Talking Shop

Blog Tours

2012-01-25T14:54:00.000Z

Christian Focus Publications regularly run blog tours of their books. Anyone wanting a free review copy of a book must be prepared to post a review on their personal blog & on an online retailers website. Keep an eye on the Christian Focus Blog to see which books they are planning blog tours for.

Their current blog tour is for the children's book Finish the Race - Eric Liddell (from the popular trailblazers series) and one of our customers has taken part! Take a look - it's a great way to get an all round opinion on a particular book.

Lorna

Our New Ventures

2012-01-16T19:20:00.000Z

One end of the technological spectrum to the other - old books and eBooks. These are the new areas that we are moving into, as you will see on the latest version of our website. We have taken on most of the secondhand / antiquarian books formerly held by Zoar Books, which ceased trading in September 2011. Extensive sifting and cataloguing is underway, and the current booklist is now available to search on a secured spreadsheet, which opens from our homepage. So add the website to your favourites to include in your book searches. At present you cannot order secondhand books directly from the website, but just drop us an email or phone us about them. There are about 2800 to go at - and counting!

A fast developing sector, although still in its infancy, is eBooks. We have decided to enter with caution. Christian Focus Publications have been particularly supportive, and we can offer the eBooks they have available. Also our own distributed titles will increasingly feature, all being well. They are in PDF format at the moment, and you will notice that A.B. Hoblyn's tracts are FREE! We aim to add to the eBook range to bring together some really sound and profitable material in one place. These are exciting times, and we've only just started!

Jeremy

Hit By Friendly Fire

2012-01-10T23:50:00.001Z

I first came across Michael A Milton as an author by reading his striking book of short essays 'Small Things, Big Things' published by P & R in 2009. It was so winsome and out of the ordinary that I couldn't help but like it, even though I didn't agree with it all. So when his name came up in the list of new titles being brought out by EP Books I was intrigued, and latched onto the book when it arrived just before Christmas. It is a very different read than the other - much shorter, more focused, and more restrained. Milton handles a subject more prevalent than Christians would like to admit, that of being hurt or betrayed by fellow believers. He correctly identifies this as being deeply emotive and takes on the role of caring pastor - sensitively applying the scriptures. Joseph and the Apostle Paul are particularly used as case studies, but Jesus himself of course as the supreme example. They are returned to repeatedly within Milton's step by step process to help bring healing: 'take up your cross; take off your crown; go to your Gethsemane.' I have to say that while I don't think Milton has rightly engaged with Paul's meaning in Philippians 3:10-11, I do think his overall principles are sound and profitable. Indeed they apply to many other types of hurt, and I found a dose of his medicine helpful although not palatable. Thus, by being capable of extension from the particular to the general, this little book packs a big punch. It is kind on the pocket too at £4.99.

Jeremy

A nice boost to our New Year!

2012-01-07T12:54:00.000Z

I know we linked to this on our facebook page, & we don't particularly like blowing our own trumpets but this was a morale boosting review that we couldn't really allow to disappear into the mists of time too easily (and we realise that many of our customers don't see our facebook page). So thank you to Gervase Charmley, our 'Mystery Shopper'!

In Many Bookshops with Pastor Charmley

Timeless Stories

2011-12-12T22:21:00.001Z

This book took me by surprise. I had pigeonholed it in my mind as a collection of short biographies, along the lines of Faith Cook's recent 'Out of the Shadows.' In fact I was interested to see how this new kid on the block, author Vance Christie, compared to her. The first surprise was in the arrangement of the book. Story follows story, but biography doesn't follow biography. It is thematically arranged, with brief, almost 'bedtime story' type pieces. This is fresh, and makes a comfortable reading length. It therefore suits Christmas schedules(!) as well as commuters, or the elderly, or just those who want meditations prompted by lessons from the past. Indeed, preachers might find stories here to illustrate sermons. However the downside is that those who are not familiar with the individual lives of the likes of George Muller, C H Spurgeon, Dwight Moody, Corrie ten Boom, Billy Graham and others, will find it a bit chaotic. Christie does compare well with Faith Cook in my opinion in terms of historical research and attention to detail. His writing also holds the interest of the reader (always a help!) But, and this was my second surprise, he apparently finds no difficulty in lumping these very different famous Christian men and women together. There is no discussion of doctrinal differences, no critical analysis in that sense, although there is evaluation as well as appreciation of the experiences of the characters involved. This falls short of Faith Cook - whether you agree with her judgment or not.

'Timeless Stories. God's incredible work in the lives of inspiring Christians' is published by Christian Focus Publications (CFP) for £8.99. It is written by Vance Christie, who is an evangelical pastor from Nebraska, USA.

CFP have also published 'Women of Faith and Courage' by him, which costs the same but has a more conventional arrangement. It contains fascinating mini-biographies of Susanna Wesley, Fanny Crosby, Catherine Booth, Mary Slessor and Corrie ten Boom. (Susanna was my favourite). Again, the same absence of biblical assessment of their spiritual experience and ministry was a problem for me. It is as though as long as the broad banner of 'evangelical' can be draped around them all is well.

Jeremy

Christmas Update

2011-12-08T20:30:00.001Z

We're running desperately late with our December Bulletin so thought I ought to do a little update on Christmas stock. Books have been flying off the shelves over the last few weeks, but don't worry if the book you are looking for is not in stock, most suppliers are able to send us more stock within a few days so there is still plenty of time to order before Christmas.

Our Charity Christmas cards are sold out apart from 1 design...

If it's Robins & Postboxes you like we still have plenty of the packs of 12 with 3 designs in...

Have a look at all our remaining cards via this link Christmas Cards

2012 calendars are also disappearing fast. The only appointment calendar left is Words of Jesus which is a really nice contemporary style for £3.99. We have plenty of the AV Block Calendar

plus stock of the TBS calendars (Words of Life & Golden Thoughts). Take a look at all the calendars on our site for more details.

Give us a call if you have any queries - we will do our best to help.

Lorna

A Reformed Publisher?

2011-11-21T23:29:00.001Z

I don't like doing bad reviews and I really don't like to totally slate a publisher or author but... Two new children's books recently came in from a well known publisher, a reformed publisher, one which states that it is committed to being faithful to God's inerrant, infallible Word. One I can trust to produce Biblically sound books within a reformed framework then? I was sadly disappointed.

Some may call me 'hyper' (those that want to will know what I mean), but since when has 'free-will' been part of TULIP? Since when have Calvinists encouraged 'Decisionism'? I'm sorry, but a storyline that encourages the main character to 'make a decision' about being a Christian or even to 'pray a prayer' to become a Christian strikes me as being decidedly Arminian.

I don't particularly want to 'Name & Shame', but I am interested to know how books like this can pass through a reformed editorial team and be deemed as suitable for publication. Perhaps I am too straightlaced for many, but where are the standards? If you are a Calvinist, stand up for the 5 Points. Why should we accept watered down theology, and certainly let's not put this in the hands of innocent children.

Lorna

Latest News

2011-11-15T11:52:00.000Z

The day after the night before. We're just getting the shop back to a Christmas look after a very successful special sales night. It was really encouraging to see the response to the invitations sent out to this event, when all new books were on sale at a minimum of 20% off, and secondhand books were half price. It's always good to see local pastors setting an example and heading our way. Thanks for your support! Obviously coffee and cakes help oil the wheels on such occasions too...

The last week or so has been particularly busy. We have also done two external events - bookstalls locally and further afield. The AV block calendar is selling steadily despite the small price rise which we regretfully had to make. The Savannah Charity Christmas cards have proved so popular that we are going to get two of the designs reprinted to meet demand. However it's not just Christmas/New Year stock that has been bought up, but now that we are able to take some of our secondhand books out for browsing through, they have sold well too. We hope to get a spreadsheet listing of some secondhand stock online soon to give better exposure to them. Finding the time is the hard part.

Pitfall!

2011-10-25T21:20:00.002+01:00

I took a group of children up to the National Coal Mining Museum today - it is very local to us and is well worth a visit. School holidays are a particularly good time because extra arts & crafts activities are usually laid on for children, but at any time of the year this is a really informative and interesting place to wander around. Today we took part in a Living History session with the Pithead Baths' attendant which really brought to life the old mining ways and reminded me of a book (surprise, surprise!)...

Pitfall! was originally published as a little hardback by Zoar Publications in 1972 and is a short fictional story written for children (around 6-10yr olds). It had long been out of print when in 2005 we decided to republish it in response to growing demand particularly from the Christian School community. It really is a little gem of a book with a gripping story line about a coal mining disaster in a small mining village. The black & white scraperboard pictures have often been praised as being very evocative of the blackness of the mining times. I remember reading this book as a child and I found it just as spine-tingling when I read it to my own children a few years ago. Gospel truths are clearly and simply taught throughout the story and this can lead to many a fruitful discussion.
Sadly the National Coal Mining Museum have refused to stock this book in their shop with some muttering about the Christian message being too blatant. A sad sign of the times I'm afraid, but we shall continue to press it as the opportunities arise.
Pitfall! by Barbara Hallihan, published by CBO Publications, priced £2.95 (now a staplebound paperback). See more details here.
Lorna

She's made it!

2011-10-15T21:21:00.001+01:00

At one time or another as each of the children grew up and became more mobile they made the mountainous journey up the big steps from the office into the shop. Yesterday Katie independently negotiated this tricky route and triumphantly made her way to what has always been a favourite spot with young children - watching the cars from the doorway! Suddenly a whole new world has opened up to her - specifically a shopful of books ready and waiting to be pulled off the shelves. It is a hard lesson to learn, but they all had to go through it - you can look at them but you can't grab them & slobber all over them!
Lorna

Have a Tea Break for Charity!

2011-10-13T22:01:00.000+01:00

In hard pressed economic times charities can be the first to suffer the effects of general belt-tightening. Perhaps this is not quite so true of christian charities as of others. We certainly had good support back in July when we donated a proportion of sales to Caring for Life. Also at the moment we are seeing great interest in the charity cards within our Christmas card range (proceeds to the Savannah Education Trust this year). However non-christian charities do not often retain the loyalty of the public to the same degree, and so are going to be under tremendous pressure - in fact fighting each other for 'market share' in people's giving. This is a tragic reality. Perhaps I am going to make a bad thing worse, but I will be fundraising for the sake of an unsung cause next Friday (21st October). Epilepsy Action have designated this day as 'National Tea Break' - have a cuppa, a chat and give what you can. They are the UK's largest epilepsy charity, but you may well not have heard of it, because epilepsy doesn't receive the same attention as most other medical problems. But although it isn't some killer disease, it is a life changing condition. I know because I have it. God has wonderfully overruled it for good in my life, but it is and has been a great trial to me and my family. Statistics are that 1 in every 103 people in the UK have some form of epilepsy. Now, many mysteries remain in the understanding of it medically, so more money for brain research is required. But equally, basic things like enabling sufferers to cope, training specialist 'Sapphire' nurses, and greater public awareness are all needed as well. Epilepsy Action's current campaign is about educating people as to what to do to help in the event of coming across someone having a seizure. So I will be in my workplace on the day next week, making tea for all who come in the bookshop to donate. Lorna is providing cakes - an even bigger draw I'm sure! In addition, 10% of the day's takings will be given to Epilepsy Action, and this includes mail order. So prepare your wants lists, contact us, and support a worthy cause at the same time. And if I can find such a thing as a virtual cup of tea, I'll happily pour you one!

Jeremy

Articles of Faith

2011-09-27T23:08:00.001+01:00

At the outset it must be acknowledged that this book may well not circulate widely outside of those of a particular Particular Baptist persuasion(!) But a fresh treatment of the doctrinal position of the denomination called Gospel Standard (GS) Baptists is welcome to me. And this is the first of what promises to be an excellent new series on the GS 35 Articles of Faith, reinvigorating the Gospel Standard Trust's publication list. Ken Matrunola has a clear, easy to read style. This is remarkable in view of the fact that his contribution to the book was originally given as a lecture in the late 1980's, and has been transcribed without being edited. He addresses the subject of the need for Confessions of Faith initially, before going on to an examination of Article 1, regarding the Bible. In a brief reference to the history of Particular Baptist Statements of Faith, and of the rise of the GS Articles, he notes that further research was desirable as to precisely how the latter came to be constituted in their present form. This has been amply supplied in an Appendix which is longer than the lecture! Here Timothy Abbott brings documentary evidence from an extensive enquiry into this matter. Much is referred to, but more important matter has been reproduced, thus bulking out the Appendix. This is good for those who desire to dig into it deeply - but it needs to be read selectively (at least at first go!) in order for the thread not to be lost. A tip here is to focus on the italicized portions. The clear stamp of William Gadsby's theology placed upon John Gill's initial contribution is conclusively shown to be fundamental to a correct understanding of the GS Articles. This has considerable implications for the denomination as a whole, particularly in drawing a clear line of demarcation based upon doctrine rather than upon tradition. It should cause major heart-searching for both young and old in GS churches, but probably won't. Anyway the quote from William Gadsby at the end really is worth the modest price of the book alone!

'Articles of Faith. Why and where from?' by Ken Matrunola and Timothy Abbott. Gospel Standard Trust Publications. £5.50. Just out now - they haven't yet got it showing on their website (as of today).

Jeremy

Enough.

2011-09-22T23:18:00.000+01:00

Helen Roseveare is a very practical & down to earth writer. She is so honest about her failings in her Christian walk it becomes easy to admit to yours. In this book she has challenged me again. The general thesis is that Christ is enough to fulfil all our needs. Sounds obvious and I'm sure we all know the theory and the scripture texts to prove it. But do we really live it out? Really? Honestly?
What about all those 'respectable sins' - worry, perfectionism, that ever-so-small feeling of discontent, the grumbling about the weather, impatience, moral superiority - we may talk about them as little weaknesses or failings but they are certainly not very Christ-like. How longsuffering our Lord is! Do we really rely on Him to know what is for our real good?
What about that sneaky 'Jesus... plus'? If we could just be successful in this situation, if only God would provide a spouse/a new house, if only those around me would respect me more, life would be so much better. Since when was Jesus and Him alone not enough for our complete happiness? 'The joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10).
These 'not enough' errors that Helen talks about are so subtle, but ring horribly true. Suddenly I have become more aware of far too many of them tucked away in my own heart where no-one would necessarily see them - except a Holy God of course. This is very humbling and could lead to feelings of despair of never being good enough - but Helen deals with this too. Indeed we fall far short of pleasing our Heavenly Father, but the death of Christ is enough to cover all our sins. Enough.
This is a book that I found searching and profitable. It's only small and takes less than an hour to read through. Buy it and digest. In fact don't bother buying it - the copy I picked off the shelf in the shop has since had tea spilt on it (an over-enthusiastic little helper!) so I'm happy to give it away free. All you need to do is 'like' us on our facebook page (or get a friend to like us if you don't have a facebook account), then let me have your address & its yours for keeps!
Lorna
Enough. by Helen Roseveare, published by Christian Focus, £2.99

Dealing With Depression

2011-09-19T19:36:00.000+01:00

Books on depression depress me, as I often facetiously remark. Firstly, as a bookshop manager deciding what to stock, there is too much choice on this subject. The 'Christian Life' section could be chock full of them! Secondly, and more seriously, I actually find them disturbing to read. They draw out depressive tendencies, and poor old Lorna has to bear the brunt of a storm of self analysis...
The reason for stocking this book is that the read is neither too complex nor too long. It arose out of a series of seminars in which the two authors brought their different skills together (medical and social sciences) to address a problem they felt was far too overlooked amongst Christians. You will not be blinded with science here - the book helpfully gives a guide to further reading on the subject, along with details of some useful internet resources. So, with a lot of the 'heavy' material handled like that, it leaves the book just about right for both sufferers and helpers of this terrible affliction. It is shocking to learn that depression is now the third most common reason to consult a GP in the UK. This 'black dog', as Winston Churchill called it, is not of necessity a spiritual malady, but neither can it be rightly considered outside of a biblical framework. That balance is struck here and brief, constructive lessons are brought out from the Psalms and other places in the Bible where the sovereignty, wisdom and care of God is displayed. Another feature of the book is that at the end of each chapter there is a feature piece about different people's own experiences. This culminates with an extended testimony from the well known Yorkshire based evangelist Roger Carswell.
Overall, 'Dealing with Depression' by Sarah Collins & Jayne Haynes is a great little book. It has just been published by Christian Focus Publications at a price of £4.99. We are currently running an offer on it for £3.50.
Jeremy

August - A Wash Out?

2011-09-12T22:30:00.000+01:00

Lorna has just posted about our Annual bulletin. Yes, the boys were a great help, but it went off a bit late this year. What happened to August? Did we get anything done apart from a family holiday? Well, strangely, it was a great success. Looking at the month from more than the narrow commercial perspective, it was one of our best times. We held two holiday activity mornings for pre-teen children plus parents, which were runaway successes. They were begging for more! It was so satisfying to get across a literary theme through crafts and quizzes as well as book readings. More than 60 children were there which was fabulous. It was particularly nice to see many from non-Christian families. We were kindly allowed the use of the Chapel next door to give us the needed space, and had a great support team as well. Thanks everyone! We have a gallery of photos on our Facebook page. Remember you can view this even if you do not have a Facebook account.
The problem now is that we have probably made a rod for our own back for future holiday times, and left ourselves playing catch-up as we start the long run in to Christmas! But at least we do so feeling more fulfilled than ever.
Jeremy

With a little help from my friends...

2011-09-10T20:54:00.001+01:00

Well ok, just one little friend...

One more job ticked off the list - perhaps now we can get back to blogging more regularly!

If you haven't received a copy of our annual news bulletin by post or email have a look at it on our website... http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/Bulletin.pdf (tons of news about secondhand books, ebooks, social networking, 2012 Calendars, Charity Christmas Cards & more).

Lorna

Shop Local

2011-08-15T23:22:00.000+01:00

Have a read of this from the Christian Bookshops Blog it's worth giving it some thought...

Listening to Liz Pilgrim, a riot-hit small retailer from Ealing on BBC R4 tonight was an inspiration, providing a strident rallying call for support to the High Street.Events of this past week have demonstrated that the UK High Street is hurting badly – in more ways than one. Shops in riot affected areas will have an uphill struggle to get their businesses back on track. Retailers everywhere are finding it hard work to make headway against strong and adverse economic headwinds.

If these local businesses are forced to leave their High Streets, it will be very hard, if not impossible, to open them again. Does that matter? Yes, I think it does. Those communities losing local traders are negatively impacted in a considerable way. We could all do much more to help – by stopping to think whether we can buy locally, by switching our purchasing from the internet to local shops (where possible) and from chain stores and supermarkets to the local trader. Yes, there’s often a price differential and I know that we all have time constraints but there is a positive social impact.Some of you might say that it’s already too late. It’s not. You can make a real difference locally.

So much of retail in the UK is comprised of fairly small units and these outlets provide considerable levels of local employment in so many of our towns and cities. It cannot be all about Tesco’s and Debenhams.

Use local markets wherever possible as these too continue to help commercial life to thrive in our neighbourhoods and communities. Yes, it’s hard to do this but it’s also worthwhile. At the moment, any help for smaller retailers, and sole traders in particular, is very welcome.

If you agree with this please post it elsewhere and let’s help bring more footfall to our High Streets. Do we really want to live in a homogenous world? Do we want all of retail life to move online? We all have to buy ‘stuff’. The only question is; where will we actually do our purchasing?

So go on – Support your own High Street. Support your local retailer. Support your small shops. Support your local Market. You might even enjoy yourself!

Lorna

Price Matching - Moral?

2011-07-26T14:08:00.000+01:00

Price Matching. Just to be clear I understand this to be an offer by a retailer to sell an item at the lowest price a customer can find it elsewhere. It is an aggressive marketing ploy, if completely successful aiming at the elimination of all competitors. During the early phase the consumer benefits. He is king, and appears to call all the shots, driving down prices until the retailers creak under the strain. Great for him - until one retailer succeeds in out-muscling the others, perhaps putting them out of business in the process. From this point the boot is on the other foot, and over a period of time prices will rise, as the retailer dominates. This is sheer market economics in the raw, at its ugliest - dog eats dog.

I have been pondering the morality of this as it applies to the market in christian books sold by self proclaimed christian companies. Is it fitting that publishers, bookshops and online retailers employ Price Matching? But then, it is a difficult time as the recession bites and the waterhole is shrinking. Temptation abounds.

Sometimes it is consumers who provoke a price war. Last week we had someone ring up to ask "Do you do price matching?" She had located a book cheaply elsewhere and wondered if we could or would sell it for the same. Now we were not going to play the rival Supermarkets game. But was that a christian attitude for her to have? I freely confess that I myself shop around and look at all the options and deals on and offline when buying goods, so am I just being hypocritical here? However is it not one thing to set your stall out and sell at what you can afford (maximising customer service and other enrichments as well) thus creating healthy competition, and another to advertise Price Matching? I feel that oversteps the mark. Managing a Christian Bookshop, I want to earn a living, but I want others in the same field to as well. Otherwise Biblical principles regarding love to our neighbour are violated. Price Matching discredits christian retailing, and it is shameful for sober christian people to provoke it. Feedback wanted please!

Jeremy

Gleanings From The Past

2011-07-18T23:04:00.002+01:00

This is the name of a 3 book series now republished in paperback by Scripture Truth Publications, and new to our bookshelves. The editor was Hamilton Smith, not a name widely known outside Brethren circles. His desire was to bring older classic writers 'back to life' by taking their work and producing a cut down form of them, more accessible to the average reader. Now, considering that he did this around the turn of the First World War, he by far anticipated later efforts like Banner of Truth's Puritan Paperbacks, and Grace Publications' Great Christian Classics series. But there is also one very different and unusual way in which he set about his task. He took material and arranged it by subject. Thus there might be sections entitled 'Afflictions,' 'Contentment,' 'Thanksgiving,' 'Warning,' 'Sin and Guilt,' 'Faith,' etc as well as more closely specific ones like 'Giving,' and 'Reading.' This all has the advantage of encouraging people to dip in and be benefited without being baffled or deterred by the typical Puritan writing structure. Of course it does have the downside of shredding and re-setting, which can put material out of context. I have to say, particularly in the case of Thomas Watson, it would have been much more informative to have cited the source of each dollop. It works more easily with Rutherford's sublime letters, although it will not be pleasing to the purist. But that's not the point! Vol 2 on Gurnall is actually the famousm 'Christian in Complete Armour,' albeit given this thematic treatment. I feel these books do have their place and usefulness. A good point is that the authors are quoted without being tampered with - just some obsolete words are explained, and also the Authorised Version is used.

Try them for £6 each, and let me know what you think of the Hamilton Smith treatment!

Jeremy

Books into schools

2011-06-30T23:07:00.000+01:00

Back in April we teamed up with the youth worker at our local Anglican church on an initiative to get good Christian books into the local primary schools. Yesterday we received a pile of thank you letters from the pupils of one of the schools. We really enjoyed reading through them all and would like to share some of the enthusiasm... (spelling mistakes just add to the charm, all you need to do is read with a Northern accent to really get the message!)
"We would like to say a huge thank you for the books you gave us for ower libary, ower book's we had befor were great but your book's are wonderful"
"Thank you for giving us them free books."
"It was very nice of you to give some books to us I havent read a Book yet but Recan they are gona be Fab, they look really good exspeasli the Jungle Doct's Fables"
"Every week every class goes to Library and that's where the awsome books are kept."
"Thank you for all these amazing books what I'm dyeing to to read all aspsely Water or Goo and Jungle docters fables"
"even thow I have not had the chance to get my hand's on I will one day they look fantastic"
"I want to eny one of them as long as it is a funny on I am ful of funnynes"
"Thank you for the book's like Danger and dedkation [Danger and Dedication] when that is free I will try and get it and book's mak leaning fun. I am shor i will like it"
Aren't they great? and who says children don't read nowadays?
How refreshing!
Lorna

July is Charity Month

2011-06-29T23:13:00.000+01:00

It's nearly July so I think it is worth mentioning that for the first time we will be running a Charity Month. For the month of July we are pledging to give 50p to our chosen charity for every book sold. The charity we have picked is local to us and one we have mentioned in previous blog posts (see here). Caring for Life is a charity that works really hard with some of the most shunned in society and they all seem to have a lot of fun in the process. Take a look at their website and then take a look at ours to decide what book to buy so that you can support them too. Better still, if you're on holiday in the area during July, buy a book for your holiday reading then pop up to Caring for Life for your lunch - you won't regret the experience! For those not on holiday but having to work their socks off in local offices we will be staying open late every Thursday during the charity month... just for you!
The essential details:

For every book sold, 50p goes to Caring for Life

Late night opening every Thursday until 8pm

I'm hoping our Charity Month will become a regular event so anyone who would like us to consider their favourite charity for our next one please let us know.

Lorna

Think Bookshop, Think Bike

2011-06-23T12:22:00.001+01:00

Did you know that this week (18th - 25th June) is designated Independent Booksellers Week? Indies, as they are known, are putting on a splash to remind the public that bookshops do still exist, and can provide a unique service that Amazon or even Tesco cannot match. Events are planned for this week, offers, reading groups...whatever the ingenuity of the managers can conjure up. But it's tough just to survive in the current climate, so you may have to travel a bit to find an Indie and admire the special window displays. How will you travel there I wonder? Co-incidentally it is also Team Green Britain Bike Week as well, and they have all sorts of promos going on to get the nation cycling. So fight obesity! Get your rusting bike out of the garage and do a perfect double whammy - cycle to your local bookshop. Especially if it's a Christian Bookshop! Just think of the health benefits for mind and body... Amazon, etc, promote laziness on both counts. You slouch at a computer and locate a title for purchase which you have been recommended to. No chance to look through it and compare it with others on the same subject, within the pleasant ambience and the informed advice to be found at a well run bricks and mortar bookshop. And, yes, there even are books to be found there which will be cheaper than on Amazon. To prove it check out: http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/product.php?&id=163&
Remember to include Amazon's postage costs.

Katie goes for bricks and books...
Just needs to work on her cycling!

Jeremy

Temptation of Christ

2011-06-08T10:51:00.000+01:00

This is not a new book, and certainly not a new author, but I looked at it in the course of preaching sermons on Christ's temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). One of the joys of having a Christian Bookshop is the resources it provides for personal use! Christian Focus Publications have this in their Christian Heritage range, and thankfully have maintained it in print for 15 years or so now. For £5.99 it is a well-selected, well-edited edition of this careful study of a deep subject. I believe Maurice Roberts (Free Church of Scotland Continuing minister, ex-editor of Banner of Truth magazine) did a commendable job here. He has taken Thomas Manton and made his work more suited for reading by someone who has never visited the Puritans before. But he has not done this by dumbing it down. He first carefully explains in the Introduction the typical Puritan style and structure of sermonizing. Then within the text he makes frequent use of square brackets to explain words or obsolete phrases. This may be a bit OTT for anyone who is used to reading Puritan writings, but the point is that it is targeting a certain (growing?) sector of younger evangelicals who are alienated from such as Manton. Modern Bible versions have also not helped in this trend. A generational dislocation from godly and profound authors from the past is a sad injury to the church of God. Men like Thomas Manton still deserve a hearing - they were above all men of the Bible, and who suffered for it. He was one of the 2000 men ejected from their livings in 1662, but who still were determined to preach and became an Independent. In earlier times he had been a chaplain to Oliver Cromwell and preached before Parliament. So he experienced the same as the Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:12).
This is not a long book by any means, but amply demonstrates the revitalising truth of Christ's full identification with his people in their temptations (Hebrews 2:18), and has many practical applications re struggling against Satan's attacks.
Jeremy

God's Names

2011-05-26T22:04:00.002+01:00

I like this book. It is written along the same lines as the 'God's Mighty Acts...' series (see http://christianbookshopossett.blogspot.com/2010/11/gods-mighty-acts.html ). With an easy style of writing it focuses on one biblical name of God in each short chapter (no more than 3 or 4 pages). Difficult theological concepts are not shied away from and the characteristics of God are reverently described and explained with plenty of application. Interaction is encouraged with suggestions for further reading and activities at the end of the chapters. An introduction for parents explains the aims of the book and gives suggestions for how it could be used. I think it would be helpful and profitable whether it was used as an individual devotional book or a children's group teaching resource. It is attractively produced with colour pages and illustrations and would make a lovely gift or Sunday School prize. Suitable for around 5-10 years.

You can view the contents or a sample chapter on the publishers website here

God's Names by Sally Michael, published by P & R, priced £12.99
N.B. ESV Scripture texts are used throughout.
Lorna

A Wonderful and Unfinished History

2011-05-19T17:25:00.001+01:00

I like this title of a little booklet excellently written by Peter Hallihan and issued by the Trinitarian Bible Society (TBS). You should like the price - just 60p! In fact they are too cheap to bother ordering alone, so we will give one free with each order during this momentous month of May. Exactly 400 years ago the Authorised Version (AV) of the Bible was issued, and linguistically as well as spiritually we are in its debt. How good God has been to English speaking peoples! But how few acknowledge it now, and indicate it by an insatiable appetite for yet another new translation. Hallihan remarks 'Is it not ironic that where the Gospel went by word of mouth, the immediate hunger was for the independent stability and endurance of the written word of Scripture, whereas today vast sums are spent trying to make the written word look and sound like a short-lived, ever-shifting spoken form!' (p19).

Now here is a rather murky preview of a book hot off the press of Gospel Standard Trust Publications! 'The King James Bible: Its History and Excellence.' This paperback is also amazing value for money at £3.50. We have just received it in this week. It contains articles by former Strict Baptist chairmen of the TBS on reasons for the usefulness of the AV today, and also has a history of the English Bible by John R Broome. Interestingly the original 'Translators to the Reader' found in the 1611 version is reproduced. Only some TBS Bibles have this in them nowadays. It helpfully outlines the principles of translation, and the reason for a new one, and was written by Myles Smith on behalf of the translators. Colour as well as black and white photos are included.

An indication of the endurance of the AV was brought home to me today. I have just packed up Matthew Henry Study Bibles for a destination in Zambia, which will be used by pastors and others. The request insisted on the AV. By implication also the language of the puritan Matthew Henry (harder to follow than the AV) is acceptable also! It just shows that where there's a will there's a way.

Jeremy

Reading Together

2011-05-13T22:32:00.000+01:00

Do you ever start a book and struggle to finish it? I certainly do. This was my motivation for starting a virtual reading club 'Reading Together' nearly a year ago. We have just come to the end of our second book which was The All-Sufficient God by Lloyd-Jones. I wouldn't rate it as my favourite book by Lloyd-Jones but this doesn't mean there was nothing to gain by reading it. Lloyd-Jones is always structured and straightforward to read and there was much to muse over and discuss with other members of the club. Perhaps not as much detail to discuss as there was in our first book by Thomas Watson. But then he was a Puritan... I need say no more!
So hopefully then, the group serves to bring together likeminded Christian ladies (sorry, no men allowed) and encourages them to read books they would normally struggle to get through. I have definitely found it helpful and am looking forward to getting going on the next book, which is...

Commentary on Galatians by Martin Luther. No, don't groan at the thought of some unwieldy tome... together we can read through this book, enjoy it and profit from discussion about it. This is my sincere hope and prayer. Please let me know if you are interested in signing up to the virtual reading club - we would love to have you on board!
Lorna

Christian Warfare

2011-05-06T23:29:00.000+01:00

When you meet with a trial, look not to men, but to Jesus. Pray for patience to bear it, and look up for a blessing upon it. Then all things shall work together for good (Romans 8:28). Let every temptation make you more careful, and put you on a closer watching against the enemy. Cleave to Jesus by faith and prayer, like a child to its parent when it sees an enemy coming towards it. Behold Him, flee to Him, rest upon Him, and then you will rejoice in Him.

Quoted from 'A Golden Treasury for the Children of God' by Bogatzky published by Gospel Mission.

Social Networking Media

2011-04-18T21:43:00.000+01:00

To Know and To Be Known
Have a read of this article written by the popular American blogger Tim Challies. I think it a very good analysis of the nature of purely online relationships. It is easy (and tempting) to go out and seek to impress the many, but it is the opinion and advice of the few who truly know us which really matters. Otherwise we begin to believe our own virtual image, and idolise ourselves. 'If a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself' (Galatians 6:3). That's a motto I have had written on a yellow sticky next to my desk for many years now. What perfect biblical wisdom! The humble walk safest and surest. Lorna and I are very conscious of these matters as we run blogs relating to the Bookshop, and have now launched out into the deeps of a facebook page:-
www.facebook.com/pages/Ossett-United-Kingdom/Christian-Bookshop-Ossett/208558682504427
Perhaps we make things look and sound too rosy here. The gritty reality is that it is hard work, for which we are untrained, often mundane, routine and yet unstructured every day, creatively wearing, and busy so much that there is no time to read! Talk about frustrating! If it were not that we are persuaded of God's care, we would say that it is a very precarious business to be in. That's not to say we would rather be elsewhere - there are many compensations - but perhaps it helps close the gap between appearance and fact.
Jeremy

Candle Discovery Series

2011-04-14T23:13:00.000+01:00

The boys and I have recently had some fun making the Tabernacle model from this book in the Candle Discovery Series. I think it's a great way to really fix in the mind the proportions & details of the Tabernacle and the significance of each area. This book not only includes the cardboard model (all die-cut, so just glue needed to make it) and lots of info about the Tabernacle, but also a brief history of the Israelites from Abraham to David. Really worth £6.99. Lorna

Pierced

2011-04-06T23:26:00.000+01:00

The 21st century evangelical world has been sent reeling by the emergence of a heresy hitherto perceived to be the province of liberal scholars. It is no less than the denial of Christ’s real, personal suffering under the wrath of God for the sins of his people upon the cross. At Easter time particularly the true meaning of the cross needs to be affirmed ie. Substitutionary Atonement. In the first part of this book the three authors from an evangelical Anglican background set out to make plain how definite the teaching of the Bible is upon this subject. To lay the foundation some Old and New Testament passages are closely examined. Then the theological framework is put in place, and the views of some major figures in the history of the church consulted. The second part consists of ‘Answering the Critics’, thus making the book very helpful, though unashamedly controversial in the best sense. A must have for pastors, elders and the concerned person in the pew.

'Pierced For Our Transgressions' by Jeffrey, Ovey & Sach. Published by IVP.

RRP £17.99, but we have 2 on offer at £12.99.

Jeremy

Mother's Day

2011-03-26T21:21:00.001Z

Only a week until Mother's Day (3rd April). Don't forget to pick up a card, and this year instead of flowers and chocolates, how about getting her a book? Just ring if you need some help choosing! Lorna

New Focus Conference 2011

2011-03-22T11:15:00.000Z

It is a real pleasure to take good books where they are really appreciated. This has always been the case at the New Focus Conference. After doing a local bookstall at the Pennine Bible Witness last Friday evening, we went down to Gornal, near Dudley, West Midlands, for the day on Saturday. It was a tough schedule, but the Lord blessed us. The driving conditions were ideal, the children were commendable, the books were mopped up by avid readers, and there was some good fellowship, ministry, and conversations. Not to mention the excellent hospitality! Where else in this country could you take books and easily sell edifying old authors like Robert Hawker and William Gadsby? If you can tell me, I'd love to know! Given half a chance, we would move heaven and earth to go, and count it a real privilege to do so.
Jeremy

The Romance of Protestantism

2011-03-15T14:27:00.000Z

This is a book that gripped me more as I went on, rather unexpectedly. Protestantism and romance are words which some would see as mutually exclusive. But as Deborah Alcock wrote this book a hundred years ago the word 'romance' conjured up different ideas then than now. It is to be understood in the sense of drama, thrilling heroism and true nobility. So the chapters of the book (which were originally given as 'talks') take in a broad sweep of church history in order to highlight these themes. This is done in a very informative way, and although somewhat coloured by the attitude of her era, it is also tantalising enough to make one want to know more about the people, events and circumstances. Fortunately this can be done by taking up her other books which, although strictly speaking are fiction, are more focused historically, eg. 'Crushed yet Conquering' (John Huss and Bohemia), 'Dr Adrian' (William of Orange and the Dutch Republic) etc. What I found of especial interest was what she handles here along the lines of, What is Protestantism anyway? The history of the name itself, and its meaning is excellently dealt with. It is always to be remembered as a testimony for the truth of the Bible, and not so much a protest against Roman Catholicism and/or Government policy. (ie. religious or civil powers). And so the ages furnish many examples of those who were willing to sacrifice all for this principle. It is very challenging, and makes the words of Romans 8:35-39 come searchingly alive.

The edition we sell is from the Canadian publisher Inheritance Publications and costs £8.00.

Jeremy

World Book Day Vouchers

2011-03-11T10:59:00.003Z

Though World Book Day was actually back on March 3rd, the good news is that you can redeem book vouchers all month. Most children will have got one by now, and they are worth £1 off any book. Strictly it is only applicable to books costing over £2.99, but we are generous here...we'll bring that down to £1.99. So you can get a good read for as low as 99p! What do we have at that price? Well, just for example, The Essential Bible Reference series from Candle is a great option for getting background helps to bible study, in a colourful and readable way. Matt went for one of these, so they are suitable for around 6 years plus, and I am not ashamed to dip in and learn either! Ignore the 11+ years tag on our website catalogue - that's dreamt up by Lorna! Just type in 'Bible Guide', for instance, in the Quicksearch box on our home page and Tim Dowley's book will come up. Click to get all the details and a picture of it, and then if you click on the 'Series' box a full list of all the others will appear. Bob's your Uncle. Go for it - http://www.christianbookshopossett.co.uk/ .
Jeremy

Christian Unity

2011-03-09T15:43:00.000Z

It is now exactly 30 years since the death of Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones. He was a champion of expository preaching, but not dry, like so many that have tried to emulate him since. I think his Ephesians series is one of his best. It was preached on Sunday mornings between 1954 - 1962, and is available in an 8 volume set. Lorna and I found Vol 6, 'Life in the Spirit in marriage, home and work' of great profit in the run up to getting married (on that amazing day in August 2000!)
Vol 4, 'Christian Unity' is very applicable to today's christian world. It covers Ephesians 4:1-16 - the start of the more 'practical' second half of the epistle. However Lloyd-Jones shows that the vital doctrines defined earlier underpin the issues handled in this part of the epistle. One subject, of intense interest to churches and their members, is that of unity. The tragedy of the church by and large today is that it has placed unity above truth. Thus the ecumenical movement prevails, while at the same time it fails when examined by biblical testing. Lloyd-Jones correctly analysed the situation 50 years ago and it is only different today by being worse. I find these sermons are not too long, and engage without being taxing. They are bound in a good quality hardback by Banner of Truth, but with a forgettable dustjacket - hence no cover picture shown here! The price is £16, but if you get hold of us quick enough we have a copy of Vol 4 with a slightly faded spine on sale at half price.
Jeremy

Only a Handful?

2011-03-05T23:12:00.000Z

Another encouraging editoral in the New Focus Magazine...
"These few comments are for you who worship with only a handful of believers or are forced, by reason of conscience or convenience, to worship alone in your own home.
It has long been an encouragement to the saints that where two or three are gathered in God’s name, the Lord Jesus has promised to be there in their midst. Remember those who gathered on the hillsides of Scotland during the covenanting years, or met in forests of the Soviet Union for fear of the authorities. They did not meet without the presence of their Saviour.
Even where one worships alone the pledge of the Lord is, ‘Lo, I am with you always’ Matthew 28:20. Those who are housebound, or hospitalised, or even the prisoner in his cell, may be sure that invoking the name of the Lord in worship is not a vain exercise. His spiritual presence is with us to assist us in our worship, to comfort us when discouraged, to supply us with His grace, and to protect and preserve us from evil; which is a great reassurance.
Yet, there is more, if more be needed. Not only has the Lord promised to be with His people, but He does not come alone. When believers go to worship they enter spiritually ‘into the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem’. There they join ‘an innumerable company of angels’. More, they are accompanied by ‘the general assembly and church of the firstborn’ which are ‘the spirits of just men made perfect’ (Hebrews 12:22-23).
When God’s people worship they immediately join a heavenly choir more numerous and melodious than any mega-church choral society. When they pray, eyes closed and concentrating on Christ, the empty seats next to them fill with fellow-worshippers of the Most High God. When the gospel is preached enthusiastically, warmly, and sincerely, the hearers are not the few familiar individuals dotted around the room. They are the massed church of the Firstborn, the general assembly of the Lord’s redeemed.
I always smile when our little congregation of a dozen souls sings Charles Wesley’s rousing hymn, ‘O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise.’ It may be that in this life you and I never actually get the opportunity to stand in a congregation of a thousand and sing our great Redeemer’s praise. But in a finer way, each time we pray or sing the praise of our Saviour we join a throng so numerous, a crowd of witnesses so joyful and glorious that our frail human minds cannot comprehend it.
If you find yourself alone next Lord’s Day morning, or if your congregation amounts to but a few faithful souls, do not be discouraged. Spread throughout the land are faithful friends just like you, meeting in small congregations or at home alone, whose fellowship in the gospel is yours.
As you sing, lift up your voice and remember the heavenly choirs with whom you make melody. As you close your eyes and pray, reflect that your thoughts are merging with those of a countless throng in the worship of King Jesus. As you listen to the gospel, remember you are only the most recent generation in a long line of saints for whom Christ preached is light, love and life."
See www.go-newfocus.co.uk for more like this.
Lorna

Going snowboarding?

2011-02-26T22:13:00.003Z

Not just the cover, but also the contents of this book - another reprint of Paul White the Jungle Doctor - are in a very different style from the Jungle Doctor or Fables series. Written for older youth this book has nothing to do with snowboarding but is essentially a practical guide for Christian living. Paul White speaks of his own conversion and uses anecdotes from his own life and missionary days to illustrate his points. Solidly sensible advice is given on a huge variety of topics such as regular Bible reading & prayer, money, guidance, careers, marriage, the occult and much more.
I have to admit, after the first few chapters I was decidedly negative about the book. For one, he quotes a lot of Scripture - not a problem for me except that he insists on using the Phillips translation which is essentially a paraphrased version of the Bible and not to my taste. Secondly, there was a distinctly Free Will element to some of his writings which jarred with my Free Grace views. Gradually though, his down to earth style won me over and I do think that with careful and discerning reading, this immensely practical book could be really helpful. The publishers say that it is suitable for 12+yrs. I think I would be more cautious and say 16+yrs.
Lorna
Get Moving by Paul White, published by Christian Focus Publications, £4.99

Time Travel

2011-02-23T21:22:00.000Z

Lorna is just back from the Elizabethan age. It has inspired her dress sense. Just look what you poor unfortunates miss by not seeing her at the counter! I only hope her management attitude hasn't been influenced as well or else I might be the victim of a Tudor temper... I don't want to prejudice my case any further, but it rather reminds me of the cover picture of Lady Jane Grey on 'Coronation of Glory.' A lot of English people immediately think Faith Cook in connection with her, but Elisabeth Elliot (no less) raved about this book by Deborah Meroff. 'Miss Meroff…has fictionalized the story of Lady Jane Grey in a thoroughly absorbing manner…she has succeeded in making me believe this is what really happened. I kept wanting to read on – the book is full of action and interest.'

Soberly published by Inheritance Publications, £8.50. Try doing some time travel for yourself!

Jeremy

Child Labour?

2011-02-05T21:31:00.001Z

It might be February but the end of year stocktake is only just finishing - a real joint effort was made today and finally all the bookmarks, cards, posters and little odds & ends were all counted up. Having said that, when you have a four year old involved you can't really guarantee that it has been done accurately!

Lorna

Some new books

2011-01-27T22:15:00.000Z

We seem to be innundated with new titles at the moment! Here's a few new children's books that have arrived from the Banner of Truth...

'Wait till you see the Butterfly' is a book of short stories for boys and girls. The stories are divided into 3 different age levels but range from 4-12yrs. I have randomly picked out some from each age category to read and found them very well written and each with a Gospel application. All scripture references are from the Authorised Version.

'Heroes of the Faith' is a new series written by Sinclair Ferguson. The series starts with Ignatius, Polycarp and Irenaeus. Published as quality hardbacks and with lovely illustrations, these would make good gift books.
Lorna

White Monday

2011-01-20T00:12:00.003Z

January 17th was Black Monday. So we decided to paint this week white! The whole of our office and storeroom is being covered in brilliant white - the first time for many years. The grubby walls have been crying out for a coat of paint, and we have echoed them. I took a photo today of the state of the office as we moved furniture to make space for our extremely hardworking and highly to be recommended decorator. Some might say that it doesn't look a lot different than normal...but don't believe them - Lorna's not at her desk! We can't promise business as usual, but we are still taking orders and dealing with them as best we can. Please bear with us. All being well Friday should herald a return to normal service. I hope so because I'm stuck up in the packing room with a laptop!

Anyway out with the old and in with the New Year. Any suggestions for the artwork we could put on the walls of our new gallery??

Jeremy

Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T22:14:00.000Z

By the grace of God the shop has survived another year when so many independent Christian bookshops have had to close, and we look forward to continuing in this ministry for as long as He sees fit. Many thanks go to our loyal customers who have stuck with us through this recession even when we are unable to compete with the price cuts of the bookselling giants.
We do make reductions when we can and it is always worth checking our sale pages to see the many bargains that can be had. We are now selling our 2011 calendars half price and some remaining Christmas cards are also reduced.
The ladies reading club is just starting its second book so for anyone interested in joining, now is a good time. This book is more contemporary than the last and is by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. If your new year's resolution is to read more, then the club is perfect for helping you achieve this. Let me know if you are interested.
Lorna

Taking a break...

2010-12-29T20:53:00.001Z

Sorry, the shop is shut for the remainder of this week. We plan to re-open after the New Year Bank Holiday on Tuesday 4th Jan. A great big thanks to all our friends and customers for their support this past year, we look forward to continuing to serve you.

Lorna

Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns

2010-12-20T17:43:00.053Z

Subtitled 'How Pop Culture Rewrote the Hymnal.' A lover of music will enjoy the level at which this book is pitched. Anyone concerned really to approach worship biblically will benefit from it. The author asks a question of those who want to be 'relevant.' Have they produced something which is better than what has been acceptable in the church up until recently? This enquiry is pursued relentlessly. I think he is more successful in his arguments from scriptural principles than when going down the line of musical analysis. Although I found that fascinating and informative, it is also probably not going to convince the sceptical. Nevertheless it is a fact that not only popular music but multimedia has invaded worship in many churches. It may make it easier for first-timers to attend, but is that not because the 'offence of the gospel' has already been suppressed in such places? The world has already converted the church - the tail wags the dog. Thus Mr Average can't sing hymns because they are unfamiliar and he is uncomfortable with them. He expects any part of the worship service to be laced liberally with entertainment. That is how teaching is carried out in other subjects, so why not when it comes to God?

Gordon is sound on the fundamentals with this book, and I recommend it to anyone forced onto the back foot on worship issues.

'Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns' by T. David Gordon is published by P&R and costs £7.99.

Jeremy

PS. The timing of this review doesn't relate to Christmas...it just happens to be when I finally completed the book. Apologies to anyone wanting a suggestion for a present. I'm sure Lorna can supply that.

December Offer

2010-12-17T18:56:00.001Z

For customers wanting last minute gifts our Hymnmakers CD offer has proved to be a winner - so much so that we have now run out of stocks. Sorry folks, to those who have missed out.
Lorna

More Jungle Doctor?

2010-12-10T22:15:00.000Z

I must admit to being a bit sceptical when the sales rep produced a new Jungle Doctor series from his folder a few months ago. With 19 books in the Jungle Doctor series, I felt that really we were Jungle Doctor-ed out. However, we were persuaded to order a set and they duely arrived a few weeks ago. I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. This new series is the Jungle Doctor's fables (as opposed to the first Jungle Doctor series which is about the Jungle Doctor's experiences while a missionary in Africa). It is a series of short stories using animals as the characters and each with an underlying gospel message. As such they are aimed at a younger audience than the first series. I am often unsure about whether children really understand allegories, or whether they just accept the story as it stands and miss the point behind it. Having a houseful of willing 'guinea-pigs' I took home one of the books and tried it out. Our children love them! The animal stories have obviously grabbed their imaginations and they always ask for Jungle Doctor at bedtime. What I am most pleased about is they also 'get them'. Without any prompting our five year old this evening said, 'so the elephant is really like God isn't he?', our seven year old piped up 'of course he is, he is The Way, and Crunch the Crocodile is like Satan'. This lead on to much further discussion about the dangers of the deep dark pool and the safety of the Great Rock that some of the animals use for shelter. Each story helpfully ends with some Scripture references and pointers for bringing out the deeper meaning to the story.

So, next time I see the rep, I will thank him for being so persuasive and I will order more of this series!

Lorna

To see all the titles in the Fables series click here

104 books per year?

2010-11-27T21:26:00.000Z

I just saw an interview with Mariella Frostrup (broadcaster & journalist) and am amazed that she reads 104 books per year. Okay, so it's her job, but still pretty impressive. Perhaps I should aim for the same... at 2 books a week, it will only take me 38 years to get through our current stock list of nearly 4000 books. Of course, that's assuming that we don't add any new books to the list in that time. If however we add around 300 new titles a year as we have this year, even assuming an average of 50 titles a year going out of print, it looks like I will never meet my target of reading all the books in the shop.

So, I apologise now if when you contact us I am unable to fully advise on every title in the shop. Sometimes I just have to admit... I haven't actually read them all.
Lorna

Late night shopping

2010-11-18T21:51:00.000Z

It's that time of year again... time for our annual 'ladies evening' at the bookshop. Except that this year I have given up advertising it as a ladies evening because every year at least one chap manages to slip in. The focus as usual is on the delicious homemade... oh no sorry, the focus is on our 3 for 2 offer on all children's books. The extra benefits of late night shopping at our shop is the relaxed atmosphere for browsing, the friendly fellowship and advice, the free cuppa and of course the delicious homemade cake. For anyone local to the shop, it is an experience not to be missed. And the offer of getting 3 children's books for the price of 2 is certainly not one to be passed over at this time of year. If any of our mail order customers are feeling aggrieved at not being able to come, don't worry, if you ring us during our late evening opening and make an order, we will be happy to give you the offer too. Monday 22nd November, anytime from 7pm... put it in your diary, on your calendar, on your fridge, or even on your hand, just be sure not to forget it.
Lorna

What Think Ye of Christ?

2010-11-13T21:17:00.000Z

The latest editorial in the New Focus magazine caught my eye and is worth replicating in full...
We have Anglicans and Adventists, Brethren and Baptists, Catholics and Charismatics, Presbyterians and Pentecostals, Methodists and Mennonites, Church of this and Church of that, and never, perhaps since the first century, has so little been known of Jesus Christ. What can account for such widespread ignorance, even amongst professing Christians? Simply this, despite all of the outward trappings of Christianity and all our religious activity, rarely is Jesus Christ truly preached.
There is a type of Christianity for every kind of person and every occasion. Take your pick. We can do light and fluffy or formal and strict, we can do sacramental or ceremonial or entertaining – dazzle with lights or deafen with music. We can do ten minutes, twenty minutes, thirty ... We can preach morality like Pharisees or theology like academics. Yet, seldom is Jesus Christ actually preached.
We do rite of passage services for baby to bereavement, calendar commemorations for Christmas carollers and Easter morning early-risers. We specialise in children’s work or youth group, or old folks’ work or ladies’ group or missionary weekends, and societies of every kind. But, hardly ever do we minister the simple truth of Christ.
Then there are church programmes. We do social work and community service, home visitation and hospital runs, Saturday morning football and outings for the elderly. We do special teas and lucky dips, coffee mornings and prayer breakfasts, evangelistic suppers, Alpha courses, cookery courses, golf courses. All too infrequently, we preach Jesus Christ.
We seek God’s help for revival and commit to pray all night. We hire top communicators and sponsor topical debates. We discuss creationism, political involvement, Islam, falling membership and church pensions policy. We have fabric committees, evangelism committees, deacons’ meetings, elders’ meetings, joint elders’/deacons’ meetings. Yet, for all of our activity we rarely preach Christ.
“What think ye of Christ?” asked the Master. Who? “Christ!” “Whose son is He?” The Pharisees of the Lord’s day had no answer. The public thought He was Moses, or Elias, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Only Peter, to whom it was supernaturally revealed had the right answer. He was the man Jesus, of Nazareth, evidently, the Son of David by descent. But He was also the Son of God, Christ, the Messiah. What do you think about His person? What of His works? What of His words? What of His death and resurrection?
We long for numbers, growth and revival. Fine. So be it. But let us remember that the means of church growth, the means of revival, the one and only way given to the church by which the elect of God will be gathered in, is the preaching of Jesus Christ. Peace with God, reconciliation with God, fellowship with God can only be had through Jesus Christ. Sinners will only ever think properly upon Him when Jesus Christ is faithfully preached in their hearing. You can have preaching without Christ but you will never have Christ without preaching.
For more excellent editorials and articles go to New Focus or better still subscribe to receive the bi-monthly magazine.
Lorna

God's Mighty Acts...

2010-11-10T21:21:00.000Z

It's not often you read a children's book which makes you sit and think, seriously and profitably. The author of these two books, Starr Meade has a way of writing that makes you do just that. These books are written for the 8-12yr bracket, but they do not shy away from weighty doctrinal issues. Yet at the same time these issues are written about in a way that this age group can understand. There's quite a skill in doing this and I think Starr Meade hits the nail on the head.
The books are written with short chapters (no more than 2 pages) which can be used as daily devotionals and some points for further thought and discussion are given at the end of each chapter.

God's Mighty Acts in Creation guides the reader through each day of creation with the main aim of showing how God is revealed through the things he has made. For example, 10 chapters are spent on Day 1 (Light and Water) covering some great gospel truths such as Jesus the light of the world, the Holy Spirit shining light into a sinner's heart, Christ the cleansing fountain of water, and Christ the living water. I have started reading this one with my 7yr old and have found the illustrations used really grabbed him e.g. science experiments, camping trips, and the doctrinal applications have been clear without trying to be too simplistic.

God's Mighty Acts in Salvation looks in detail at the book of Galatians and aims to highlight the main teaching about God's saving work. Again, the difficult doctrinal issues are not avoided and hard words such as justification or righteousness are not watered down but instead used and explained.

Both are books I would recommend.
Lorna

One Good Reason For Not Blogging...

2010-10-27T22:16:00.000+01:00

...This is the best reason I can think of. A very special delivery, outside of normal Shop hours. Katie Jayne Roe arrived on Sunday 24th at 11.43pm, thankfully not on the premises, but in our temporary location at Dewsbury District Hospital. She was a 9lb parcel. Lorna has now taken on extra duties, but is still being retained in a consulting role - so be reassured ladies! She is able to give her usual helpful advice even though with senses reeling from the idea of a girl in the house. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us and thought about us at this time of great change. It is one way of increasing footfall in a time of recession! Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Jeremy

We Just Had to Laugh...

2010-10-16T17:50:00.001+01:00

...A lady customer comes into the shop, looks at some Bibles, and then notices Lorna's bump. "You're not going to be with us much longer are you!" she exclaims. We laugh - what else is there to do? I said to Lorna afterwards "I didn't think you looked that old and sick!"

But everyone seems to feel free to comment on the size of a pregnant woman, as Lorna has found out on many occasions. Total strangers do it!

Jeremy

Sorry, Christmas has come!

2010-10-13T21:50:00.002+01:00

It's a long two weeks since I last posted. Christmas has arrived at the Christian Bookshop, the cards and calendars are all in stock and displayed in the shop, and we have been inundated with new titles all vying for the coveted position of being No. 1 Christmas gift. We haven't yet got all these books processed and reviewed, but keep an eye on our just in page for new titles being added regularly. Notably, the new Faith Cook novel has arrived... I have had a quick read of it and found it a nice relaxing read and historically informative. There are also some great new titles from Christian Focus for children... the Jungle Doctor series has been added to, also the Risktakers, and the Little Hands. All worth a look. Don't forget, if you can't find the information you want on our site, just call (or email) and we will be happy to discuss and advise.

Have a look at the Christmas stock too (pdf), there are some lovely cards being sold in aid of Savannah Education Trust and of course a good selection of calendars, not forgetting the popular AV Block Calendar.

Lorna

Too Low Key?

2010-09-30T23:23:00.000+01:00

The most observant amongst you may have noticed a major but low key change to our website over the past week... we have finally gone 'e-commerce'. You can now order online using a 'shopping basket' and if you wish you can also pay online using a secure payment method. Our main reason for taking this step was (believe it or not!)... you! We believe that customers find it easier to 'add to basket' when on the website rather than to type up an email order. Plus orders can be paid for by card at any time of day or night rather than having to wait until shop opening hours to give us card details.
What we also need to emphasize is that we have not suddenly become a big impersonal organisation. We are not your typical e-commerce driven site - we will not start demanding payment upfront. You can make your order via the site and we will contact you before despatch to confirm availability and prices. Your order will then be despatched with an invoice in the usual way. On receipt of the order you can choose to pay however and whenever you like... by cheque, by phoning us with card details (we always love to speak to you!), or, if you happen to be a night owl you can click the 'make a payment' link on the site (on the bottom left of every page) and enter your card details to pay securely online.
We are hoping that this will make life easier for you... customer satisfaction is, as always, our top priority!
Lorna

Reading Initiative Award

2010-09-20T11:42:00.001+01:00

I don't want to embarrass him, but I think that David Farrow deserves recognition in the field of christian literacy. He is so keen to encourage good reading. The pastor of Hethersett Reformed Baptist Church in Norfolk, he naturally has a concern for the spiritual education and nurturing of his flock in that remote spot. But beyond this he is striving with might and main to encourage the reading of sound books through his websites (yes, plural) as well as his blog. He has exchanged ideas with us and the result is the start up of a 'Book of the Month' feature on his church website. This is not intended so much to highlight new titles as to bring profitable ones to the forefront. We wish him well, and that many will benefit from reading his short monthly reviews. As you will see from checking out the links below he is proud to be a Norfolkman through and through, although secondary to his heavenly citizenship by grace. That is the subject of his first book 'The Christian's High Calling' by Maurice Roberts (Free Church Continuing, former editor of the Banner of Truth magazine).

http://www.hethersettbaptistchurch.com
http://www.theforceoftruth.com
http://www.norfolkman.blogspot.com
Jeremy

Crushed yet Conquering

2010-09-18T22:40:00.002+01:00

Crushed yet Conquering is a historical novel based on John Huss and the Hussite Wars. Although placed in our 11+ section I would hesitate to recommend this book to someone of such a young age. It is a typical Deborah Alcock story, accurately historical, spiritually sound and a gripping read. My reservations are only because the first part of the story dwells on John Huss and his theology in some detail using his writings at length to describe his defence before the 'Holy' Council and his eventual martyrdom at the stake. This section takes some ploughing through at times, but is helped by the fictional story woven around it and becomes an easier read as the Hussite wars following the death of Huss are described. I certainly learnt a lot about the history of this time and the theology of the Church as it was developing in the period leading up to the Reformation.
Lorna
Crushed yet Conquering by Deborah Alcock, published by Inheritance Publications, £12.50

Christmas Evans

2010-09-07T16:06:00.000+01:00

No, I'm not getting ahead of myself - this is not about Christmas. Just about a man who was named after the day he was born on! He lived from 1766-1838 and became a Baptist minister in Wales. Have you heard of him? Read this commendation by Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones no less: 'The great Christmas Evans, whom some would say was the greatest preacher that the Baptists have ever had in Great Britain'. This is quoted from the short biography written by B A Ramsbottom, published by The Bunyan Press at £2.95. I took this little book on holiday as we stayed on the Lleyn peninsula, scene of some of Evans' labours. It is hard to imagine now the powerful revival that came to that rugged and beautiful place through his ministry. There were 5 chapels on the peninsula built for him, but he used to preach in every village he visited, and 5 times on a Sunday! He also found time to translate John Gill's Commentary into Welsh, which shows the nature of his theology I think.

Following the careful directions given in the book we managed to locate the ruins of one of the chapels, before continuing on up to the top of Rhiw Mountain (not a true mountain at all!) where fine views over land and sea may be enjoyed. The cause of the ruination of the chapels was not time, but the fatal infection of false doctrine. Sandemanianism (bare belief in the facts of the Bible and Christ's redeeming work is sufficient for salvation) wreaked havoc where great blessing had been known. The Baptist cause suffered greatly and Christmas Evans was turned out of his beloved Anglesey, to their loss. Many good men and women found a new home amongst the Calvinistic Methodists. History has lessons for us...

Tim Shenton has written a book about Christmas Evans. It is a larger hardback published by Evangelical Press, but sadly out of stock from them at the moment. Last price was £11.99. Day One have also published a paperback by him at £8 (contains historical photos). We have this one in stock.

Jeremy

Just the Two of Us?

2010-09-01T21:54:00.000+01:00

There were groans around me as I unpacked this book from the publisher... 'oh no, it's another issues book' my colleagues were thinking! But I felt able to fully justify my choice - we have only one other book directly on this subject in the shop, I often get them in but don't often feel they are good enough to take up shelf space. This is one I will be putting on full view in the shop. 'Just the Two of Us?' is subtitled 'help and strength in the struggle to conceive' and is a really useful book for anyone to read, whether directly facing these issues or not. Firstly, it is British - not only does this help when discussing the medical options available, but it also defines the style of writing (and I won't specify why for fear of causing offence to our friends across the water). Secondly, it includes men, who let's face it are one half of every couple facing infertility issues. Thirdly, it continually directs the reader to Scripture and reminds us of where our priorities lie in our Christian walk even when faced with such emotional and life changing (as planned by us) circumstances. Written by two women who have walked this pathway with differing outcomes, it covers a wide range of issues including secondary infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth. I found it sensitively written and usefully interspersed with a lot of anecdotal testimonies. It is a good reminder to us all of how we can be sensitive and supportive to those suffering these particular trials in our Church families.
Lorna
'Just the Two of Us?' by Eleanor Margesson & Sue McGowan is published by IVP, £7.99.

Even Heroes Need Holidays!

2010-08-20T22:24:00.001+01:00

Yes, I can confirm that this is true - and it includes their families too! We are heading for Christmas Evans country tomorrow for a week, hoping that the weather will not live up to his name. The bags are bulging with books to read: a hopelessly optimistic number. But watch this space for further reviews. The news for now though is that the shop will continue to operate usual opening hours even though Lorna and I are away, and orders will be attended to as soon as possible on our return.
Jeremy

What a Hero!

2010-08-17T12:43:00.001+01:00

Isn't it great when customers think you are heroes? I can't take any credit for this one... Jeremy managed to source an out of print Bible for a customer and they were so pleased he got some chocolates for his efforts! I always knew he was a hero!

Lorna

Activity Morning

2010-07-31T11:32:00.005+01:00

Back in the Easter school holidays we trialled running a children's activity day at the shop. The idea was to encourage more footfall from the local community so that they a) realise there is a Christian Bookshop in town, b) realise it is not staffed by aliens, c) enjoy spending time here, d) become enthusiastic about reading, e)... (I won't bore you with any more!). It was a success! That first activity day saw 19 children with their Mums in the shop enjoying crafts, colouring, book quizzes & storytelling. Okay, so it didn't really generate sales, but that is not always the sole aim behind our ventures.

We were encouraged to give it another go during the June half term holidays, which turned out to be such a gorgeous day that the morning ended with a game of football in the carpark (supervised by the Dads).

Yesterday we had the first of our Summer holiday sessions. Thankfully we knew in advance that we could have an abundance of folk and therefore moved to Plan B which was to set up the activities & a selection of books in the Chapel building next door (our shop floor is pretty small). No less than 31 children turned up and this time we actually sold a few books too (bonus!). Much to Jeremy's dismay the homemade cakes were also demolished and there were scant leftovers to take home.

For anyone who missed out on the fun yesterday, we are planning a second session at the end of the holidays. Friday 3rd September is the date to mark on the calendar, drop in anytime between 10am and noon. See you there...

Lorna

Gospel Invitations

2010-07-24T20:56:00.001+01:00

I have recently read a little booklet by Daniel Whitaker (1800's) on the subject of the Nature and Design of Gospel Invitations. It is well worth reading and clearly distinguishes between the errors that are so widely preached in many churches and the truly biblical Gospel Invitation. The following quote is taken from his concluding comments...
"When men attempt to set forth the invitations of the gospel, of a spiritual nature, in an indefinite, unlimited manner; there is such an uncertainty in the sound, that the poor, needy and disconsolate sinner, for whose sake they are designed; knows not what is piped, or what is harped. Therefore, while such men attempt to encourage all, they in reality encourage none; but only discourage the real character, for whom they are intended; namely, the hungry, and the thirsty, the labouring, and the heavy-laden.
But when they are set forth, as they really are in the gospel, in a definite way, the character being described, the blessings pointed out, and their freeness shown; then the mind and will of the Lord is clearly manifested; as in the following invitation: 'Come unto me, all ye that are heavy laden: and I will give you rest' (Matt 11:28). Here the love of Christ is set forth to the persons invited; and his readiness to receive and entertain them, and bestow his blessings needed by and promised to them; for he means them to come and enjoy the blessing; it being his delight to give it to them."
I would love to quote more, he seems to hit the nail on the head so many times!
The booklet is published by Huntingtonian Press, a small publisher specialising in experimental high calvinist literature click here for their full list of publications.
Lorna
The Nature and Design of Gospel Invitations by Daniel Whitaker, published by Huntingtonian Press, £2.20

William Gadsby

2010-07-15T12:42:00.003+01:00

William Gadsby is still alive and well today. Reports of his death have been much exaggerated (apologies to Mark Twain). His hymns, full of gospel doctrine, are used today in hymnbooks outside of his own selection. Gospel Mission Books also maintain his 'Select Works' in print. Cost £6.95. This is a reprint of Volume 2 of his full Works, not easy to get hold of secondhand, and includes miscellaneous material. There are some trenchant pieces, eg. 'An Everlasting Task for Arminians,' and 'The Nature and Design of the Marriage Union.' Very gracious sermons, eg. 'The Glory of God's Grace,' and 'The Publican's Prayer.' But also there is 'A Few Thoughts on Sunday Schools,' which although 170 years old, is still relevant. His references to general education are now (thankfully) obsolete, in the UK anyway. But he is good on the basic purpose of them and the principles by which the teachers should be led. In connection with this he produced his Catechism, intended for children, but which is also helpful for adults. Indeed today many might think it too hard to use! However it gives real doctrinal backbone, particularly to the gospel through which we are to be saved, and by which we are to live. We have found it useful for teaching our own children. It can be had separately as a booklet for as little as 75p, or £1.50 if you prefer a much smarter Gospel Standard publication.

Jeremy

Helpful Truth in Past Places

2010-07-07T21:49:00.000+01:00

There has been a resurgence of interest in the Puritan writings in recent years. Banner of Truth were at the forefront of reprinting Puritan writings when they began back in the 1950's, but it seems that even in the last 5 years or so there has been an even greater flood of publications that are edited versions of the Puritans. One such book that I have recently been reading is called Helpful Truth in Past Places. It is subtitled 'the Puritan Practice of Biblical Counseling' and whatever your bias for or against Biblical Counselling (a controversial issue in some quarters!) you cannot deny that many of the Puritan writers have much practical advice that is solidly biblical and whose principles can certainly be applied to contemporary issues. The aim of Mark Deckard the author of this book is to take the reader through some of these Puritan writings, to draw out some of the principles and to make the applications relevant.
'Why is this happening to me?' is answered through John Flavel's The Mystery of Providence, the anxious and dissatisfied Christian is encouraged through The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs and those who have lost all joy are comforted with A Lifting Up for the Downcast by William Bridge. Writings by Thomas Brooks, Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan and John Owen are also examined. I haven't finished the book yet, but so far I have found it useful for an overview of some of these older writings and thought provoking in its applications.
Lorna
Helpful Truth in Past Places by Mark Deckard, Christian Focus Publications, £11.99

Anne Bradstreet

2010-06-28T15:14:00.002+01:00

This is the most recent book I have read, and one which we are promoting on an offer price of just £6.00 (RRP £7.99) until the end of this week! (03/07/10)

You can just sense the empathy Faith Cook has with the subject of this her latest biography, Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672). Anne was a woman of literary talent, along with a sense of family and public duty. There are questions as to the boundaries of a Christian woman’s role even today, but this is nothing compared to the received opinion in the 1600s. A Bunyan might be allowed to write a classic, but not a Bradstreet. They were both persecuted nonconformists, whose suffering sharpened their quills, but his work was readily published whilst hers only reached the press via a series of acts of providence. Nonetheless she has the remarkable distinction of being America’s first published poet of either sex! Quite amazing! Anne is regarded as American, because she left England with her family at just 18 years old in search of freedom – part of a mass migration of Puritans. In the tough New World she reflected the ethos of a culture already beginning to diverge from the mother country in hundreds of lines of rhyming couplets. But above all, her faith shines out through her verse. Fear, danger and death were never far away in the New England colonies, and all were sanctified to Anne. She viewed her life as a pilgrimage to glory. Beware, this book will cause some serious heart-searching. Take this sample:

Why should I live but to thy praise?
My life is hid with thee.

O Lord, no longer be my days
Than I may fruitful be.

Jeremy

Prayer

2010-06-16T10:42:00.001+01:00

"In spite of Satan, pray; spend hours in prayer; rather neglect friends than not pray; rather fast, and lose breakfast, dinner, tea and supper - and sleep too - than not pray. And we must not only talk about prayer; we must pray in right earnest. The Lord is near. He comes softly while the virgins slumber."

Andrew Bonar

Quoted in Contagious Christian Living by Joel Beeke, Bryntirion & RHB, £6.99

Lorna

Reading Together

2010-06-15T16:16:00.000+01:00

Those of you who receive our monthly bulletins will be aware of our plans to set up a reading club. This is now up and running - we have a new blog called 'Reading Together' which is limited to subscribed members only. Initially the club is also limited only to ladies - sorry chaps. This is essentially because I am facilitating it and not Jeremy. If our gentlemen customers would be interested in joining a reading club they need to pester Jeremy and he may be persuaded to set one up.
The first book we have chosen to read together is 'The Great Gain of Godliness' by Thomas Watson in the Puritan Paperback series. This is subtitled 'practical notes on Malachi 3:16-18'. The aim is to read a planned portion of the book over a 2 week period and make comments and discussion points on the blog. Our vision is that this will encourage a discipline of regular reading of books at a higher level than 'easy-reading', at the same time as being supportive and edifying to each involved. Another plus is that you get a discount on the book being read if you buy it from us!
I for one am excited to be getting going on my copy of the book and am hoping that lots of you will join us (first come, first served - the blog is limited to 100 members!).
Drop me a line if you want to know more,
Lorna

Ossett Chapel Anniversary Service

2010-06-12T23:44:00.004+01:00

Our little garden at the chapel may be small, but as you can see it's got a beautiful silver pear tree in the midst of it. No, it's not Eden - although the old serpent is still on the attack! But there is another tree I think of - the tree of life, sustained by the river of water of life, and fruitful (Revelation 22:2). May the church meeting in the chapel next door be just like it, supplied with grace to reflect God's praise. Certainly we have much to thank him for after another year, as well as much to still seek him for. You are welcome to join our little gathering for our anniversary service at 3pm next Saturday, 19th June, when our pastor Norman Roe will preach, God willing. A tea will be provided afterwards, and of course the bookshop will be open beforehand.

Jeremy

Are you contagious?

2010-06-12T21:10:00.001+01:00

This little book compiles Joel Beeke's 4 addresses at the Aberystwyth Evangelical Movement of Wales conference in 2009. They are typical Joel Beeke style, easy to read but punchy. Entitled Contagious Christian Living, each address focuses on one Bible character and draws out a 'contagious' aspect of their living. Jephthah's daughter is highlighted as an example of Sacrificial Submission, Bartimaeus for his Christ-centred living, Jacob for his Perseverance, Prayer and Penitence, and Daniel for his Consistent Integrity.
Although perhaps a little too much poetic licence has been used at times, the book is peppered with applications for contemporary Christian living, many very pointed and thought provoking. How much are we prepared to truly submit to the Lord's will for us? Is our daily walk and talk God-honouring? At times of darkness do we wrestle with and cling to the Lord so that like Jacob we say 'I will not let thee go, except thou bless me'? With worldliness and temptation all around us, are we able to be consistent in our walk by faith? Certainly none of this can be done without sustaining grace freely given by God. What a reminder therefore to persevere in prayer 'Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you' (James 4:8).
Lorna
Contagious Christian Living by Joel Beeke, jointly published by Bryntirion Press & Reformation Heritage Books, £6.99

Declension in Love

2010-06-05T22:23:00.005+01:00

A decay of love to the saints of God, is a strong evidence of a decay of love to God himself. If we love God with a sincere and deepening affection, we must love his image wherever we find it. It is true, the picture may be but an imperfect copy, the outline may be but faintly drawn; there may be shades we cannot approve of; yet, recognizing in the work the hand of the Spirit, and in the outline some resemblance to Him whom our souls admire and love, we must feel a drawing out of our holiest affections towards the object; we shall not pause before the surrender is made, to inquire to what section of the church of Christ he belongs, what name he bears, or what the colour of his uniform; but, discovering the man of God, the meek and lowly follower of Jesus, our heart and our hand are freely offered.

This quote taken from 'Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul' by Octavius Winslow, made me stop and think when I came across it today. I pray that as many of us meet with our brothers & sisters on the Lord's Day and throughout each week, we remember that 'This commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God, love his brother also' 1 John 4:21
Lorna
Personal Declension and Revival of Religion in the Soul, Octavius Winslow, published by Banner of Truth, £5.50

Afterwards I Knew

2010-06-03T22:57:00.005+01:00

I enjoyed this book. A collection of short stories, fictional but based around historical events and facts they are gripping and each carry a subtle spiritual message. Often the stories finish abruptly or on a cliffhanger leaving you to contemplate what might have been and leading you to reflect on the underlying spiritual implications. The book is aimed at 13+yr olds - I think I come into that category!
Lorna
Afterwards I Knew: Short Stories from the First and Second World Wars by Christine Farenhorst, published by Christian Focus, £5.99

His People

2010-05-29T21:40:00.003+01:00

James North has done a sterling job of pulling together all that is left of William Tiptaft's sermons in a new book out from Gospel Standard Publications: 'Sermons of a Seceder.' Good value at £9.00 for a hardback. Some biographical notes help profile this man (1803-1864) famous by name amongst Strict Baptists, but whose ministry is not at all so well known. The great thing about Tiptaft was his integrity. Everything fitted in with what he was convinced of by the scriptures. His earnestness, zeal and liberality all stemmed from a conviction at heart of the doctrines of grace. He did not have this when he was ordained into the Church of England, but as his spiritual eyes were opened more and more, he could no longer remain among them, though it cost him greatly. His example led J C Philpot to do the same.
This collection contains 'His People', which caused an uproar! It was boldly preached before the assembled mayor and town council in the Great Church in Abingdon on Christmas Day 1829. Although ridiculed in the press and at Oxford, it is a fine, very direct sermon on Matthew 1:21 - who are really God's people? He quotes from various articles of the C of E to demonstrate that he taught no new thing when he preached sovereign grace and living faith in those days before his secession.
'His People' is also available in booklet form. Published by Reiner Publications, it is only 50p from us.
Jeremy

A Hive of Activity

2010-05-22T20:52:00.010+01:00

What a beautiful day - sun shining, temperatures soaring, we had a real hive of activity going on down at the shop today. Okay, so the shoppers decided to stay in their own gardens (just 2 customers all day!), but we made the most of the carpark space and enjoyed the weather. The co-manager was even seen attempting to skateboard (I wouldn't like to say which co-manager exactly!)
Here's the sort of fun going on...

Water bombs

Roller skating
Press ups (why??!)
Skateboarding
Car washing/water fights
urrr... not sure what was going on here!
Who said life at work is dull?
Lorna

Essential Bible Reference Series

2010-05-22T13:25:00.011+01:00

The Essential Bible Reference series may well be familiar to many of you, but it is worth highlighting again because it has recently been reprinted in a smaller (and cheaper) format.

This is the old look...

and this is the new look...

An excellent series for giving children a good overview of Bible lands, history, culture and festivals, this is also a great resource for Sunday School teaching. With good colour illustrations and photos, each book is very visual as well as giving a multitude of facts and information about each subject. Here are a couple of double-page (ish) spreads to give an idea of the layout of the contents...We have reduced our stock of the old edition from £2.99 to £1.50, and the new edition is priced at £1.99

It is also worth mentioning that some of the old Essential Bible Reference titles have now been reproduced and put into a new series called Candle Discovery Series. These are bigger books, mostly hardbacks and are more interactive (bits to pull out, stickers to stick in, models to make etc!).

Highly recommended.

Lorna

(to check our stock, just put Essential Bible Reference or Candle Discovery Series into the quicksearch box on the homepage)

Customer Feedback

2010-05-14T15:57:00.009+01:00

This is Angle Tarn, a place of wild beauty around 2000 feet up in the Lake District. A lovely location for team building in a month where fellowship has been the buzzword of the Christian booktrade. Unity is strength, but only if it is more than superficial.

The Lord blessed us with some fine weather, and then I was greeted by this sunny comment in an email on our return...

I would normally order them (books) direct, but given the current state of Christian bookshops across the country I feel it's right you get my custom even if I live hundreds of miles away!

This was accompanied by another, in an email from Australia...

I really like your website, well done!

Short but sweet, just like our time in the Lake District.

Jeremy

Dealing It Out

2010-05-05T14:16:00.004+01:00

This is John Blanchard at his best. Dealing with atheism, albeit within the compass of a slim paperback, but with devastating effect. Evangelical Press, now rebranded as EP Books, have produced this cheaply (£2.50) in their Popular Christian Apologetics series, so it is readable by anyone. It is a pretty quick read too. The great thing about this Blanchard contribution to the Dawkins debate is his focus. He doesn't lock horns as a scientist, because he isn't one. But as an experienced debater with atheists, Blanchard goes for the jugular - politely. The 'new atheism' which Richard Dawkins is devoted to, claims that science has disproved God's existence. Blanchard shows how unscientific this idea is in itself. He further exposes the flaws in Dawkins' arguments, chipping away at rash claims and doubtful statements across the whole range of books he has authored, not just 'The God Delusion.' He also shows what a sterile and savage philosophy atheism is when it takes Darwinian evolutionary theory to its logical conclusion. But we need to understand that this is what underpins the attempts of the intellectual establishment to marginalise Christianity and influence governmental policy in the field of ethics in Britain today. Although Blanchard may be faulted for his view of conversion (no mention of regeneration as a distinct work of the Holy Spirit), the body of this book is most helpful in 'Dealing with Dawkins' and his chums.

Jeremy

3 into 1 Does Go...Just!

2010-04-21T21:15:00.009+01:00

10th - 16th April 2010.
7 days, 3 events.
2 out-of-shop bookstalls, 1 in-shop activity day. What a week!

No shortage of helpers for setting up one of the bookstalls...The activity day...

Plenty of children in the children's corner... just what we like to see!

Exhausted, but encouraged I think is my assessment at the end of a busy week.

Lorna

Footsteps of the Past

2010-04-14T10:25:00.014+01:00

I picked out some activity books from the shop to occupy our boys on a long journey this week and discovered a winner for Matt. His current favourite subject is history, so I headed for the Day One 'Footsteps of the Past' series, and picked out William Tyndale. This is a great series written by two deputy-headteachers who aim to introduce key figures in Christian history. The booklets are full of facts and fun activities - some, like code cracking can be completed in the car, and others like 'Make a Quill Pen' take a bit more time and mess! Our destination being a quiet country spot in Wiltshire, Matt was out early this morning chasing pheasants in an attempt to catch a feather for his quill pen. Unfortunately the pheasants were faster than him so he had to settle for a rather more plain pigeon feather that he found in the garden. Then he needed some berries (oh dear, wrong time of year but thankfully Granny had some in the freezer!), some salt, some vinegar and away he went...

The finished product!

I think this is an inspiring series for 7+yr olds, plenty of biographical information interspersed with well thought out activities. For anyone planning a trip to the British Museum the series also includes 2 books intended to take a child through the Museum particularly relating the history to the Old Testament (Kings, Pharaohs and Bandits) and the New Testament (Romans, Gladiators and Games). At only £2 these booklets are really excellent value for money.

It is also worth noting that this 'Footsteps of the Past' series is linked with the adult 'Travel with...' series - something for all the family!

Lorna

New Focus Conference 2010

2010-04-06T11:32:00.008+01:00

Thank you to Peter Meney for once again inviting us to take a bookstall out to the New Focus Conference this year. It has been a heartwarming occasion in the past, meeting old friends and some regular mail order customers of ours. Please come along if you can. We will just be there on the Saturday, but the Conference runs from 9th - 11th April. See the official details here: http://www.egglesburn.org.uk

The location in upper Teesdale is utterly charming (as are the hosts!) When I go up there I am torn between sneaking off and hiking up to the high fells and doing my duty and attending to the Conference. No, seriously, it promises to be a bigger event than ever this year and I look forward to ministry from some men I haven't heard before, as well as Don Fortner from Stateside. May the Lord grant safe journeys and happy landings to all.

Jeremy

World Book Day Vouchers

2010-03-30T20:26:00.004+01:00

Great news! Parents want their children to read good Christian books. Not rocket science really, or at least it shouldn't be. But I have been surprised (perhaps I shouldn't be) at how many people have used their World Book Day £1 voucher in the shop. Actually, I'm more than surprised... I'm excited! In fact, so encouraged that it has spurred me on (with a little push from my enthusiastic admin assistant) to organise a children's activity day during the Easter school holidays. We want parents & children to come to the shop, to spend time browsing, to spend time doing fun activities, to listen to stories, to eat home-made cake (ok, not that important!) to enthuse about READING and to discover that their local Christian Bookshop is not a scary place to go to. If you're around and you fancy popping in, Friday 16th April is the day to put on the calendar. We'll give you more details later or give us a call to find out first.
Lorna

Filling a gap

2010-03-24T19:30:00.006Z

I think this new book from Catherine Mackenzie fills a gap for children. Aimed at 8-12yr olds it presents the evidence for Christ's death and resurrection in an investigative style. The book is quite 'interactive' - it directs the reader to look up different sections of the book at different points in the investigation, whether it be a fact file, a Bible introduction or a short quiz to illustrate a point. I suspect this style would especially be enjoyed by boys. Almost like a John Blanchard book for children, it is full of facts and easy to read. Catherine Mackenzie also makes it clear that true belief in the reality of the death and resurrection of Christ comes only through faith given by God.
I have to admit, that I was initially unsure of the book (never judge a book by its cover - you would think I should know that by now!), but having read it I think the contents are more seriously treated than the cover and illustrations give the impression of. It is different to anything else on the market for children on the Easter subject, and would certainly answer a lot of the 'whys' that children of this age are likely to ask.
Jesus Rose From the Dead - The Evidence, by Catherine Mackenzie, £4.99, published by Christian Focus Publications.
Lorna

Quietly Does It

2010-03-16T22:06:00.007Z

It's dropped rather quiet on the sales side in the last week, but though I should be complaining, I'm not. All hands are needed at the pump - producing enhanced book information on the new website. It seems a mammoth task just to do the Gospel Mission titles, which largely come without publisher's cover blurb. However I'm concentrating on these as they are distributed by us here in the UK. Great work is being put in by other supporters on other book ranges, which is HUGELY appreciated (I can't praise higher than capitals on a keyboard!) Lorna is getting book images in asap. It will all take a long time - we know it's a marathon not a sprint, but we also can't rest satisfied with the website until it's really functioning to give browsers the support they (you?) need. It does also give us an opportunity to review our stock and consider how best to shape up. A shocking statistic was sent to me today, that around 100 christian bookshops had closed or gone into administration in 2009 alone! These are truly unprecedented times. I feel I should be more thankful that the Christian Bookshop Ossett is even here. And as long as others do too then it will continue in its present form.

Jeremy

Psst! We're Live

2010-03-09T21:57:00.002Z

Yes, 8 years after we built our first website for the bookshop, today we have gone live with our new one. It is now database driven, so fully searchable, as well as easier for us to maintain (vitally important). The quality of information content may be lacking for many books at this point in time, but that will continually improve as we bang it in. We decided our switchover point to the new site would be reached once it could provide at least as much for the user as the old one did. So here we are, and now watch us go. As Winston Churchill once said, 'this is not the beginning of the end; this is only the end of the beginning!'
Try it out for yourself. If you have any problems please email us. We believe it is sound, but welcome feedback.
Jeremy

Risky?

2010-02-23T14:46:00.005Z

This is an unusual book, and not just because the front cover is the kind of thing only highway engineers can appreciate! The contents are also fairly specialist - though compelling I found. This is partly because of the way in which they have been derived. Martin Downes (a new face) has conducted a whole series of interviews with a 'star studded cast' of evangelical and reformed church leaders. The result is a book (slightly obscurely) called 'Risking the Truth' published by Christian Focus Publications for £8.99 p/b. The book is laid out in Q & A format and it is fascinating to see the way different men deal with the same questions. These all revolve around error and the way in which it should be dealt with. Downes sets before his interviewees such things as: Have they been personally tempted away from the straight and narrow? Confronted pastorally by error? How can heresies be headed off? What advice would they pass down to young ministers from their experience? So you have got men like Geoff Thomas (Wales) alongside Iain Campbell (Scotland), Michael Ovey (England), Conrad Mbewe (Zambia), Joel Beeke (USA) plus a load more Americans. One theme (sub-theme?) that struck me was a repeated lesson learned from experience - the vital need to maintain personal prayer. All that is done publicly and ministerially cannot substitute for it. Without it one will not be a 'tree planted by the rivers of water' (Psalm 1) and be fruitful in word and example.

On the Road Again

2010-02-16T21:08:00.004Z

Please come and see us at the Christian Values in Education (CViE) Midland regional meeting this coming Saturday (20th February). We have been kindly permitted to take a bookstall there. CViE material has been made freely available in our shop since the inception of CVE - as it was first called. The difficulty for us is not what to take, but what not to take! We expect the event to be well attended and hope it will be a win-win situation for CViE and us. The subject is on the Dangers of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Two speakers will represent the police and teaching professions. For families with younger children there is a separate interactive meeting for 5 - 10 year olds. For full details go to http://www.cvie.org.uk/Events.aspx

The venue is Weddington church hall, near Nuneaton. Kick off is 3pm. We would love to see you there.

Jeremy

February 3 for 2

2010-02-06T21:53:00.005Z

The February offer is up and running - it's a good one, so you may need to run to catch it! All of the 'Great Classics Series' by Grace Publications are being sold on a '3 for the price of 2' offer. This series covers a good range of the writings of the Reformers and Puritans in abridged and simplified editions. The prices are good too - the cheapest being £2.50 and the most expensive only reaching as high as £5.95. Read our February Bulletin and you will see the full list of titles available in this series.

Lorna

Samuel Eyles Pierce

2010-02-04T11:48:00.004Z

What an interesting and unusual name! I wonder how many people now have even heard of him. But his 'Exposition of Psalms' in 2 volumes has just been deemed worthy of being republished by Particular Baptist Press (PBP). It follows on in their Newport Commentary series from 1 John, also by Pierce (see 2nd from left on bookshelf picture above). But the Psalms volumes were 'very scarce' when C H Spurgeon commended it in his famous and comprehensive 'Commenting and Commentaries' in the 1800s. I was told by PBP that they had only managed to locate one old copy in the US to do their publication from. I have obtained some sets of this quality bound limited edition for £59 per set.

Samuel Eyles Pierce (1746 - 1829) ministered for some time in the west country, particularly Truro, before ending up as pastor of the Baptist church meeting in Shoe Lane, London. He was first in the Church of England, being greatly blessed under the ministry of Augustus Toplady and then William Romaine. Then he became an Independent and trained at Lady Huntingdon's college for ministers at Trevecca for 4 years. But finally he became convinced of believer's baptism. In all his writings he is very full of Christ, insisting that the believer must moment by moment be depending on him, as nothing but sin and unsoundness even in the most earnest endeavours is found within the heart. "Christ is all, and in all" is his motto, and this dictates his approach to the Psalms.

There is a lovely story which is very telling of the spiritual relationship between Pierce and Robert Hawker (Vicar of Charles in Plymouth) :

On Dr Hawker's last visit to London, he was accosted by a gentleman on his leaving St Ann's, Blackfriars, who lamented his return home. The Doctor replied, "My dear sir, I shall not take the gospel with me." "Where," said the person, "would you advise me to go to hear it?" The Doctor rejoined, "Go and hear Mr Pierce, at Shoe Lane. Not that I mean to put myself on a level with that man of God, still I hope I am hobbling after him, though at a great distance." (from J A Jones in the preface to an 1862 edition of Pierce's 'Letters on Spiritual Subjects')

Jeremy

Less is More?

2010-02-03T21:16:00.005Z

Our new website is taking up quite a bit of my time and energy at the moment. I enthusiastically demonstrated our 'beta' version of it to a friend the other day, extolling the virtues of the improved search engine, increased product information, and (most importantly from my point of view) the simplicity involved in keeping it up to date when she said 'Aren't you just giving everyone all the information they need about a book for them to go and buy it cheaper elsewhere?'. Gulp. Uur. Well, I suppose you could look at it like that. Actually, why don't I just shut up shop now and leave the bookselling to Amaz... all those other online retailers?
I don't, purely because I think we can provide a better service. We have a phone number for one thing and many customers will ring for advice about their choice of book, we are happy to source hard-to-find books, we take bookstalls out to special events, we even allow customers to take a box load of books to look through/discuss with Church leaders and then buy some and return some. We have specialist knowledge in our own niche of Christian books and enjoy discussing the finer details of particular titles. I could go on and on... about the mail order customer who buys books obsessively and so for his own well being we tactfully try to limit his purchases... about the 'mad monk' who pops in and likes to discuss the details of Calvinism over Roman Catholicism... about the little old lady who phones for a couple of greetings cards and insists that I describe the picture in detail and read every part of the greeting out to her... about the grumpy local chap who calls in regularly but rarely buys anything. Surely, surely it is worth staying open for that! Okay, so we can't always compete on price, but I'm pretty sure we can compete on service. Try us!
Lorna

Last Week of January Promotion

2010-01-25T20:40:00.005Z

You may be forgiven for not knowing we even had a January promo. I confess with shame that it is nowhere to be seen on our website! A clue to the reason for this omission is at the top of the home page. Lorna has put out a message that the winds of change are blowing and she is in the midst of the tornado, ie. our new website is less than a month from completion (subject to the Lord's will, as we have always proved on projects past). Anyway too much time is needed on this to allow for full updating of the existing site - hence the missing January promotion. Of course if you have already given permission you will have received the promotion by email in the January bulletin. Something to consider if you haven't already signed up - just drop an email with 'subscribe' in the subject line and Bob's your uncle.
On to the promotion itself. We are trying to encourage reading from the section we describe as Biblical Studies. This covers commentaries and sermons, as well as Bible guides and reference books. In other words, serious stuff from past and present, for which a blanket 15% discount applies.
Then, within this section, books from some accessible commentary series are available at 25% discount. These are Day One's 'Opening Up' and 'Exploring the Bible' series, which are aimed at giving brief overviews and introductions to Bible books. Also Banner of Truth's 'Let's Study' series which are more in depth and focus on the New Testament books. Some excellent material here and now just one week to come and get it. Sorry I forgot to tell you earlier.
Jeremy

Who Made That Poster?

2010-01-22T14:02:00.006Z

Back to 'Who Made God' by Edgar Andrews. EP Books, as they like to be known, are due to begin an advertising campaign placing large posters at mainline railway stations. This is quite a new and exciting venture for a christian book and credit is due to them for a bold attempt to place the book in front of the 'man in the street' and not confining themselves to the converted. But when these posters are unveiled on 1st February you will be loudly informed on them to buy the book from Amazon.co.uk. There is no mention of any other outlet. But why not? I say, don't buy it from Amazon!! Support your local Christian Bookshop or else at least order from a christian on-line retailer. Why boost Amazon's profits? Like a giant anaconda they will eventually squeeze the life out of their competitors and we will all be the poorer for it. If you do want to make a christian statement then go into a major high street bookshop and ask for this book, but don't get it from Amazon. It just confirms people in the mentality that Amazon are the place to go for everything. A one stop shop. Yes, the book is listed at a serious discount (20% off RRP of £9.95 when I checked). I feel strongly enough about this to be prepared to offer it at the same price as Amazon to anyone who sees this blog so as to provide a serious alternative in terms of price and service.

Jeremy

The Times

2010-01-18T21:45:00.003Z

...they are a-changing. Markedly so in the booktrade. The high street bookshop has been under increasing pressure from on-line sellers such as Amazon for some time. Just before Christmas the Borders chain collapsed. The same trend has been observed in the Christian sector of the trade. Last year IBS-STL, the largest Christian media supplier in Europe, went bust. They owned the 40 strong Wesley Owen chain of shops. So the New Year has begun with much navel gazing. Is the traditional concept of a Christian Bookshop viable anymore? This has not escaped the notice of the national press, and last Friday 'The Times' newspaper published a very informative and thought provoking article. I recommend reading it - you can find it on Times online:-
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6990136.ece?
I don't agree with the idea mentioned in the article of the Christian Bookshop as a kind of church, or substitute for it. But it is a place of contact, potential spiritual communion (or conflict!) It is more than a mere marketplace, and yet has to be able to shape up to on-line marketers and direct selling from publishers. What do you think? Are we fit for purpose?
Jeremy

Christian Values in Education

2010-01-16T14:55:00.003Z

Just processing a pile of booklets from CViE (Christian Values in Education). Covering a wide range of issues from Euthanasia to The British Consitution, they are worth taking a look at. We send them out free, or most of them are downloadable from their website... http://www.cvie.org.uk/Home.aspx
Lorna

Happy New Year!

2010-01-07T14:50:00.005Z

Just poking my head out of the snow hole that is the bookshop to wish all readers a Happy New Year! The snow and ice has cooled the trading temperature as well as everything else, which is a relief in an odd sort of way.
Before Christmas we had a visit from the Bradford Christian School, which was really great. I want to include a very special review of a classic book, which was purchased by a Year 9 pupil (13-14 year olds I think). This is so exciting because it gives a rarely expressed 'child's eye view'. Thanks are due to the School and the young lady herself for allowing me to reproduce the review here:

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.

The book is about a woman in Holland who lives with her sister and father above their watchmakers shop. The story escalates from just a diary of a normal life into a close to death situation when the family are caught and arrested for hiding Jews in their house. The scenery transforms from a house in a town to a small four walled prison cell. Separation, desperation and starvation are all key words in this book, but so are love, trust and sacrifice. The particular thing I like about this book is the ‘just keep trusting in God’ attitude the characters have and their ability to just keep going and loving people no matter how much pain that person may have caused.

I would recommend this to certain people that enjoy reading challenging books or to a friend that might be struggling with something, it’s like the kind of book that shows hope in awful situations.

This book is adventurous and something that you can relate to, and maybe learn from.

So there you are. If you have never read it, now's the time to start! It'll cost you £7.99 at the most.

Jeremy

Sorry folks, we're taking a break...

2009-12-26T20:23:00.003Z

Mmmmm, finally some time to catch up on a bit of reading... luxury.

We plan to be back in action on Monday 4th Jan 2010, raring to go and brimful of creative energy (that's what Jeremy keeps telling me anyway!). Season's Greetings to all our customers, we look forward to hearing from you in the year to come.

Lorna

Blow your Mind this Christmas!

2009-12-16T20:14:00.006Z

This book really is a fantastic effort to communicate science, and how it backs up belief in God, despite the attempts of Richard Dawkins and crew to rubbish religion. I have read many popular level books on scientific topics, both from christian and non-christian authors in my time, but this is top notch! Edgar Andrews takes on the 'new atheists' and compares creeds by the scientific method across a wide spectrum of enquiry. He uses only the biblical God as his starting point, and demonstrates that observed fact fits his 'hypothesis' far more convincingly than any alternative. Fascinating facts and details are packed in like raisins in a Christmas cake. It is an excellent apologetics tool, but also a book to stir the soul as well as the mind towards our great and sovereign Creator. Certainly a good 'braintraining' work out to compensate for the excesses of the festive season! But don't equate challenging with tiresome. The 'busy mother of four' listed among the credits on the back cover found she could 'quite easily' grasp the concepts involved and intends it for 'the coffee table' when friends come round. I admire that woman. In my opinion as a lesser mortal there are some frankly tricky bits, but Andrews handles them as deftly and lightly as could be hoped for. After all some things will always remain difficult however clearly explained eg. quantum physics.

One point I would like to gauge other people's views on in the creation science fraternity is Professor Andrews opinion of the Big Bang. Read chapter seven and then come back to me. If you haven't got a copy of the book, buy one from me, then read chapter seven and come back to me! Is it the consensus among 'Special Creationists', if I may use the term, that there is no incompatibilty between Big Bang theory and Genesis chapter one? I just felt that maybe a version of the Gap theory was being employed at this point.

Overall a great Christmas present option at only £9.95 for a hardback with dust jacket.

Jeremy

The customer is always right... right?

2009-12-12T21:45:00.003Z

Christmas... those that know me will know I'm not the world's greatest fan, but when you're in the retail world, you have to do it... or do you? Some customers expect it, some don't. Last year, we had a telling off from a customer because we didn't have any 'religious' Christmas cards in the shop. By religious I gather she meant nativity style ones. All our cards have Scripture texts, but it has to be admitted I prefer not to have nativity scenes around. However, bearing in mind this customer's comments when I made my Christmas orders this year I included a few tasteful 'Eastern scene' styles, i.e. wise men on camels, Bethlehem skyline etc etc. So, I thought that should be another happy customer. Well, just this week we have had another ticking off (there are some pretty bossy customers around!) This time Jeremy was discussing with a customer a particular title they wanted sourcing and helpfully (or so he thought) asked...' would you like the book in time for Christmas?' 'I certainly won't be celebrating that pagan festival' came the indignant reply with full reasoned arguments for why not listed in great detail before Jeremy could get a word in edgeways!
Hum, sometimes I wonder... the customer is always right... right?
Season's Greetings!
Lorna
By the way, if you do want books in time for the 25th December our courier will be delivering right up until 24th.

Found it...

2009-11-30T20:43:00.009Z

... the spare half hour that is. Actually I squeezed in a whole 1.5 hours on Saturday evening before the ironing board beckoned. Unfortunately though, I still haven't managed to prise 'Who Made God' from Jeremy's hands. He thinks he can pacify me by occasionally reading aloud a few paragraphs out of it, but I'm afraid that doesn't suffice. The book I picked up was 'Anne Boleyn' in the Day One 'History Today' series. My interest in reading more about Anne Boleyn was sparked by reading 'Coronation of Glory', which is an award winning novel of the life of Lady Jane Grey by Deborah Meroff and a thoroughly gripping read. Anne Boleyn was the 2nd wife of Henry VIII and was unjustly executed for treason just 3 years after coming to the throne. Both books show just how complex this Tudor period of history is, not just politically but religiously. The twists and turns of the evangelical 'new learning' as it increased in prominence against a backdrop of Catholicism was due in part to the encouragement of people like Anne Boleyn. Encouragement of reformers like Cranmer, Bilney and Latimer, encouragement of the smuggling of Tyndale's New Testaments and even the gentle persuasion of the King of England to soften his view towards the Reformation (which after her death swung back to Catholicism again). It is challenging to read about the deaths of many who would not renounce their new found faith in the true and living God. This little book about Anne Boleyn gives a helpful insight into the beginnings of the Reformation in this country and the instrumental role someone in such a high position was able to play in the advancement of the Gospel.
Anne Boleyn by Colin Hamer, published by Day One, £7
Lorna

I want to read a book!

2009-11-27T13:41:00.003Z

I want to read a book! But so does everyone else. I suppose I should be glad that everyone has decided to buy good Christian books for Christmas presents... the books are flying off the shelves before they are put on! Plus, suddenly our customers new and old have woken up to the fact that we are running a great value 3 for 2 offer on all children's books. It's great to be busy, but I am in danger of being buried by the next box load of books that come in, never mind the ones waiting to go out!
To top it all off, Jeremy has nicked off with the book I had just started reading... 'Who Made God' by Edgar Andrews. I had only got to page 16, and my 4 yr old is desperate for me to read it because he has made me promise that I will tell him 'Who made God' when I have finished it (even though my 6 yr old has clearly told him 'NOBODY, made God... of course').
Here's hoping for a spare half hour...
Lorna
Btw, if you're wanting children's books the 3 for 2 offer finishes at the end of this month.

Breathing more freely again...

2009-11-14T21:23:00.008Z

Wow, it's been a crazy couple of weeks! Out of shop bookstalls, evening events, hosting school groups, baking for the events, re-organising the shopfloor to highlight special offers and talking books, books, books! I can't say I don't enjoy it, but I don't think I could quite keep up this pace all year round! (and I don't think I could expect all our loyal helpers to either - thanks everyone!) Now that I'm breathing a little more freely I have realised that the website has been badly neglected and is quite out of date. Apologies. We have had a ton of new books in to add to the chaos and I am desperate to get them on the site so that you all know about them... here's a few as a taster...
This Little Church had None by Gary Gilley, the third title in his 'This little Church' series is apparently a must-read. I really must find the time...
Amazing Conversions by John Ashworth is a reprint of his 'Life and Strange Tales', originally published by Gospel Tidings. Over the years many customers have asked for this title and it had become very scarce. So it is nice to see it available again in a nice quality hardback done by Tentmaker Publications.
Matthew Henry's Daily Readings edited by Randall Pederson. Published in a lovely quality leather bound gift edition. Matthew Henry's portions have been lightly edited and the ESV is used (which sadly I suspect may put many of Matthew Henry's fans off).
Douglas Bond's latest novel The Betrayal is based on Calvin and by all accounts is not only a good read from a fiction point of view, but a profitable read because of the amount of original content from Calvin's own works. Jeremy has been recommending this to anyone prepared to listen to him!
Who Made God? by Edgar Andrews is another one that has been flying off the shelf and is next on my own reading list. The publishers claim that it is 'a really effective riposte to the "new atheism" of Richard Dawkins and others - gently humorous, highly readable, deeply serious, razor sharp, and written by an internationally respected scientist'. I have heard many positive reviews and look forward to getting my teeth into it.
Our 3 for 2 offer on children's books has been running this week and we have decided to extend it another few weeks or as long as stocks last. Have a look at our children's catalogue, there really are some great children's books around at the moment.
Don't forget to get your orders in for the AV Block Calendar, it is selling fast this year and stock levels are getting low.
Lorna

Talking Shop

Blog Tours

Our New Ventures

Hit By Friendly Fire

A nice boost to our New Year!

Timeless Stories

Christmas Update

A Reformed Publisher?

Latest News

Pitfall!

She's made it!

Have a Tea Break for Charity!

Articles of Faith

Enough.

Dealing With Depression

August - A Wash Out?

With a little help from my friends...

Shop Local

Price Matching - Moral?

Gleanings From The Past

Recommended Devotional Readings

Books into schools

July is Charity Month

Think Bookshop, Think Bike

Temptation of Christ

God's Names

A Wonderful and Unfinished History

Reading Together

Christian Warfare

Social Networking Media

Candle Discovery Series

Pierced

Mother's Day

New Focus Conference 2011

The Romance of Protestantism

World Book Day Vouchers

Christian Unity

Only a Handful?

Going snowboarding?

Time Travel

Child Labour?

Some new books

White Monday

Happy New Year!

Taking a break...

Why Johnny Can't Sing Hymns

December Offer

More Jungle Doctor?

104 books per year?

Late night shopping

What Think Ye of Christ?

God's Mighty Acts...

One Good Reason For Not Blogging...

We Just Had to Laugh...

Sorry, Christmas has come!

Too Low Key?

Reading Initiative Award

Crushed yet Conquering

Christmas Evans

Just the Two of Us?

Even Heroes Need Holidays!

What a Hero!

Activity Morning

Gospel Invitations

William Gadsby

Helpful Truth in Past Places

Anne Bradstreet

Prayer

Reading Together

Ossett Chapel Anniversary Service

Are you contagious?

Declension in Love

Afterwards I Knew

His People

A Hive of Activity

Essential Bible Reference Series

Customer Feedback

Dealing It Out

3 into 1 Does Go...Just!

Footsteps of the Past