Jen Hatmaker, whose previous book For the Love sold over 300,000 copies the year it was published, is writing directly to Christian women once again in Of Mess and Moxie. Also among the big religion and spirituality titles releasing in August, Pulitzer Prize finalist Robert Wright presents Why Buddhism is True.

Nonfiction

Aug. 1

Cross Vision: How the Crucifixion of Jesus Makes Sense of Old Testament Violence by Gregory A. Boyd (Fortress, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-5064-2073-8). Theologian Boyd proposes the “cruciform hermeneutic,” a way to read the Old Testament portraits of God through the lens of Jesus’ crucifixion, and shows how the death and resurrection of Jesus can reframe the violence of the Old Testament.

Aug. 8

The Magnificent Story: Uncovering a Gospel of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth by James Bryan Smith (InterVarsity, $22, ISBN 978-0-8308-4636-8) provides a resource meant to help both individuals and groups understand the role of Christ’s story in their lives, including spiritual practices at the end of each chapter and a group discussion guide.

Why Buddhism Is True by Robert Wright (Simon & Schuster, $27, ISBN 978-1-4391-9545-1) examines psychology, philosophy, and meditation to show how Buddhism holds the key to moral clarity and enduring happiness.

Shariah Law: Questions and Answers by Mohammad Hashim Kamali (OneWorld, $19.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-78607-150-7). The founding CEO of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies at the International Islamic University, Malaysia connects the theoretical aspects of Shariah law with how it is applied in the world today.

Of Mess and Moxie: Wrangling Delight Out of This Wild and Glorious Life by Jen Hatmaker (Thomas Nelson, $22.99, 978-0-7180-3184-8). Hatmaker, the star of My Big Family Renovation on HGTV, addresses women’s issues ranging from motherhood to aging, reassuring readers that they have all that they need to live grace-filled lives.

Aug. 14

The Dawn of Christianity: People and Gods in a Time of Magic and Miracles by Robert Knapp (Harvard Univ., $29.95, ISBN 978-0-674-97646-7). Exploring everyday life from 200 B.C.E. to the end of the first century C.E., Knapp considers the spiritual nature of antiquity and shows that Jews and polytheists lived with the gods in very similar ways.

Aug. 15

A Woman Overwhelmed: Finding God in the Messes of Life by Hayley DiMarco (Abingdon, $16.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-5018-4070-8). The author of more than 40 books shares biblical insights and personal stories to offer a glimpse at the comedy of an overwhelmed life while encouraging readers to discover the depths of God’s love.

Life Lessons: 125 Prayers and Lessons by Julia Cameron (Penguin/TarcherPerigee, $15, ISBN 978-0-14-313049-9). This compilation of prayers by internationally bestselling author Cameron provides divine expressions suited for every situation.

From Fragmentation to Wholeness: Race, Ethnicity, and Communion by Neville Callam (Judson, $19.99 paper, ISBN 978-0-8170-1788-0). The pastor, theological educator, and ecumenist reflects on the untapped power of Holy Communion as a force for reconciliation, healing, and restored wholeness in today's fragmented churches and communities.

Aug. 22

Faith Formation in a Secular Age by Andrew Root (Baker Academic, $22.99 paper, ISBN 978-0-8010-9846-8). Theologian Root offers an alternative take on the issue of youth drifting away from the church and articulates how faith can be formed in a secular age.

Practices of Love by Kyle David Bennett (Brazos, $17.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-58743-403-7) argues that spiritual disciplines were originally intended to influence our “horizontal” relationships—with neighbors, strangers, enemies, friends, family, animals, and even the Earth.

Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World by Kelley Nikondeha (Eerdmans, $16.99 paper, ISBN 978-0-8028-7425-2). Drawing on her own story as both an adopted child and an adoptive mother, Nikondeha explains how the Christian concept of adoption into God’s family can broaden our sense of belonging in this biblically grounded consideration of adoption.

Fiction

Aug. 1

The Second Chance Brides Collection: Nine Historical Romances Offer New Hope for Love by Lauralee Bliss et al. (Barbour, $14.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-68322-246-0) follows nine women from 1776 to 1944 who lost out on love.

Aug. 8

The Two of Us by Victoria Bylin (Bethany House, $13.99, ISBN 978-0-7642-1738-8). After two broken engagements, nurse practitioner Mia Robinson is done with dating, until she meets former police officer Jake Tanner.

Aug. 20

Second Chance Amish Bride by Marta Perry (Love Inspired, $5.99, ISBN 978-0-373-62296-2). Widower Caleb King is set on raising his two small children without assistance from anyone. But when Caleb is injured, Jessie Miller is just as determined to help her late cousin’s family.

Children’s/YA

Aug. 8

Just Sayin’ by Dandi Daley Mackall (Tyndale, $14.99, ISBN 978-1-4964-2316-0). Told through a series of letters, this is the story of a blended family that almost falls apart before it even begins. Ages 10–14.