For me, the presence of a Bible study and DVD kit from Lifeway only serves as a reminder of two things.  First, despite the edginess of the book — this is the first B&H fiction title I’ve ever carried — we are again confronting the fact that B&H is, after all Broadman and Holman, the same conservative Baptist publishing company representing, among their constituency, some people who probably consider the reading of Christian fiction on the borderline of sinful, if not already over the line.

Second, it’s a reminder that there is no resource out there that Lifeway is not prepared to exploit.  Another product where they reap the revenues and booksellers are left with next to nothing. But as I’ve said before, somebody has to underwrite that large Nashville office and staff, and spinoff luxuries like Lifeway Research. That somebody is you, and your customers.

Did Rubart have a choice?  Maybe not.  Or maybe someone convinced him that this was a good idea.  I don’t agree with any suggestion that this will sell more copies of the book.  Rather, I think it confines it to a category of merchandise more suited to Sunday School class material instead of the “hot” fiction it was.  Or for that matter, “cool” fiction.  Too bad.

Treasures Media of Racine, Wisconsin is self-described by owner Jerry Bloom as the world’s largest distributor of discount Christian books.  In this 27-minute local access television program, he talks with The Journal Times business reporter Michael Burke.  Treasures must be a big deal in Racine and Kenosha, because they chose Jerry as the very first guest for their video launch.

Click here to watch the program.

Footnote:    Like so many of us, Jerry Bloom’s life today is an example of ‘grace in progress.’  An archived article in the Racine Post says that he “was convicted 21 years ago of shooting into an occupied church in Kenosha;” and “served time in prison from 1988-90 for firing a rifle into Kenosha’s Friendship Baptist Church.”  You don’t need to read that story today, except as an example that God changes people.

First, Phil’s introduction:

MY THANKS to Roger Pearse for kind permission to reproduce this thought provoking and challenging post from his blog, all the more challenging given the number of bookshop closures we’ve seen over the last year or so. Roger’s observations echo many of the conversations we’ve had here over the years, going right back to my Christian Bookshops — who needs them? (2008) and The Future Shape of Christian Bookselling (2009) amongst others; but it’s a conversation that is far from over and, if we’re to find a way through the present crisis, it needs to continue — with even more urgency than we’ve pursued it before.  ~ Phil Groom

Coming Home is a novel about tremendous victory and unprecedented loss, a story of faith and a forever kind of love, love that will stay with you long after the last page. This stand-alone novel will serve as either a grand introduction or a beautiful conclusion in the saga of the Baxter Family. The Baxters make plans to come together for a summer lakeside reunion, a celebration like they haven’t had in years. But before the big day, the unthinkable happens. As the Baxter Family rallies together, memories come to light in the grief-stricken hours of waiting and praying, memories that bring healing and hope during a time when otherwise darkness might have the final word. In a season that changes all of them, the brilliance of family love overshadows even the valley of heartache as the Baxters draw closer to God and each other. Along the way, secrets are revealed and the truth about the Baxter Family history is finally made known. Ultimately, in this portrait of family love, the Baxters cling to each other and to God’s promise of forever.

In a world of bullet point communication and 140-character Tweets; and in a world where increasingly I’m hearing, “I’m not a reader;” or more often, “My husband’s not a reader;” I’ve decided that these little $3.99 (U.S.) items are currently my best inventory investment. 

Is each one a book I won’t sell?  Not necessarily.  I’m betting on them whetting the appetite of people interested in certain subjects who will come back when they’re ready to dig deeper.  My order is a composite of the Top 20 provided by Cook Canada and data from a large online retailer who shall remain nameless.  You can buy them individually or in ten-packs.

Click the comments section to see a sample of available titles.