christianaudio.com Blog

Win it Wednesday | Lord, Change Me by James MacDonald

2012-05-30T08:43:00.001-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the christianaudio blog! This week, enter to win Lord, Change Me by James MacDonald!

Are you truly serious about allowing the power of God to transform your life? If you are, then prepare yourself for an incredible, life-changing experience. Change is difficult, but it's made even harder without practical guidance on how to do it. You will find that guidance in Lord, Change Me. James MacDonald is serious about the business of change according to God's Word. While many tell us that we should change and be more like Christ, MacDonald actually teaches us how to do it.

Lord, Change Me is split into three sections as the model for approaching change:

The Preparation for Change: choosing the right method and partnering with God to select the areas in need of change in your life.
The Process of Change: exploring the biblical method of saying 'no' to sinful patterns and 'yes' to the things God desires for you.
The Power to Change: explaining how to experience the power of God personally and continuously.

This is a book about a different you. There are no warm fuzzies within these pages. Rather, MacDonald is a direct, to-the-point pastor with a heart for seeing lives completely transformed by the truth of the Gospel. If you're serious about changing your life, this book is just what you need.

Lord, Change Me

[unabridged audiobook: 7.75 hrs]

Author: James MacDonald

Narrator: Wayne Shepherd

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Jianqing, who was the winner of Fearless in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Jianqing, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of Lord, Change Me. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on May 31, 2012.

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New This Week | Platform by Michael Hyatt and 15 more

2012-05-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

There are always great new audiobooks coming to christianaudio.com! These are just a few of the 16 new titles that arrived this week.

	Platform Get Noticed in a Noisy World Author: Michael Hyatt Narrator: Michael Hyatt
	MOMumental Adventures in the Messy Art of Raising a Family Author: Jennifer Grant Narrator: Jennifer Grant
	*The Truth About Grace* Author: John MacArthur Narrator: Maurice England Also available: The Truth About Forgiveness and *The Truth About the Lordship of Christ*

Click here to see all of this week's new releases!

Win it Wednesday | Fearless

2012-05-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the christianaudio blog! This week, enter to win the NEW Fearless by Eric Blehm!

Long before Adam Brown became a member of the elite SEAL Team SIX—the counterterrorism unit that took down Osama bin Laden—he was a fun-loving country boy from Hot Springs, Arkansas, whose greatest goal had been to wear his high school’s football jersey. An undersized daredevil, prone to jumping off roofs into trees and off bridges into lakes, Adam was a kid who broke his own bones but would never break a promise to his parents.

But after high school, Adam fell in with the wrong crowd and his family watched as his appetite for risk dragged him into a downward spiral that eventually landed him in jail. Battling his inner demons on a last-chance road to redemption, Adam had one goal: to become the best of the best—a US Navy SEAL.

An absorbing chronicle of heroism and humanity, Fearless presents an indelible portrait of a highly trained warrior who would enter a village with weapons in hand to hunt terrorists, only to come back the next day with an armload of shoes and meals for local children. It is a deeply personal, revealing glimpse inside the SEAL Team SIX brotherhood that also shows how these elite operators live out the rest of their lives, away from danger, as husbands, fathers and friends.

Fearless
[unabridged audiobook: 10.3 hrs]

Author: Eric Blehm

Narrator: Paul Michael

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Mark, who was the winner of My Story, My Song in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Mark, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of Fearless. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, May 24, 2012.

<<< This giveaway has ended. >>>

Hero Stories

2012-05-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Photo by Ian Britton | FreeFoto.com

by Dan Balow

I like a variety of books, but probably enjoy biographies more than any other. The Bible, primarily is a story about people…from Genesis and the first people who God created to Revelation and the story of those few who remain faithful to the end. Stories about heroic people would top my list of favorites. There are plenty throughout Scripture…including one glaring example, who gave his life for us all. What kind of man would do that?

When I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, I recall various people remarking how America no longer had any real heroes. We might flippantly call an athlete or politician a hero, but I think we need to reserve that title for a select few rather than using it too broadly. Ernest Hemingway said, “As you get older it is harder to have heroes, but it is sort of necessary.”

As I grow older, the most unfortunate part of finding true heroism is that most times it comes about during a war, tragedy, pain and difficulty. 9/11 proved that. Firefighters, police, EMT’s, medical, military…all have our undying respect, because they are called to do things in the most difficult of times. When I recently finished reading Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, it was pretty easy to call Louis Zamperini a hero.

The same publisher behind the bestseller Unbroken, has just released a more current story of heroism and sacrifice: Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown is available starting today. christianaudio is proud to publish the audiobook edition of Fearless, written by Eric Blehm and read by Paul Michael.

Fearless

The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown

Author: Eric Blehm
Narrator: Paul Michael

Introductory SALE price: $9.98
(Sale price through 5/31/12; Regular Price - $19.98)

Please note: due to the subject matter of this book, it contains some language which may not be appropriate for all listeners.

I am sure you will agree that the subject of the book, Adam Brown, is a hero. Football great Gale Sayers said, “Athletes as role models and heroes is a hoax, a sick hoax. The men and women who are fighting in Iraq, they are the true heroes.” Heroes are good things to have, as long as we never forget them what made them a hero. May Fearless serve as a reminder.

If you'd like to learn more about Adam Brown and his heroic story, check out this short video introduction to the book, and the free author interview available at christianaudio.com:

Dan Balow is the Publisher for christianaudio, a divison of eC Publishing Group.

Special Offers through May 31 | $2.98 - $9.98 - $19.98

2012-05-21T16:30:00.000-07:00

Shop now for special prices on a selection of audiobooks and Bibles. Hurry! These special offers end on May 31, 2012!

$2.98 Audiobooks

Praying the Bible Into Your Life by Stormie Omartian

Amish Prayers by Beverly Lewis

You Are Captivating by Stasi Eldredge

Powerful Prayers for Troubled Times by Stormie Omartian

* * * * *

$19.98 Audio Bibles

The Story Complete (NIV)

The Message Bible

ESV Hear the Word Audio Bible

* * * * *

$9.98 Audiobooks

My Story, My Song by Lucimarian Roberts with Robin Roberts

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Named by God by Kasey Van Norman

Breaking Free by Beth Moore

Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson

Choose Joy by Kay Warren

Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge

A Treasury of Miracles for Women by Karen Kingsbury

A Heart Like His by Beth Moore

Miracle for Jen by Linda Barrick and John Perry

God Has a Dream for your Life by Sheila Walsh

So Long, Insecurity by Beth Moore

The Shack by William P. Young

Harriet Beamer Take the Bus by Joyce Magnin

Montclair Homecoming by Jane Peart

These special offers end at 11:59pm PT on May 31, 2012. No coupon code is required.

What We're Reading | Shepherd of the Hills

2012-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Eric White

Have you ever asked the question, is fiction worth reading? I have. In fact, I hope that my reading habits display that some fiction is very much worth reading. Harold Bell Wrights book, The Shepherd of the Hills, is a prime example of fiction worthy of investment. Situated in the hills of the Ozarks, the beautiful and majestic countryside is one day visited by a man, a different man. This man from the city stops and rests a spell, staying long enough for the community to give him the affectionate name, Dad Howitt. Dad is from the city and has a secret story, though no one knows it. Through Dad and other characters, Wright creates a world that is full of the seen and the hard to see.

What do I mean? Let’s look at this quote:

“Gentle spirit may express itself in the rude words of illiteracy; it is not therefore rude. Ruffianism may speak the language of learning or religion; it is ruffianism still. Strength may wear the garb of weakness, and still be strong; and a weakling may carry the weapons of strength, but fight with a faint heart. So beneath all the changes that had come to her backwoods lover, Sammy felt Ollie himself was unchanged. It was as though he had learned a new language, but still said the same things.”

Wright provides a vivid reminder that though our environments change, there is an education that transcends them. While Ollie had been off in the city being educated, Sammy was home learning from Dad Howitt. He had taught her about the “froth and the foam” of the city, and how not all was as her young fiancé made it seem to be.

Our world reflects this dichotomy between the country and the city. Though the culture and it’s tastes and dislikes are always changing, there are some things that will never change; similar to God telling Moses, "I am who I am" (Exodus 6:17 NIV), meaning, though all the world shall change I remain as I am. One must not be a lover of the country to gain benefit from this story, only to desire truth. As Jesus said, "the truth will set you free" (John 8:32 NIV); and though freedom from the slavery to sin was the object of Jesus’ comment, we can also see that there are many other things that can enslave, the only hope of freedom is truth.

Sammy saw this truth with Ollie. This weak man had learned a new language, he had learned a new vocabulary and had new circumstances in which he lived, but Ollie had not changed.

This book was one in which I both listened and read, though tended to listen as the story progressed. Narrator Robin Field took Wright's language of the hills and brought it to life, helping my ears hear the nuances of the tongue native of the hills. The Shepherd of the Hills helps to see the things that often go unseen.

The Shepherd of the Hills is available at christianaudio.com.

Eric White is Production Manager for christianaudio.

New This Week | The Gospel of Yes and 12 more

2012-05-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

There are always great new audiobooks coming to christianaudio.com! These are just a few of the 13 new titles that arrived this week.

	*The Gospel of Yes* We Have Missed the Most Important Thing About God. Finding It Changes Everything Author: Mike Glenn Narrator: Mike Glenn
	*The Law of Happiness* How Spiritual Wisdom and Modern Science Can Change Your Life Series: The Secret Things of God Author: Dr. Henry Cloud Narrator: Dr. Henry Cloud
	*Redemption* A Rebellious Spirit, a Praying Mother, and the Unlikely Path to Olympic Gold Author: Bryan Clay and Joel Kilpatrick Narrator: Kelly Ryan Dolan

Click here to see all of this week's new releases!

Win it Wednesday | My Story, My Song

2012-05-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the christianaudio blog! This week, enter to win the NEW audiobook, My Story, My Song, by Lucimarian Roberts with Robin Roberts! Thanks to Oasis Audio for sponsoring this week's giveaway!

Good Morning America viewers have come to know and love Lucimarian Roberts, the 88-year-old mother of coanchor Robin Roberts. On the day after Hurricane Katrina blew through the Gulf Coast, they watched Robin, standing amid the remnants of her hometown, recount the desperate search for her mother–and her return to safety.

Robin was not surprised to learn that even as the winds howled and floodwaters rose, Lucimarian sang hymns. Today, Lucimarian Roberts can recite lyrics to hundreds of hymns and spirituals. She credits hymns for helping her, a black woman born in 1924, live faithfully through the turbulent times of the Great Depression, segregation, and racial prejudice even as the wife of a U.S. Air Force officer.

This memoir shares pivotal moments in Lucimarian Roberts’ intriguing life, revealing how God has sustained her with strength and hope. Daughter Robin reflects at the close of each chapter, with her own voice, on her remarkable mother’s character and influence. Special features include 5 musical tracks, all played and sung by Lucimarian Roberts. Within these tracks is the hymn "When We All Get to Heaven," performed by three of the Roberts women: Dorothy, Robin, and Lucimarian. A bonus PDF includes photos of the Roberts family throughout the years.

My Story, My Song

[unabridged audiobook: 3.65 hrs]

Author: Lucimarian Roberts with Robin Roberts

Narrator: Robin Miles & Robin Roberts

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Ellen, who was the winner of Cleaning House in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Ellen, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of My Story, My Song. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on May 17, 2012.

<<< This giveaway has ended. >>>

Win it Wednesday | Cleaning House

2012-05-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

We have another brand new audio title for you to win in this week's Win it Wednesday drawing: Cleaning House by Kay Wills Wyma. Like many moms, Kay is a super busy mom managing a household of seven people. But one day, after a conversation with her oldest son, she realized: her kids took too much for granted. That's all it took for her to embark on a journey to rid her home of the entitlement attitude, and she tells the story in her new book.

Cleaning House
A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment
to Rid her Home of Youth Entitlement

[unabridged audiobook: 8.3 hrs]

Author: Kay Wills Wyma

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Do your kids think that clean, folded clothes magically appear in their drawers? Do they roll their eyes when you suggest they clean the bathroom? Do you think it's your job to pave their road to success? As parents, so often we hover, race in to save, and do everything we can for our kids--unintentionally reinforcing their belief that the world revolves around them.

When Kay Wyma realized that an attitude of entitlement had crept into her home, this mother of five got some attitude of her own. Cleaning House is her account of a year-long campaign to introduce her kids to basic life skills. From making beds to grocery shopping to refinishing a deck chair, the Wyma family experienced for themselves the ways meaningful work can transform self-absorption into earned self-confidence and concern for others.

With irresistible humor and refreshing insights, Kay candidly details the ups and downs of removing her own kids from the center of the universe. The changes that take place in her household will inspire you to launch your own campaign against youth entitlement. As Kay says, "Here's to seeing what can happen when we tell our kids, 'I believe in you, and I'm going to prove it by putting you to work.'"

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Paul, who was the winner of the SUPER Mother's Day giveaway in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Paul, your audiobooks and gift certificate are on their way!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of Cleaning House. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on May 10, 2012.

<<< This giveaway has ended. >>>

2012 Christian Book Award Winners

2012-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

On Monday, the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association honored seven books with 2012 Christian Book Awards. Four of these titles are already available in audio. Might we suggest these award winners would make for some great listening?

Available in Audio

2012 CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR

Nearing Home by Billy Graham
Narrated by Robert Lake

eBook available at eChristian.com

Category: CHILDREN

The Story for Children by Max Lucado
Narrated by Max Lucado

eBook available at eChristian.com

Category: FICTION
The Queen by Steven James
Narrated by Richard Ferrone

eBook available at eChristian.com

Category: NON-FICTION

Close Enough to Hear God Breathe by Greg Paul
Narrated by Daniel Butler

eBook available at eChristian.com

Additional Award Winners

Category: NEW AUTHOR
Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews
eBook available at eChristian.com

Category: BIBLES
ESV Student Study Bible published by Crossway Bibles
eBook available at eChristian.com

Category: BIBLE REFERENCE
Dictionary of Christian Spirituality
by Glen G. Scorgie, Simon Chan, Gordon T. Smith and James D. Smith III
Available only in print.

National Day of Prayer

2012-05-03T10:44:00.001-07:00

Photo by C Jill Reed

Today in the United States, by official proclamation of the President, is the National Day of Prayer. In this year's proclamation, President Obama declared, "Prayer has always been a part of the American story, and today countless Americans rely on prayer for comfort, direction, and strength, praying not only for themselves, but for their communities, their country, and the world."

President Obama also encouraged those who observe this day to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy, including religious freedom, and to pray for the sick, mouring and hopeless, and for those serving in the Armed Forces.

Prayer is an important part of the Christian life, and there are dozens - no, probably hundreds - of books about prayer to help you grow in your prayer life. As we consider today's observance of the National Day of Prayer, we also want to share with you some of the the currently bestselling books on prayer at christianaudio, titles that have helped many listeners and readers as they grow in prayer.

Top 5 Books on Prayer at christianaudio.com

Hearing God by Dallas Willard
Narrated by Grover Gardner

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson
Narrated by Mark Batterson

The Circle Maker eBook at eChristian.com

Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels
Narrated by Robertson Dean

Too Busy Not to Pray eBook at eChristian.com

The Kneeling Christian by Anonymous
Narrated by David Cochran Heath

Praying the Bible into Your Life by Stormie Omartian
Narrated by Tavia Gilbert

Praying the Bible into Your Life eBook at eChristian.com

*Bestseller information is based on recent sales at christianaudio.com.

Win it Wednesday | SUPER Mother's Day Edition

2012-05-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

The calendar has just turned to May, and so you know what that means - Mother's Day is just 10 days away! So, because moms are great, and because we know YOU are going to want to do something for one of the special women in your life - your mom, your wife, a friend - we have an awesome bundle of audiobooks to give away in honor of Mother's Day.

So, here's how this is going to work. This week's giveaway includes one copy each of six audiobooks, AND a $20 gift certificate to christianaudio.com - just in case the book you most want to give isn't already included! Normally our giveaways are for digital downloads, but we thought this time we would give you the option of choosing physical CDs if you prefer to have something to wrap and give away (U.S. winners only, please see details below.)

By the way, we asked our Facebook fans for suggestions, and a couple of these titles, like The Explicit Gospel and Twelve Extraordinary Women, are by request!

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Doreen, who was the winner of Named by God in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Doreen, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of each of the six audiobook titles listed above, and a gift certificate to christianaudio.com for $20.00. If the winner resides in the U.S., they will have the option of receiving their choice of physical CDs or digital downloads. If the selected winner resides outside the U.S., they will automatically recieve digital downloads only. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 pm PT on Thursday, May 3, 2012.

<<< This giveaway has ended. >>>

Free Audiobook Download of the Month | "Resolving Everyday Conflict"

2012-05-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone desires peace and harmony in their relationships. Yet, whether it is with a co-worker, family member, friend, or even a complete stranger, everyone encounters conflict some of the time. Resolving Everyday Conflict, our free audiobook for May 2012 is a practical, biblical, and concise guide to peacemaking in everyday life that can turn your troubled relationships into peaceful ones.

The warm and engaging narration of this audiobook by Maurice England earned this title a finalist nod in the Inspirational Non-Fiction category of the 2012 Audies, and it has received numerous 5-star reviews at christianaudio.com:

"An excellent audio on a very difficult subject." - Nicki
"Packed with Gospel-centered, Christ-saturated wisdom." - Matthew
"Top-notch narrator." - Andrew
"Highly recommended." - Derek

Author Ken Sande is the President of Peacemaker Ministries whose mission is "to equip and assist Christians and their churches to respond to conflict biblically." We thank the authors and Baker Publishing Group, the print book publisher, for partnering with us for this month's free audiobook offer.

Resolving Everyday Conflict

[unabridged audiobook: 3.5 hours]

Author: Ken Sande & Kevin Johnson
Narrator: Maurice England

More great titles just $4.98!

The May Free audiobook, and the other offers in this post, are available through May 31, 2012. Never miss a free offer when you subscribe to our newsletter!

Blue Like Jazz on sale!

2012-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

When the book Blue Like Jazz was published, it received critical acclaim and quickly became a bestseller, and of course, a popular audiobook. Now, Donald Miller's book has become a feature film, and his story is being told to a whole new audience through the movie.

We were doing some reading up about the story behind the movie, and learned that it almost never happened. When it looked like there wouldn't be enough funding for production of the movie to begin, fans of Blue Like Jazz created a fundraising website to make it a reality. Fan support like that makes a great story, but it means they are fanatical about one thing: how much Blue Like Jazz has impacted them.

In connection with the recent movie release, we are offering the full unabridged audiobook at a special price of $4.98 through May 4, 2012. No coupon code is required to receive this special pricing; just click on the book cover above and add the audiobook to your cart.

Prefer eBooks? Download the eBook from eChristian.com, our partner site, for $11.89 (30% off.)

Win it Wednesday | Named by God by Kasey Van Norman

2012-04-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the christianaudio blog! This week, enter to win Named by God by Kasey Van Norman!

Named by God

[unabridged audiobook: 7.25 hrs]

Author: Kasey Van Norman

Narrator: Kasey Van Norman

In many ways, Kasey Van Norman has suffered more heartbreak than one woman can bear. Growing up, she endured her parents' divorce, date rape, and years of addiction to sex and cutting. As an adult, she suffered the pain of an emotional affair, rejection by her friends and community, and her mother's death from cancer. But at the end of this twisting path of heartbreak, Kasey walked out of the wilderness and into a place of God's merciful and miraculous healing.

In Named By God, Kasey shares her story of God's infinite grace and compassion so that other women might learn from her experience and grow in their own relationship with God.

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Beth, who was the winner of The Explicit Gospel in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Beth, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of Named by God. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, April 26.

<<< This giveaway has ended. >>>

Retailer's Choice Award Finalists Announced!

2012-04-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Since 2011, Christian Retailing magazine has sponsored the Retailers Choice Awards to recognize some of the most significant new life-changing products in the Christian retail industry. The finalists and eventual winners are chosen for the impact they have had on both staff and customers.

In the Audio category, we are excited that titles published by christianaudio earned two of the three nominations!

Knowing God
by J.I. Packer
Read by Simon Vance
[unabridged audio]

Purchase the audio download.
Purchase the audio CD from Amazon.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence
by Sarah Young
Read by Pam Ward
[unabridged audio]

Purchase the audio CD from Amazon.

More and more, top books are also available in audio, and dozens of finalists are available in audio on christianaudio.com! If you're looking for a great book to listen to, this might be a great place to find your next favorite book. In our list, we've included just the titles that are available in audio at christianaudio.com (each title is linked), but there are even more great books and categories on the full 2012 Retailers Choice Awards finalists list.

BOOKS (Non-Fiction)

Autobiography/Biography

All Is Grace, Brennan Manning*
Kisses From Katie, Katie Davis
Raising a Soul Surfer, Cheri Hamilton with Rick Bundschuh

Christian Living: Spiritual Growth

Beautiful Outlaw, John Eldredge
Nearing Home, Billy Graham
One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp

Church and Culture

Erasing Hell, Francis Chan
God Wins, Mark Galli*
I Never Thought I'd See the Day, David Jeremiah
You Lost Me, David Kinnaman*

Relationships

Beyond Boundaries, John Townsend
Have a New Teenager by Friday, Kevin Leman
The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace, Gary Chapman, Paul White

Other Finalists

Children's Nonfiction - The Story for Children: A Storybook Bible, Max Lucado
Christian Living: Practical Life - Indescribable, Louie Giglio, Matt Redman
Devotionals - The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge, Tony Dungy
Evangelism - Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman
First-Time Authors - Thunder Dog, Michael Hingson
Health and Fitness - Reshaping It All, Candace Cameron Bure
Prayer - The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson
Social Issues - Bloodlines, John Piper*
Women's Nonfiction - Lazarus Awakening, Joanna Weaver

BOOKS (Fiction)

Contemporary Romance

A Marriage Carol, Chris Fabry, Gary Chapman*
Deadly Pursuit, Irene Hannon

General

Courageous, Randy Alcorn, Alex Kendrick, Stephen Kendrick
Forbidden, Ted Dekker, Tosca Lee
Leaving, Karen Kingsbury

Historical Romance

The Girl in the Gatehouse, Julie Klassen
The Lightkeeper's Ball, Colleen Coble

Mystery and Suspense

Fatal Judgment, Irene Hannon
The Queen, Steven James
Vicious Cycle, Terri Blackstock

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*Audiobook published by christianaudio

Win it Wednesday | The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler

2012-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the christianaudio blog! This week, enter to win The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler with Jared C. Wilson!

The Explicit Gospel

[unabridged audiobook: 8.3 hrs]

Author: Matt Chandler with Jared C. Wilson

Narrator: David Cochran Heath

Too few people attending church today, even those in evangelical churches, are exposed to the gospel explicitly. Sure, many will hear about Jesus, and about being good and avoiding bad, but the gospel message simply isn't there--at least not in its specificity and its fullness. Inspired by the needs of both the overchurched and the unchurched, and bolstered by the common neglect of the explicit gospel within Christianity, Matt Chandler has written this punchy treatise.

He begins with the specifics of the gospel--outlining what it is and what it is not--and then switches gears to focus on the fullness of the gospel and its massive implications on both personal and cosmic levels. Recognizing our tendency to fixate on either the micro or macro aspects of the gospel, Chandler also warns us of the dangers on either side--of becoming overly individualistic or syncretistic. Here is a call to true Christianity, to know the gospel explicitly, and to unite the church on the amazing grounds of the good news of Jesus!

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Keri, who was the winner of The Vow in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Keri, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of The Explicit Gospel. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, April 19.

<<< This giveaway has ended. >>>

Not all audio Bibles are created equal

2012-04-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

by Cory Verner

On the surface, what I’m about to tell you may seem like a shameless advertisement masked as a blog post. It really isn’t. Reading this post could save you wasted time and energy if you are in the market for an audio Bible!

If you plan to download an audio Bible, we would love it if you would consider christianaudio. We’ve spent years listening to our customers and refining our encoding process to make sure the Bibles we sell provide the best listening experience available in downloadable audio Bibles. Here are some specific reasons to consider buying a Bible at christianaudio.com.

DRM-free

When you buy an audio Bible (or any audiobook) at christianaudio.com, we think you should be able to listen to it whenever you want and wherever you want. christianaudio has offered DRM-free products for years, so the files you purchase can be downloaded and used on any device.

Designed for ease of use

We know it is important for Bible users to quickly find a specific book and chapter, so both formats we offer are designed with this in mind. How inconvenient would it be to try and find Psalm 57 if the entire Old Testament was in just a few audio files? Rather than provide you a few massive files with random chapter slices, we take great care to ensure that your download files are organized so you can actually use them.

Superior organization

We offer each book of the Bible as an individual file. Because the Bible is a long book, the file size and number of files for any particular Bible is large, so we only provide our Bible downloads as ZIP files. To further lessen the strain on your network, we often break these files down into manageable chunks (for example, separate ZIP files for Old and New Testaments). Depending on whether you've chosen to download the MP3s or the M4Bs, your audio will appear as follows:

MP3 Bibles are encoded one file per chapter, and organized into folders by book of the Bible. This means the files should be in proper book and chapter order in your playback program or media device.
M4B Bibles are encoded with 1 file for each book of the Bible.

What’s the difference between the MP3 and M4B formats?

MP3 files are supported by the widest range of possible players. Your MP3 Bible is almost guaranteed to play on anything you own.
M4B files are unique to Apple Software & Devices (iTunes, iPods, iPhones, & iPads), and offer a listening experience that can't be achieved though MP3 audio. M4B files automatically bookmark your playback position so you resume playback right where you left off listening last time. M4Bs also allow the embedding of chapter markers within the audio, so you can jump to any chapter number you choose.
Change your Device? No problem. Your audio Bible purchase is stored in your christianaudio account indefinitely, so you can easily download the other format for your new device.

Many of our listeners tell us that they really appreciate the chance to listen to God’s word through an audio Bible, and we want to be sure that their experience - and yours - is the best it can be.

Cory Verner is President and Co-founder of christianaudio.

Audiobook Bestsellers for April

2012-04-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's one of the reasons we got into audiobooks in the first place - bringing quality, thoughtful books to the audiobook format! It's so rewarding to know that so many of today's top Christian books are available in audio. We were just checking on the latest top 10 list for April, and found several of them available at christianaudio.com!

Check out one of these top books, or click here to see all our Best Selling audiobooks!

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, Narrated by Dean Gallagher
The Vow by Kim & Krickett Carpenter, Narrated by John McLain
Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman, Narrated by Kyle Idleman
The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, Narrated by Gary Chapman
Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Narrated by Francis Chan

(Bestseller list information available at christianbestsellerlists.com. The above titles appeared in the Christian Multi-Channel Bestsellers list for April 2012.)

Win it Wednesday | The Vow

2012-04-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Brand new in audio, and you can win a copy! Just released from our friends over at Oasis Audio is The Vow: The True Events that Inspired the Movie.

The Carpenter's story is one marked by love, commitment and faith in remarkable times: "I'm no hero. I made a vow." says Kim Carpenter of the events in his life and marriage that are now the subject of a successful motion picture.

The Vow

[unabridged audiobook: 4.75 hrs]

Author: Kim & Krickitt Carpenter

Narrator: John McLain

Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition two months after their marriage when a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks. When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. With no recollection of their relationship and while Krickitt experienced personality changes common to those who suffer head injuries, Kim realized the woman he had married essentially died in the accident. And yet, against all odds, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again.

The Vow tells the true story of this journey, one of a commitment unbroken and a vow fulfilled. Includes an exclusive interview with Kim & Krickitt Carpenter!

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Brian, who was the winner of last week's Win it Wednesday drawing for a $15 Gift Certificate to christianaudio.com. Brian, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code for one digital download of The Vow. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on April 12, 2012.

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Win it Wednesday | Winner's Choice!

2012-04-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

Thanks for stopping by the christianaudio blog! This week, we have a GREAT giveaway for you! We couldn't decide what to pick, so we thought we'd let YOU decide - well, if you're the winner, that is!

This week's lucky winner will receive a $15 Gift Certificate to christianaudio.com to pick out an audiobook (or two!) of their choice.

We know sometimes audiobooks are the perfect gift, so we have two great gift-giving options at christianaudio. Gift Certificates are available in any amount from $10 to $250. You can send the gift certificate by email directly to the recipient, or have it sent to yourself if you want to give the certificate in person.

If you want to gift a specific title, you can use the Gift This link on any product page to give that specific title. Just like with a gift certificate, you can email the gift or use our handy printable "Gift This" Certificate (opens in PDF).

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to John, who was the winner of 24 Hours That Changed the World and Final Words in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! John, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a christianaudio gift certificate for $15. You must include your name and a valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on April 5, 2012.

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Books vs. Audiobooks: An unresolved marital debate

2012-04-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Cory Verner

I have an ongoing debate with my wife…when I listen to a book, did I ‘read’ it? When book discussions come up and I comment that I’ve read something, she is quick to correct me: “You mean you listened to it, right, babe?” Thanks very much for clarifying that, dear. Several discussions on this topic have not moved us any closer to agreement. To her, listening is not the same as reading.

Although I must concede that listening is not reading, the end result of both activities is very similar for many. Sure, you can’t underline an audiobook. But think about it: when was the last time you actually went back and read all those highlights?

True, you can’t flip back a few pages in an audiobook and re-familiarize yourself with that character who’s come back into the plot. You can click back a couple of tracks if necessary and re-listen to a section or two. Let’s face it, in either case that’s not something that we usually need to do.

“I can read faster than I can listen,” you say? Ever tried the 2X or 3X speeds on your iPod?

“I can’t follow audiobooks, reading is way easier.” With practice, following audiobooks is easier than reading for many people.

The truth is that listening sometimes unnecessarily gets a bad rap. It’s true, some books are better in print or “e” format. But the opposite is true as well. Some books are better as audiobooks. I commuted for about five years from North San Diego county to Irvine – about 1.5 hours one way. During that time I became an audiobookoholic. I devoured audiobooks (mostly classics because that’s what was available from my local library) and became particularly fond of the Russians. Let me tell you that the average person has a much better shot at getting through the audio versions of Crime and Punishment and War and Peace – go Simon Vance! Just keeping the names straight is a deal breaker for some readers, but the narrator glides through them and provides character voices to keep everything manageable. Just sit back and enjoy.

Full disclosure: After listening to many of these audiobooks, I bought paper copies and made notes in them. I didn’t, however, feel a need to read them… because I already had. I just wanted to be able to quote a section or two or re-read a chapter because I couldn’t help myself.

My opinion is that in the near future, reading and listening may become completely ubiquitous as our desire for content begins to transcend the reading context. Enhanced books will eventually give audio a more prominent and deserved position in the format hierarchy. Whether or not this post will help me convince my wife that listening is the same as reading remains to be seen.

Cory Verner is the President and co-founder of christianaudio.

Free Audiobook Download of the Month | "Road to the Resurrection"

2012-04-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Easter. The day on which the entire Christian faith is built. The day that Christ conquered death and paid the price so that all might be saved. Here at christianaudio, as we talked about our free book offer for April, we knew we wanted to bring you an audiobook that would focus on this world-changing event.

We are so pleased to partner with Harvest Ministries to offer Road to the Resurrection as this month's free audiobook download. Author Greg Laurie is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, one of the largest churches in America, and leader of the Harvest Crusades attended by more than 4 million people since 1990.

Laurie's Road to the Resurrection provides a guidebook to the facts and circumstances surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Through listening, you will learn about the people, places, and timeline of the first Easter. But more than that, you will hear about the ancient prophecies of the Easter events, and the events that occurred after Christ's resurrection. Through it, you will see God's great love - a love that endured pain, ridicule, anguish and death for the sake of all of us - and be prompted to worship in response.

May you be blessed by God's love this Easter!

Road to the Resurrection

Explore and Share the Miracle of Easter

[unabridged audiobook: 2.5 hours]

Author: Greg Laurie

Narrator: Ray Porter

More great titles just $4.98!

The April Free audiobook, and the other offers in this post, are available through April 30, 2012. Never miss a free offer when you subscribe to our newsletter!

What I'm Reading | "Growing Up Amish"

2012-03-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

by Rebecca Ligtenberg

True confession: I don't listen to very many audiobooks. I listen sometimes, but audio is not my preferred format for consuming book content. I have always been a book-lover, however, and I consider access to terrific books a great perk of getting to work here at christianaudio.

However, I read one of our books recently, and I didn't want the fact that I read, instead of listened, get in the way of telling you about it. Cory, one of my co-workers and a huge fan of audiobooks, will be here on the blog Monday to tell you more about his take on listening vs. reading, but today it's my turn to tell you about a book I enjoyed recently: Growing Up Amish.

I love biographies because I really enjoy learning about other cultures, ideas, and worldviews by reading about the life experiences of others. I enjoy seeing the world through their eyes as their story unfolds. In this case, author Ira Wagler writes about his struggle to fit in with the society from which he came.

I sympathize with the strong draw he felt to remain Amish while at the same time he struggled against it, until the time he left the community for good. I too, have struggled with finding my own way in the world at times. We all come from somewhere and have to decide eventually if we will adopt or depart from the beliefs, ideas, and standards of our upbringing.

Biography fans and those with an interest in the Amish faith, as well as those who enjoy Amish Fiction, will enjoy this book. Growing Up Amish is available in audio at christianaudio.com and in eBook at eChristian.com.

Rebecca Ligtenberg is Marketing Manager for christianaudio.com.

Win it Wednesday | Two new audiobooks by Adam Hamilton

2012-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here at christianaudio, we are committed to bringing top books and authors to the audiobook format and we couldn't be more excited to be working with Abingdon Press to bring to audio the books of Pastor Adam Hamilton! Hamilton is the senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country.

We have recently released two of Hamilton's titles in audio, both of which are excellent resources to consider during this season of Lent and Easter. This week, we are pleased to give away copies of both books to one reader of the christianaudio blog!

24 Hours that Changed the World

[unabridged audiobook: 4.2 hrs]

Author: Adam Hamilton

Narrator: Lloyd James

No single event in human history has received more attention than the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. In this book, Adam Hamilton guides us through the last twenty-four hours of Jesus' life. Each chapter is designed to help the reader experience and understand the significance of Jesus' suffering and death in a way you have never done before. Whether readers are long-time Christians or simply curious about the story of Christ's crucifixion, they are invited to join the author in retracing the last 24 hours of Jesus' life. Although 24 Hours that Changed the World will be used as a Lenten read or in a Lenten study, Adam Hamilton's name and the important subject matter will make this book an important read anytime of the year.

Final Words

From the Cross

[unabridged audiobook: 4 hrs]

Author: Adam Hamilton

Narrator: Sean Runnette

In life and in death, Jesus’ words were powerful and meaningful. Despite the serious effort and increased pain required for Jesus to speak as he hung on the cross, Jesus spoke seven "final words" statements that have much to teach us about Jesus, his Father, and ourselves:

Father Forgive Them
Behold Your Son… Behold Your Mother
My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Today You Will Be with Me in Paradise
I Thirst
It Is Finished
Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit

In 24 Hours That Changed the World, Adam Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey through the last day of Jesus' life. Now in this inspiring follow-up book, Hamilton explores these final words as seen and heard through the eyes and ears of those who stood near the cross.

Last week's WINNER!

Congratulations to Shelley, who was the winner of Choose Joy in last week's Win it Wednesday drawing! Shelley, we sent you an email with your gift code!

Enter to Win!

Please use the form below to enter for your chance to win. The winner will receive a coupon code that may redeemed after April 1 at christianaudio.com for one digital download of Final Words and of 24 Hours That Changed the World. You must include a name and valid email address to be eligible to win. One entry per person, please! Entries will be accepted until 12:00 PM Pacific Time on Thursday, March 29, 2012.

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