May 22, "A Man of Faith:  The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush" by George Bush and Aikman

More than any other world leader in recent times, George W. Bush is a man of faith. . . a conservative Christian who has brought the power of prayer and the search for God's will into the Oval Office. His faith has proven to be a bedrock of strength and resolve during two of the most tumultuous years in our nation's history.  According to Newsweek magazine, "This presidency is the most resolutely faith based in modern times.  An enterprise founded, supported and guided by trust in the temporal and spiritual power of God."  David Aikman, skilled journalist and former senior correspondent for TIME magazine, pens this dramatic and gripping account of Bush's journey to faith.  Based on interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, you'll learn how. . .

• His life changed after a conversation with Billy Graham on the beach at Kennebunkport
• He walked away from alcoholism toward a new destiny
• The events following 9/11 caused many to view him as God's chosen man for this critical time in history
• His decision to go to war with Iraq became the ultimate test of faith

A Man of Faith. . . an intimate look at how Bush's spiritual life has impacted his presidency, the nation, and the world.

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 June 26, "Let's Roll" by Lisa Beamer

The best-seller that has brought comfort and hope to millions in the wake of 9/11 is now available in softcover!  Let's Roll - the moving, behind-the-scenes story of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer and his widow, Lisa - is so much more than a tribute.  A message of character, courage, and undeniable faith in the face of horrifying tragedy, it encourages anyone who reads it to live real life right now . . . and to have confidence and hope for the future.

 July 24, "Painted Dresses" by Patricia Hickman

In this story of sisterhood and unexpected paths, Gaylen Syler-Boatwright flees her unraveling marriages to take refuge in a mountain cottage owned by her deceased aunt.  Burdened with looking after her adult sister, Deliah, she is shocked to find a trail of family secrets hidden within her aunt's odd collection of framed, painted dresses.  With Delia, who attracts trouble as a daily occupation, Gaylen embarks on a road trip that throws the unlikely pair together on a journey to painful understanding and delightful revelations.

Steeped in Hickman's trademark humor, her spare writing voice, and the bittersweet pathos of the South, Painted Dresses powerfully captures a woman's desperate longing to uncover a hidden, broken life and discover the liberty of living authentically, even when the things exposed are shrouded in shame.

 August 28, "On Hummingbird Wings" by Lauraine Snelling

Snelling (One Perfect Day) strikes a blow for family values in a story about a family that is not close either geographically or emotionally.  Gillian Ormsby is a New York corporate executive returns to her California home to take care of her mother Dorothy, who appears to be physically healthy but who won't do anything but sleep.  Gillian's sister, Allison, the preferred child who stayed close to home, is being less than helpful.  When Gillian arrives after crossing the country, she finds her mother's once beautiful garden as wilted as its caretaker.  She is aided in her efforts by her mother's dapper friend, Enzio, who brings killer pastries when he visits, and her mother's neighbor Adam, who owns a dog and a garden store and happens to be handsome.  The narrative hits some true notes:  Dorothy's passive depression will strike those caring for elderly parents as familiar.  Off-notes include Allison, who needs more characterization, and Gillian's generic corporate career.  The tale is uneven, but Snelling can certainly charm.

 September 25, "Unlocked" by Karen Kingsbury

Before You Take a Stand. . . You Got to Take a Chance.  Holden Harris is an 18 year old locked in a prison of autism.  Despite his quiet ways and quirky behaviors, Holden is very happy and socially normal -- on the inside, in a private world all his own.  In reality, he is bulied at school by kids who only see that he is very different.  Ella Reynolds is a part of the 'in' crowd.  A cheerleader and star of the high school drama production, her life seems perfect.  When she catches Holden listening to her rehearse for the school play, she is drawn to him. . . the way he is drawn to the music.  Then, Ella makes a dramatic discovery - - she and Holden were best friends as children.  Frustrated by the way Holden is bullied, and horrified at the indifference of her peers, Ella decides to take a stand against the most privileged and popular kids at school.  Including her boyfriend, Jake.  Ella believes miracles can happen in the unlikeliest places, and that just maybe an entire community might celebrate from the sidelines.  But will Holden's praying mother and the efforts of Ella and a cast of theater kids be enough to unlock the prison that contains Holden?  This time, friendship, faith, and the power of a song must be strong enough to open the doors to the miracle Holden needs.