In a Facebook Live event on Friday, June 23, 2017, ACFW CEO Colleen Coble announced the 2017 Carol Award finalists for the best in Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. Coble also announced ACFW’s 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient—Jerry Jenkins. “Jerry Jenkins is one of the most successful writers of our time with more than 70 million books in print,” Coble says. “Even more importantly, he shows us what perseverance and hard work can do. Before the wildly popular Left Behind series, relatively few knew his name, yet he’d written 124 books before the 125th one that propelled him into major publishing stardom.” Coble continued, “Jerry is constantly working to help others reach their writing goals. ACFW is honored to present him with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.”

The 2017 Carol Award finalists, listed by author in alphabetical order by category:

Contemporary

• The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editor Amanda Bostic
• One More Song to Sing by Lindsay Harrel, Ashberry Lane Publishing, editors Christina Tarabochia and
  Rachel Lulich
• The Broken Trail (Sweet River Redemption) (Vol. 1) by Christa MacDonald, Mountain Brook Ink, editor Rachel Lulich

Historical

• This Road We Traveled by Jane Kirkpatrick, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering and Barbara Barnes
• Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editors Ann Tatlock and Amberlyn Dwinnell
• Like a River From Its Course by Kelli Stuart, Kregel Publications, editors Dawn Jackson and Janyre Tromp

Historical Romance

• The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischoff, ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published), editors Denise Harmer and Kara Swanson
• No Way Up (The Cimarron Legacy) by Mary Connealy, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors David Long and Luke Hinrichs
• Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor David Long

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

• If I Run by Terri Blackstock, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and David Lambert
• Murder Comes by Mail: A Hidden Springs Mystery (The Hidden Springs Mysteries) by A.H. Gabhart, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing, editor Lonnie Hull DuPont
• When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Natalie Hanneman

Novella

• The Doctor’s Woman (The Courageous Brides Collection) by Michelle Griep, Barbour Publishing, editor Becky Germany
• The Warrior’s Seal by Ronie Kendig, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors David Long and Jessica Barnes
• The Angel of Forest Hill: An Amish Christmas Romance by Cindy Woodsmall, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House), editor Shannon Marchese 

Romance

• A Season to Love by Nicole Deese, Waterfall Press, editors Amy Hosford and Kristin Mehus-Roe
• Just a Kiss (A Summer Harbor Novel) by Denise Hunter, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Karli Jackson and L B Norton
• The Hearts We Mend by Kathryn Springer, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editor Becky Monds

Romantic Suspense

• The Dragon Roars by Sara Davison, Ashberry Lane Publishing, editors Rachel Lulich and Christina Tarabochia
• Always Watching: A Novel (Elite Guardians) by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing, editor Andrea Doering
• You’re the One that I Want by Susan May Warren, Tyndale House, editors Karen Watson and Sarah Mason

Short Novel

• Falling for the Hometown Hero (Love Inspired) by Mindy Obenhaus, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editors Melissa Endlich and Emily Rodmell
• Restoring Christmas: A Novel by Cynthia Ruchti, Worthy Inspired, editors Pamela Clements and Jamie Chavez
• Burnin’ For You by Susan May Warren, SDG Publishing, editor Barbara Curtis

Speculative

• Unblemished by Sara Ella, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Becky Monds and Julee Schwarzburg
• The Healer’s Rune (Young Adult Fantasy) by Lauricia Matuska, Brimstone Fiction, editors Rowena Kuo and Eddie Jones
• The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy

Debut

• A Family for the Farmer (Love Inspired) by Laurel Blount, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Giselle Regis
• The Last Apostle: A Novel (John the Immortal Series) by Dennis Brooke, Made for Grace Publishing, editor John Harten
• You’re the Cream in my Coffee by Jennifer Lamont Leo, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editor Kathryn Davis

ACFW’s 2017 Editor of the Year Nominees, listed in alphabetical order:

• Amanda Bostic – HarperCollins
• Sarah Rische – Tyndale
• Annie Tipton – Barbour

ACFW’s 2017 Agent of the Year Nominees, listed in alphabetical order:

• Ann Byle – Credo Communications
• Tamela Hancock Murray – The Steve Laube Agency
• Sarah Elizabeth Younger – Nancy Yost Literary Agency

The Carol Award winners, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, Editor and Agent of the Year, Genesis Contest winners for unpublished manuscripts, and other honors will be awarded at the Gala at the ACFW conference in Grapevine, Texas, September 23, 2017 (www.acfw.com/conference).

ACFW is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. ACFW’s mission is to empower Christian novelists by inspiring them to join with God in the creative process, training them in the craft, and educating them in the publishing industry. For more information about ACFW, contact acfwrelations@acfw.com or www.acfw.com.

 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 19, 2017)— Nashville-based music artist Keith Getty was honored June 16 as an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The award, which commemorates Getty’s contribution to “Music and Modern Hymn Writing,” marks the first occasion that the award has been given to an individual involved in the world of contemporary church music.

Getty, along with collaborators including his wife, Kristyn, as well as Stuart Townend, has written over 60 of the most popular 2,000 hymns sung in the U.S. and United Kingdom, according to Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI). The Getty-Townend hymn, “In Christ Alone,” is the #1 most popular hymn sung in the UK for the past nine years and is also among the top 10 in the USA. According to their publishers, it is estimated that over 100 million people sang this one hymn in the last 12 months. Getty-penned hymns are popular across all Christian denominations and their music has been performed at national celebrations in several countries as well as recorded by well-known artists.

Later this year, Keith and Kristyn will launch their Sing! campaign with their first book, Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church (September 2017, B&H Publishing Group). Their first Sing! conference will take place in Nashville September 18-20.

Keith Getty says, “When I first received the call, I was shocked. As a Brit living in America it is an incredible gift to receive from home especially given the long history of the award and the legacy of individuals who have received it. It is also wonderful to see hymnody and the great hymn-writing heritage I am from in the U.K. be recognized in this way. I am very grateful to her Majesty the Queen for this honor.”

On June 25, the Gettys will lead their second Global Hymn Sing (www.globalhymnsing.com). The Gettys’ 2016 hymn sing resulted in more than 1.1 million congregants in 5400-plus churches in 100 countries around the world joining together in song.

Keith and Kristyn met in Belfast, Northern Ireland when they began songwriting together. They were married in 2004, and two years later, they recorded their first project as a couple. They currently reside in Nashville along with their three young daughters.

“It has been thrilling to see the impact of these hymns around the world. Kristyn and I feel utterly privileged to be able to serve the Church in such a way and will continue to write and lead people in singing as we have breath to,” Keith added.

For more information, visit: http://www.gettymusic.com/

Keith and Kristyn Getty are the preeminent writers of modern hymns in the world today. The duo has created a deep catalog of songs including sixty of the most popular hymns currently sung in the US and UK (according to Christian Copyright Licensing International). It is estimated that each year, their hymns are sung by more than 100 million people across the spectrum of all Christian denominations.  The Getty’s most popular hymn, “In Christ Alone,” (co-written by Keith Getty with Stuart Townend) is the #1 most popular hymn sung in the UK for the past nine years and is among the top 10 most popular hymns in the U.S. Through their spring and fall tours, and their annual Joy–An Irish Christmas tour, the Gettys have performed before sold-out houses including London’s Royal Albert Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. The duo met in Belfast, Northern Ireland when they began songwriting together. They were married in 2004, and two years later recorded their first project as a couple. To date, the Gettys have released 6 other full-length albums and 2 limited edition EPs. They currently reside between Nashville and Northern Ireland with their three young daughters.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission-minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters^® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church, and academic markets, titles include The New York Times No. 1 bestsellers The Love Dare and The Vow, #1 CBA bestseller I Am a Church Member as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

Media Contact:  Jenaye White
Jenaye.White@BHPublishingGroup.com  615-251-2964  www.bhpublishinggroup.com

Photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v5lepjpxyodt0i7/KeithandKristyn2016promo2.JPG?dl=0 (photo by Kristin Barlow; courtesy Getty Music)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/j6nfze9uxhjme9q/KeithandKristyn2016Promo.jpg?dl=0 (photo by Kristin Barlow; courtesy Getty Music)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/kz98wtebk9pfm8x/KeithatPiano2.jpg?dl=0 (courtesy Getty Music)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u2tf66jaitjg451/KeithatPiano.jpg?dl=0 (photo by Josh Newman ; courtesy Getty Music)

Upcoming 2018 Faith-Driven Film, CANAL STREET Signs Multi-Month Promotion as First Partner in This New Season

Orange County, CA – Rapzilla, the #1 source for exclusive content at the intersection of today’s Millennial, Hip Hop and Faith cultures, has renewed their agreement with FrontGate Media’s leading faith-based Web & Event Network division for an additional five years of exclusive representation for sponsorships and advertising.

Rapzilla is the Hip Hop community for Christians, attracting people with a passion for faith and hip hop culture. Rapzilla has a dedicated, largely millennial audience, generating 2.3 Million page views a month from 300,000 unique visitors, 75,000 email subscribers, 132,000+ Facebook Likes and 127,000+ YouTube subscribers who devour their Hip Hop lifestyle coverage of music, movies, books, events and causes.  In 2016, StyleOfSound.com awarded the site the rank of #55 Most Influential Digital Music Publication in the World.

According to Scott A. Shuford, Founder/CEO of FrontGate Media, “While we are always excited about new outlets and companies, it is a great honor to continue our work for established outlets like Rapzilla, which means we are doing our job well. I love the dual emotional selling propositions of the audience’s Hip Hop and Faith lifestyles that make up Rapzilla’s audience and look forward to exploring new ways for us to deliver value to advertisers.”

FrontGate will continue to build the Rapzilla brand through advertising, partnerships and sponsorships including the first partner of this new season, Red Gueriila Productions Faith-Driven film: CANAL STREET. (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6183104/?ref_=nv_sr_1) Directed by Rhyan LaMarr, the film features Bryshere Y. Gray (“Empire”), Mykelti Williamson (FENCES) and Mekhi Phifer (DIVERGENT) leading an all-star ensemble cast which releases at the top of 2018. The brand partnership includes promotion across all of Rapzilla’s web, social and email opportunities as well as exclusive audience engagement opportunities.  CANAL STREET will also be involved with FrontGate Media at the massive Comic-Con International 2017 annual event this Summer.

“We appreciate how FrontGate has taken our Hip Hop community to the faith-based advertising world,” states Rapzilla CEO Chad Horton. “They know how to leverage our passionate audience to benefit sponsors. We look forward to further expansion with FrontGate.”

About FrontGate Media
Award-winning FrontGate Media (http://FrontGateMedia.com) is the leading marketing agency and media group specializing in the faith and family audience.  Having celebrated their 15-year milestone in 2016, the firm serves as “Your Gateway to the Christian Audience.” FrontGate’s full service agency and media group has been trusted with over 5,000 campaigns, providing Faith-based market Strategy Development, Public Relations, Media Buying, and Social Media & Marketing. FrontGate’s own Web & Events Network provides reach to more than 10 million people each month and over 17 million email subscribers. Founded in 2001, FrontGate has repeatedly been honored in the Internet Advertising Competition and the WebAwards. The company plays a key role in the success of for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking the faith-based and family-friendly audiences.

Orange County, CA – Crossflix has selected FrontGate Media, one of the world’s leading Faith and Family marketing agencies, as global agency of record.  FrontGate will be working with Crossflix to provide brand strategy and communications services including Publicity, Social Media, Advertising and Grassroots Outreach for the launch of the Crossflix faith-based streaming video service.

Crossflix is founded by Alan Mehrez and Aileen Rodriguez. Mehrez is well known as a successful Producer and Director with a catalog of successful films that have been released by Lionsgate, Warner Brothers, HBO, Showtime, and other studios.  In addition, Mehrez and Rodriguez have worked as International Film Distributors, licensing film rights all over the world.

Crossflix is created to empower Christian Filmmakers, Producers, Writers and Artists and to provide quality faith content which includes emphasis on faith education. A subscription-based streaming service, Crossflix offers its members quality faith and family movies, award-winning faith documentaries, animated children’s Biblical education and adult education, including their original “The Living Bible Series”. Crossflix is poised to be the industry leader for audiences of all ages seeking faith-based programming that entertains, educates and inspires at an affordable price.

“We were impressed with FrontGate’s proven track record in achieving results that really impact faith-based businesses and ministries, as well as their creative approach to impacting the key audiences in this category. FrontGate understands our passion to create unique content and programming,” said Alan Mehrez, President and Founder of Crossflix.

About FrontGate Media
Award-winning FrontGate Media (http://FrontGateMedia.com) is the leading marketing agency and media group specializing in the faith and family audience.  Having celebrated their 15-year milestone in 2016, the firm serves as “Your Gateway to the Christian Audience.” FrontGate’s full service agency and media group has been trusted with over 5,000 campaigns, providing Faith-based market Strategy Development, Public Relations, Media Buying, and Social Media & Marketing. FrontGate’s own Web & Events Network also provides reach to more than 10 million people each month and over 17 million email subscribers. Founded in 2001, FrontGate has repeatedly been honored in the Internet Advertising Competition and the WebAwards. The company plays a key role in the success of for-profit and non-profit organizations seeking the faith-based and family-friendly audiences.

Nashville, Tenn. (June 26, 2017)–Holman Bibles, an imprint of B&H Publishing Group, will expand its successful Text Bible Program to include a rebate and special promotions in the “Holman One Source Bible Program,” effective July 1.

The new program will feature exclusive promotions for retailers on top-selling Bibles, a 5% rebate on all text/reference Bibles, enhanced free freight, and more favorable buying terms. The One Source Bible Program includes Bibles in the newly revised Christian Standard Bible^® (CSB) translation. 

Two years ago, B&H launched the “One Source Rebate Program” for Broadman Church Supplies. The program rewards retail partners with an end-of-the-year rebate based on annual Broadman Supplies purchases. In 2016, 88 independent retailers throughout the U.S. received a total of over $40,000 in rebates.

“We are excited to expand this program to include a rebate and exclusive Bible promotions in a continued effort to best support our CBA independent bookstores,” said Rick Shear, Vice President of CBA and Ministry Sales.

In addition, Holman will offer a new Text Bible Plan Merchandising Display to any store that signs up to become a Holman Certified Dealer. The new merchandising display provides retailers with the components they need to set up an interactive display for the text and reference Bibles that are included in the Text Bible Plan. Customers can use the display to easily compare the different covers, sizes, and translations offered in the plan.

For more information about the Holman One Source Bible Program, contact B&H at 1-800-251-3225 or BHCustomerService@Lifeway.com.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of LifeWay Christian Resources, is a team of mission-minded people with a passion for taking God’s Word to the world. Because we believe Every Word Matters® we seek to provide intentional, Bible-centered content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, inspiring them to build a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. Among our print and digital releases for the trade, church, and academic markets, titles include The New York Times No. 1 bestsellers The Love Dare and The Vow, #1 CBA bestseller I Am a Church Member as well as the newly-revised Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version.

Media contact: Jenaye White, Jenaye.White@Lifeway.com

Grand Rapids, Mich., June 22, 2017 — Zondervan announced today a one-book contract with Tiffini Kilgore, founder of House of Belonging, a family business specializing in inspirational home décor and custom wood signs. In her first book, set for release in February 2019, Kilgore will share her story and encourage readers to tune out the harmful words the world speaks over us and listen up to the life-giving words God speaks over us instead. She will show readers the transformation that happened in her own life when she traded out lies for loving truth and how they can do the same. Kilgore is represented by Jana Burson of The Christopher Ferebee Agency and world rights were acquired by Zondervan acquisitions editor Stephanie Smith.

“Tiffini of all people knows how words change us—for better or for worse,” says Stephanie Smith, Zondervan acquisitions editor. “This is exactly why she has dedicated her thriving business and now her book to championing words that speak life and love in the places where we need them most. We are thrilled to join her in this vital work.”

An entrepreneur by trade and a warrior at heart, Kilgore is reaching out to share her story with the hope that the faith and hard work that rescued her will encourage and inspire those on the sidelines to say yes to the art of living courageously. She posts and interacts regularly with over 120,000 fans and customers on Instagram, @houseofbelonging.

Founded six years ago, House of Belonging has expanded from custom-made hand lettered signs to also sell home decor and clothing. Kilgore’s originally designed signs have been purchased by hundreds of thousands of people all over the world including celebrities and authors from all genres. In December 2016, House of Belonging opened their flagship store in the heart of country club plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. Her signs have been featured or included in Country Living Magazine, Cottage & Bungalow, Project Nursery, Proverbs 31 and Kindred Vintage.

About the author
After growing up in a broken home, Kilgore married at the tender age of sixteen. Divorced and with three small children, she married again. The following years brought two more children but also another broken marriage, chronic disease and major surgeries. Her internal and external pain drove her to Jesus and her journals.

Together, she and God began transforming her pain into passion by writing a new story for her life ­­– one of home, healing, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Today, Kilgore is a mom to five full grown children and one teenager still at home. She’s also a tattooed grandma to six. She’s an entrepreneur by trade and a visionary + encourager at heart. She shares her story in hopes that her faith in Jesus’ rescue and her hard work of recovery will encourage and inspire others to embrace the art of living courageously.

Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications.  Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich.  For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Robin Barnett
robin.barnett@harpercollins.com  (616) 698-3251