Lead Us Home is destined to be a classic in the finest tradition of journalism.

In this third book of the 'Jonathan Three', the experiences conveyed by the protagonist's stream-of-consciousness place the reader in the mind of the young man who eventually finds real love and meaning in a fulfilling relationship.

It’s been a long ride, one loaded with failures and achievements, disappointments and joys. But Ginny and I experienced so many new things, even at the ages of 83 and 84. We had many doubts along the way, doubts about making a dramatic cross-country move at our age. But the little choices along the way were filled with suspense, success and surprise. I wouldn’t dare call us superheroes for surviving all of it. We simply elected to continue learning as we made these the most exciting years of our lives. So if our journey strikes you as encouraging, then make such a move yourself some day, bolstered by the faith, hope, love and support of your family. Regardless of your age. (The Author)

Following the murder of their childhood friend, Grace Ann, Ellott—a single, 40-something librarian—and her roommate, Rosie—a divorced mother of three—confront the effects of her death and the flux of their own lives. Set in North Alabama and Birmingham, this richly detailed mystery unfolds a story of obsession, past loyalties, love, murder, and saving grace. Old Time Music, hits from the '60s, and the spirit of Elvis provide a harmonious backdrop.

They were supposed to spend the rest of their lives together… In the wake of her husband’s death, Alice Deaton will do anything to hold her family together. But with life handing her challenge after challenge, will her faith crack under the strain? Or will a kind stranger be able to offer refuge that Alice and her two small children so desperately need?

The small New England town of Dorsetville is filled with quirky, loveable characters much like those who populated Andy Griffith’s Mayberry. Dorsetville is all aflutter. The housekeeper at St. Cecilia’s rectory, Mrs. Norris, has quit in a huff, and the rectory is beginning to look like a college dorm. Father Dennis could lend a hand, but since his cooking show, The Fat Friar, has gained popularity, he’s become, well, moody. Nellie Anderson and Harry Clifford are about to tie the knot—that is if someone can find the missing wedding invitations. Bungling Deputy Hill has been left in charge since the sheriff is sick, but will the town survive in the meantime? Meanwhile, Father James is helping an ex-convict learn to resume his life. Valerie Kilbourne, a single mother, needs money for a very expensive operation for her twin daughters. And Lori Peterson, who has had her share of tragedies, will be asked to face another. Katherine Valentine’s keen insights into human nature and extraordinary sense of humor make for characters you’ll want to know for years. From the Trade Paperback edition.

Shiloh Griffin has no identity outside of her roles as pastor’s wife and mom. Some days that is enough. But not always. Particularly when she is partnered with the always confident, always gracious Jade Smith on a church ministry project. Rather than shying away from God in her nervousness, Shiloh clings to Him, seeking every day to redeem herself. When an opportunity arises for her to teach music at a local high school, she thinks maybe it’s just the thing to give her more significance. Then Shiloh begins mentoring Monica, a fifteen-year-old student. When Monica learns she is pregnant, Shiloh must confront her own darkest secret in the desperate decision facing the teen. If she turns away, this teen’s life—and her soul—could be in jeopardy. If she decides to stand up and help, she knows she’s the one who risks losing everything. Stacy Hawkins Adams’s second book in the Winds of Change series finds Shiloh at a life-changing crossroads: keep her halo intact, or lose her honor to save the girl’s. "Elegantly emotional and intriguing, the story reaches deep to gently touch the soul." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"My American Harp" presents 1,169 poems written 2010-2014 by Surazeus that explore what it means to be an American in the modern world of an interconnected global civilization.

Amid open fields and empty pews, small towns can crush big dreams. Abandoned by his no-good father and forced to grow up too soon, Noble Burden has set his dreams aside to run the family farm. Meanwhile, James Horton, the pastor of the local church, questions his own calling as he prepares to close the doors for good. As a severe storm rolls through, threatening their community and very livelihood, both men fear losing what they care about most . . . and reconsider where they truly belong.

And Grace Will Lead Me Home is gift for new and seasoned journal writers alike. Using the insights of pilgrimage theology and practice, this guide serves faithful integration for students and others involved in service learning, study abroad, and immersion programs. The prompts spur expanded awareness and description so writers notice the breadth of their experience. Bible verses and quotations from pilgrims across the ages support journaling with perspective, wisdom, and wit. The progression of the guide encourages attentiveness before travelers depart, validates the disconcerting reality of culture shock and liminal spaces, and then supports claiming God's presence and gifts in new discoveries and transformations. And Grace Will Lead Me Home has been tested by undergraduates and seminarians, pastors and lay leaders in a myriad of travel and service opportunities. Journal writers consistently acclaim that the guide serves both breadth and depth in writing and reflection.