THE GOSPEL OF RUTH
Carolyn Custis James
(Zondervan, $16.99, 220 pages)
Fans of Carolyn Custis James' first book, When Life and Beliefs Collide, have come to expect much from this fresh-thinking, push-the-''evangelical''-envelope author.

Even James' new title is provocative. She proposes that the Book of Ruth, often perceived as antiquated Sunday school flannel-graph fodder, teaches the same countercultural, rule-breaking gospel that Jesus offered, and that it has life-changing insight for today.

James unearths information on the historic and cultural setting as well as qualities of the two main characters, who pursue God's purposes with some of the most creatively bold obedience found in the Bible.

''Ruth emerges as a surprisingly gutsy risk taker; Naomi as a female Job,'' said the author, who believes that this brave twosome calls women to greater honesty in confronting life's hardships with a willingness to pursue God instead of running from him.

In her usual straightforwardness, James asks readers, ''Is God good for women?''

She then lays out a map to radical levels of thinking conveying a message that God is not only good for women, but also counting on them to do his work.
HELLO
After Edmund
(Slanted Records)

Produced by Scotty Wilbanks (Decembe-Radio, Third Day), After Edmund's debut album Hello brings a wonderfully original and surprisingly mature sound to the scene.

The diverse background of each musician forms a modern indie rock sound with British rock influences — which fans of bands like Muse will appreciate.

The vocals are solid and melodious, with influences from modern pop-rock bands such as Fall Out Boy and Falling Up.

The band also demonstrates its classical training in several well-composed sections of piano and strings.

The album includes a good balance of upbeat, driving songs and mellow, more laid-back ballads.

The lyrics vary from worshipful to introspective in nature, and as a result are fit for a broad range of listeners. Expect to hear more about this new band out of Georgia in the near future; the refreshingly unique sound they bring to Christian music will not go unnoticed.

Web site to try

http://www.positivelyfeminine.org

Mike and Brenda King lead the nonprofit Positively Feminine and its site ''to encourage respect for femininity, and provide practical as well as spiritual encouragement and support for Christian women.''

The site features hundreds of essays on topics familiar to anyone who has read a women's advice magazine — decorating on a budget, how to avoid sunburn, tips on how to balance work and family life.

What sets most of the content apart is its foundation in Scripture, tying Bible verses to advice on avoiding gossip in the office, keeping your kitchen pantry well-stocked and making friends.

Regular columnists contribute devotionals and inspirational anecdotes about their lives as mothers, wives, grandmothers and friends.