A History of the Bible: The book and its faiths, by John Barton (Penguin, £12.99 (£11.69); 978-0-141-97850-5). New in paperback

 “This book tells the story of the Bible, explaining how it came to be constructed and how it has been understood, from its remote beginnings down to the present.”

New Selected Poems by Christina Rossetti, edited by Rachel Mann (Carcanet, £12.99 (£11.69); 978-1-78410-906-6).

“As an Anglican priest and poet, Rachel Mann in her selection appreciates Rossetti’s ambition while attending, too, to recent scholarship that focuses on the religious, feminist and fantastical elements in her work.”

The Outsider: Pope Francis and his battle to reform the Catholic Church, by Christopher Lamb (Orbis, £19.99 (Church Times SPECIAL OFFER PRICE £16); 978-1-62698-361-8).

 “From a Vatican correspondent for The Tablet (London), an overview of the ministry and agenda of Pope Francis, an examination of the opposition that has mobilised against him, and what this means and portends for the Catholic Church.”

Celtic Saints: 40 days of devotional readings, by David Cole (BRF, £8.99 (£8.09); 978-0-85746-950-2). Reissue

“David Cole draws us to relate our own life journey and developing relationship with God into the life story of the Celtic saint of the day. A corresponding biblical text and blessing encourages and motivates us to transform our lives for today’s world in the light of such historic faith. Previously published as 40 Days with the Celtic Saints.”

Parenting as a Church Leader, by Rachel Turner (BRF, £9.99 (£8.99); 978-0-85746-937-3).

“Drawing on extensive research, this book explores the issues and builds a set of simple tools and approaches to help leaders and their families to flourish together.”

Selected by Frank Nugent, of the Church House Bookshop, which operates the Church Times Bookshop