This week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers are timely, topical selections that almost appear to have been ripped from today’s headlines. One tells how a U.S. Secret Service agent has cheated death while protecting the lives of three presidents, and another tells the amazing tale of an intriguing country — Israel. There is also the selection argues that parenthood isn’t as complicated as society makes it out to be, and an offering suggesting habits that families can and should adopt to lead a sacred life in a turbulent world. And for fiction, there is the latest legal thriller from the novelist who popularized it.
“Camino Ghosts,” by John Grisham (Doubleday)
The latest novel from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author John Grishan is centered on Dark Isle, a small spit of land off the north Florida coast that had historically been a sanctuary for freed slaves. But now an aging woman, the last descendant of Dark Isle, takes on a ruthless developer who wants to turn her beloved birthplace into a resort and casino. She also must confront the developer’s lawyers, lobbyists, and Florida politicians. “I really loved how deep and personal ‘Camino Ghosts’ felt at times, and I honestly was surprised at how much I enjoyed this more comfortable storytelling from Grisham,” wrote The Unseen Library review. “As such, ‘Camino Ghosts’ is a very highly recommended book that will appeal to a range of readers, especially those looking for a nice, easy to read novel with some unique twists to them.” [Fiction]
“Cheating Death: Three-Time Presidential Secret Service Agent Lives to Tell You How,” by Kenneth M. Valentine (Liberatio Protocol)
Kenneth Valentine uses his experience as a former U.S. Secret Service agent who had protected the lives of three presidents to give his own perspective of how to cheat death and live at peace despite the challenges life may throw at you. Often it is heard that the life of former President Donald Trump was spared on July 13 only by the hand of God, and Valentine wouldn’t argue with that assessment. He remarks that he has cheated death himself and credits God for his survival. “‘Cheating Death’ is packed with great stories and impactful wisdom from both experiences and the Bible,” wrote Erick Harp in his GoodReads review. “While our current culture is trying to destroy masculinity, Ken is an outstanding example and model of how Biblical masculinity improves life for the family, our society and our world. Great book and in reading you can learn how you too can cheat death!” [Nonfiction]
“The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World,” by Dan Senor & Saul Singer (Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster)
The bestselling authors take a deeper dive into Israel, more than a decade after “Start-Up Nation,” their first book on this tiny country, to discover the reason for its survival, surrounded as it is by its enemies. It explains why citizens of the Jewish state remain happy and content with life there, despite the challenges and struggles. “The Genius of Israel” also offers insight as to why Israel’s haters — from the pro-Hamas rioters on American campuses to the mullahs of Iran — will never win. “Understanding how a country facing so many challenges can be among the happiest provides surprising insights into how we can confront the crisis of community, human connectedness, and purpose in modern life,” wrote Ian Mewhinney for GoodReads. “Bold, timely, and insightful, (Dan) Senor and (Saul) Singer’s latest work shines an important light on the impressive innovative distinctions of Israeli society — and what other communities and countries can learn.” [Nonfiction]
“Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be,” by Timothy P. Carney (Harper)
In “Alienated America,” bestselling author and Washington Examiner columnist Timoth Carney sought to understand why some places in the United States thrived while others declined. In this one, he set out to discover why society makes childrearing so difficult, and why the results are often so dreadful. Despite enrolling children in the best schools, urging their participation in every activity, and protecting them from every trauma, they often turn out to be basket cases. Perhaps our parents and grandparents knew better than today’s “experts.” The author recommends, instead, to have lots of children, let them fight and make up, allow them to roam free and discover the world on their own terms. Reviewing for The Gospel Coalition, John Shelton wrote, “a rare work that combines rigorous social science and cultural analysis with Roman Catholic wisdom and wit. The book moves from the practical (“have lower ambitions for your kids”) to the political (chapters on urban planning and pro-family policy) to the civilizational and spiritual — all while sustaining an underlying sense of humor.” [Nonfiction]
“Habits for a Sacred Home: 9 Practices from History to Anchor and Restore Modern Families,” by Jennifer Pepito (Bethany House Publishers)
In this, a podcaster and homeschooling mother of seven reveals how to achieve peace, simplicity, and stability at home through the application of nine faith-based practices. She encourages her readers with Biblical wisdom and real-life stories as examples to create a better home life. “I couldn't put this book down and I will return to it again and again!” wrote Stephanie in her Amazon review. “It is such a beautiful, encouraging read for all women, especially for stay-at-home mothers and homeschoolers. Jennifer writes with beauty, encouragement, and conviction and reminds us that, as mothers, we are capable of creating a sacred home in the midst of chaos.” [Nonfiction]
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