The Week's News in Christian Publishing

B&H Leads Christian Retailing’s Best Awards with 26 Finalists

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Nashville, Tennessee (April 10, 2017) — B&H Publishing Group is proud to announce that it has 26 finalists in the 2017 Christian Retailing’s Best Awards, the most among Christian publishers. Among the B&H finalists are: Unashamed by Lecrae, She Reads Truth by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams, and The Prince Warriors by Priscilla Shirer.

Christian Retailing announced the category finalists on April 6, 2017; a complete list can be found here. Winners will be announced at CBA UNITE in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday, June 28.

The following B&H Books and Bibles were announced as finalists:

Bibles: Children: It’s All About Jesus Bible Storybook

Bibles: Devotional/Study: The Gospel Project Bible

Bibles: Journaling: HCSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible

Bibles: Teen: HCSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible for Teens

Auto/Biography: Unashamed by Lecrae

Bible/Reference Study: Exalting Jesus in Philippians by Tony Merida, Francis Chan, David Platt and Daniel L. Akin

Children’s Fiction: The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion by Priscilla Shirer

Children’s Nonfiction:

  • What About Me? by Vicki Courtney
  • Can You Relate? by Vicki Courtney

Christian Education: Hearts, Heads, and Hands by M. David Sills

Christian Living: Practical Life: Looking for Lovely by Annie F. Downs

Church and Culture:

  • Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom S. Rainer
  • Designed to Lead by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck

Coloring Book: Life Verse Creative Journal Set by Morgan Grace Magruder and Jana Magruder

Devotionals: Faith, Hope, Love Devotional by Amy Parker

Evangelism: Tell Someone by Greg Laurie

First-Time Authors: She Reads Truth by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams

Relationships: Between Us: A 52-Week Keepsake Devotional for Mothers and Daughters by Vicki Courtney

Social Issues: The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation by Russell Moore and Andrew Walker

Young Adult Nonfiction:

  • Reflect by Vicki Courtney
  • Cherish by Vicki Courtney

Backlist: Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

Children’s Music and Media: Bibleman Melting the Master of Mean DVD

Spanish:

  • Vivir con integridad y sabiduría (Live with Integrity and Wisdom) by Miguel Nuñez (B&H Publishing Group)
  • La oración (Prayer) by Timothy Keller
  • RVR 1960 Biblia de apuntes, Azul, Piel Genuina y Tela Impresa (RVR 1960 Notetaking Bible, Blue, Genuine Leather and Printed Fabric)

In addition to the 26 B&H finalists, all three finalists in the Audio category are also B&H titles, produced by Christianaudio: She Reads Truth, Unashamed, and The Prince Warriors.

Those who are part of the Christian products industry were qualified to vote in the awards, and were asked to judge the nominations on their impact, including their ability to speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion; open people’s minds to new ways of thinking; and encourage and affirm Christ-like living. Introduced in 2001, the awards sponsored by Christian Retailing have been acknowledged as an important way of recognizing some of the most significant new life-changing products in the Christian retail industry.

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 TimesNo. 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) translation.

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

Zondervan Signs Candace Cameron Bure & Natasha Bure for Multi-Book Deal

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Multiple projects are planned, including young adult, trade and gift books

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 2017— Today, Zondervan announced signing of a multi-book deal with actress, producer and New York Times bestselling author Candace Cameron Bure, along with her daughter, musician and YouTube star Natasha Bure, whose first book in the deal, Let’s Be Real: Living Life as an Open and Honest You, released March 28.

Candace Cameron Bure began her acting career at age five, but she is perhaps best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House, ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, The View and in film. People have been drawn to her sense of style and confidence, and her debut gift book Staying Stylish: Cultivating a Confident Look, Style, and Attitude (releasing in fall 2017) will provide readers with tips, tricks and products Candace uses to achieve her signature look. What’s more, it will provide insight into how she focuses on inner beauty and her relatable faith.

Zondervan will release a trade book in spring 2018 by Candace. In her new book, Candace will reveal the thought patterns and practices that have empowered her to flourish and give readers permission to go off-script, stand their ground with elegance and stay true to themselves despite others’ expectations. 

“The world has a way of defining you if you don’t know who you are before you get out there,” Candace says. “I’ve fought this battle all my life, and I’ve discovered that classy kindness can anchor a person in who God created them to be. I’m thrilled to partner with Zondervan in bringing what is really my keystone message to women today.”

“Candace continues to win over the hearts of Americans everywhere,” says David Morris, Vice President & Publisher for Zondervan Books. “Her strength, joy and faith will shine through these books and will be a source of hope for so many readers in the years ahead.”

Singer, model, and social media celebrity Natasha Bure just released her debut young adult non-fiction conversational book, Let’s Be Real, that showcases her powerful message for teens: “This is real, this is life, and we all go through it.” While diving deep into life issues, Let’s Be Real inspires readers to be authentic and confident in who they are. “I want to encourage others to live their life and not try to be someone else,” says Natasha. “Be open, honest, and the best YOU you can be!” The hardcover and e-book editions, released on March 28th, are now available online and in stores nationwide.

“Natasha Bure is a positive role model for young people,” said Annette Bourland, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher. “Her approach to life is vibrant and unassuming, and her fun, spunky, beautiful self shines through the projects she’s working on. We’re so excited to work with her and get real conversations started with readers.”

Stephanie Smith in the trade division, in conjunction with the Zondervan Young Adult and Zondervan Gift teams, acquired the books. Candace Cameron Bure and Natasha Bure are represented by Redrock Entertainment Development and Allison Cohen with The Gersh Agency.

About the Authors

Actress, producer, New York Times’ bestselling author and inspirational speaker, Candace Cameron Bure is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith. Known to millions worldwide from her role as “D.J. Tanner” on the iconic family sitcom Full House, and now with Netflix’s hit series Fuller House, currently in production on its third season.  Candace continues to flourish in the entertainment industry as role model to women of all ages. With an acting career that started at the age of five, Candace has grown up in show business and has appeared in countless national television commercials, prime-time television hits, made for TV movies and feature films. Candace and her husband, former NHL star Valeri Bure have been happily married since 1996. Together with their three children, Natasha, Lev and Maks, they split their time between Los Angeles and Napa Valley, California.

Natasha Bure is an American singer, actress and YouTube personality. She was a contestant on season 11 of The Voice and was placed on Adam Levine’s team during the blind auditions.  She also has a YouTube channel where she posts singing videos and fashion/beauty tutorials.  View Natasha’s posts on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/user/NatashaBure/ and on Instagram @natashabure.

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. 

Media Contacts:
Robin Barnett, Zondervan,616.698.3251  robin.barnett@harpercollins.com
Liane Worthington, Zonderkidz, 616.698. 3345  liane.worthington@harpercollins.com
Stefanie Schroeder, Zondervan Gift, 615.902.1722  stefanie.schroeder@harpercollins.com

PURE FLIX ANNOUNCES FILM RELEASE SCHEDULE WITH ACADEMY AWARD WINNERS & BEST-SELLER ADAPTATIONS

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2017 Theatrical Feature Slate Includes THE CASE FOR CHRIST, SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME and SAMSON

Scottsdale, AZ: A group of Academy Award winners and nominees headline the latest major motion pictures from PURE FLIX, the No. 1 independent faith film studio.

Releasing to theaters on April 7th is the true-life drama THE CASE FOR CHRIST, by former atheist turned NYT bestselling author and pastor, Lee Strobel.

It’s the early ’80s and Strobel (Mike Vogel) is an award-winning investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune whose wife, Leslie, (Erika Christensen) has discovered the Christian faith. Their religious differences begin to take a toll on their marriage.

Utilizing his journalistic and legal training, Lee begins a quest to debunk the claims of Christianity. Ultimately, Lee comes face-to-face with unexpected results that could change everything he knows to be true. The film features Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway, and Academy Award nominee Robert Forster.

Info available at www.TheCaseforChristmovie.com

Pure Flix, in partnership with Paramount Pictures, will release SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME on October 20th, based on the NYT best-selling true story.  Debbie (Academy Award winner Renée Zellweger) and her husband Ron (Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear) recommit to their marriage in the most unlikely of places – a homeless shelter. But it’s really meeting the homeless man Denver (Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou) which changes all three of their lives forever. Academy Award winner Jon Voight also stars.

In April, Pure Flix began filming the biblical epic SAMSON in South Africa, a dramatic adaptation of a man with supernatural strength who leads his enslaved tribe to victory over the mighty Philistine empire. The film stars Jackson Rathbone, Rutger Hauer, Billy Zane, Lindsay Wagner, Caitlin Leahy and Taylor James as Samson and coming soon to theaters.

“We’re thrilled to bring audiences quality and diversity in our upcoming projects,” notes Pure Flix CEO and co-founder Michael Scott. “The vision of Pure Flix is to influence the global culture for Christ through media– that’s what we are recognized for and what we will continue to pursue.”

ABOUT PURE FLIX
Pure Flix is the worldwide leader in producing and distributing faith and family-friendly entertainment. With the launch of Pureflix.com, the streaming video on demand service, they now offers a trusted destination for the highest quality, wholesome entertainment that’s available anytime, anywhere. Pure Flix website: www.PureFlixStudio.com.

LSC COMMUNICATIONS SIGNS A FULFILLMENT AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH APOLOGIA EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES

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April 04, 2017, CHICAGO — LSC Communications, Inc. (NYSE: LKSD) announced today that it has expanded its relationship with Apologia Educational Ministries beyond print to provide fulfillment and distribution services. David McCree, President of the Book division at LSC, said, “We are thrilled to grow our relationship with Apologia, and are working diligently to develop advanced supply chain solutions to replace publishers’ fixed costs with variable.”

As a leading K-12 educational publisher for Christian-based homeschool curriculum, Apologia Educational Ministries serves customers worldwide. Davis Carman, President of Apologia, commented, “LSC has been a reliable source of our book manufacturing for many years. I am pleased for Apologia and LSC to be locking arms in this new way. The on-time and accurate fulfillment of orders is a mission-critical part of our business, and I am confident that this will be a great move for Apologia.”

About LSC Communications

LSC Communications (NYSE: LKSD) is a global leader in traditional and digital print, print-related services and office products that serves the needs of publishers, merchandisers and retailers. The Company’s service offering includes e-services, warehousing and fulfillment and supply chain management. LSC utilizes a broad portfolio of technology capabilities coupled with consultative attention to clients’ needs to increase speed to market, reduce costs, provide postal savings to clients and improve efficiencies. Strategically located operations provide local service and responsiveness while leveraging the economic, geographic and technological advantages of an international organization.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the proposed offering, the expected closing date and the use of proceeds from the offering. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and any such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the following cautionary statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and are based on current expectations and involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, including risks associated with the ability of LSC Communications to perform as expected as a separate, independent entity and risks associated with the volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets, and adverse changes in the global economy. Readers are strongly encouraged to read the full cautionary statements contained in LSC’s filings with the SEC. LSC disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170404005445/en/

Investor Relations Contact:
LSC Communications, Inc., Janet Halpin, 773-272-9275, SVP Treasurer and Investor Relations investor.relations@lsccom.com

Kregel Author Kenneth Osbeck Passes Away

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kenneth Osbeck, age 92, author of 101 Hymn Stories, Amazing Grace, and many other books, passed away peacefully last week. He taught music and fine arts on faculty at Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. He also directed music for Children’s Bible Hour, Youth for Christ, Radio Bible Class, and Diadem Records.

Kenneth Osbeck was well-known for his sixteen books related to hymn stories and music ministry. Of the titles published by Kregel, there are currently more than one million copies in print.

Kregel publisher Dennis Hillman notes: “In my twenty-five years of working with Ken Osbeck on numerous books, two things stand out, neither of which have to do directly with hymns or hymn stories, for which Ken was most well-known. The first was Ken’s deep kindness and concern for others. A conversation with Ken almost never ended without a personal inquiry about my work or about my family. With Ken, it was something real, not a simple formality. And he came with a reminder that he regularly prayed for me and my family. Second, Ken loved God. He worshipped because he loved the Lord. Hymns were an important means to express that love, and he wanted other believers to learn to worship with a sense of awe and anticipation. We will miss him greatly.”

ECPA Chooses Three IVP Titles as Finalists for 2017 Christian Book Awards

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WESTMONT, IL—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) chose three InterVarsity Press (IVP) titles as finalists for its 2017 Christian Book Award program. Impossible People, New Dictionary of Theology, and Saving the Bible from Ourselves are among the fifty-nine finalists selected as the year’s best Christian titles. Five finalists were chosen in eleven categories. The winners will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration held at the industry’s Leadership Summit onMay 2 in Colorado Springs.

“These finalists emerged from a rigorous judging process and represent the best our industry produced this past year. Even more important is the impact these excellent books, Bibles, and resources are having on the church and wider culture,” said Stan Jantz, ECPA’s executive director.

Impossible People: Christian Courage and the Struggle for the Soul of Civilization by Os Guinness is an ECPA finalist in the Faith & Culture category. Guinness argues that we must engage secularism and atheism in new ways, confronting competing ideas with discernment and fresh articulation of the faith. Christians are called to be impossible people, full of courage and mercy in challenging times. Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, said, “I read everything Os Guinness writes because he always challenges my thinking and enlarges my perspective. Impossible People may be his most important work. Read it, then buy five copies for friends and discuss it together. The message is that important. This could be the most important book you read this year.”

New Dictionary of Theology: Historical and Systematic is one of the five finalists in the Bible Reference Works category. This new edition combines excellence in scholarship with a high standard of clarity and profound insight into current theological issues. Over three hundred contributors form an international team of renowned scholars, including Marcella Altaus-Reid, Richard Bauckham, David Bebbington, Kwame Bediako, Todd Billings, Oliver Crisp, Samuel Escobar, John Goldingay, Tremper Longman III, John McGuckin, Jennifer McNutt, Michael J. Nasir-Ali, Bradley Nassif, Mark Noll, Anthony Thiselton, John Webster, and N. T. Wright. “New Dictionary of Theology is a single volume, one-stop resource that is valuable for anyone who wants a useful primer and introduction to the grand spectrum of theology,” said Martin Williams of Vox Reformata.

The third ECPA finalist from IVP is Glenn Paauw’s Saving the Bible from Ourselves: Learning to Read and Live the Bible Well in the Bible Study category. “Glenn Paauw has written a serious and compelling book on the Bible,” said Walter Brueggemann of Columbia Theological Seminary. “The tone of his writing is puckish enough to keep us turning pages for more. After identifying our lazy readiness to reduce the Bible to convenient ‘scripturettes,’ Paauw guides us to a way to the adult work of serious engagement with the Bible.” Paauw introduces readers to seven new understandings of the Bible as steps on the path to recovering one deeply engaged Bible. With each “new” Bible presented, deficiencies in how we currently interact with the Bible are explored, followed by recommendations for a new practice.

See a complete list of IVP’s award-winning titles at ivpress.com/award-winners.

Founded in 1947 as an extension of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA, InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church and the world by publishing thoughtful Christian books that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of life. For more information, visit ivpress.com.

Media Contact: Krista Clayton | 630.734.4013 | kclayton@ivpress.com

American Sports Icon, Tim Tebow, Challenges Homeschooled Teens to Stand Tall in a Difficult World

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – On the heels of his New York Times best-seller Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms, champion athlete Tim Tebow releases Know Who You Are. Live Like It Matters. A Homeschooler’s Interactive Guide to Discovering Your True Identity (WaterBrook, May 16, 2017), a unique book that draws on Tebow’s homeschool background to remind middle school students and their parents that their real identity comes not from what the world says but from what the Bible says.

Shaken has already reached readers around the world, debuting on the New York Times bestseller list and staying there for nine weeks. Now Tebow turns to his younger readers. Designed for homeschooling families, Know Who You Are. Live Like It Matters. offers 36 weekly lessons for middle school students to use in their homeschooling curriculum. Tebow focuses on one Bible passage per lesson as he covers topics such as building godly character, standing out from the crowd and remembering the big picture.

As a former homeschooled child himself, Tebow knows the value of both learning academics and developing strong Christian character in the home. He is actively involved in promoting the “Tebow Bill” across the country—legislation that allows homeschooled students to participate in sports at their local public schools.

As Tebow writes to his young readers, “I’d like to encourage you in your studies by offering some lessons I’ve learned in my personal journey… I want this book to be about you: digging deep to find out who you are and what that means in real life.” Know Who You Are. Live Like It Matters. inspires middle-schoolers to discover their unique purpose and live it out every day.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tim Tebow is a two-time national college football champion, Heisman Trophy winner, and first-round NFL draft pick. After playing in the NFL for the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets, Tebow joined SEC Nation on ESPN. He also contributes to a variety of other ESPN platforms. Tebow is the author of the New York Times best-seller Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms. He is pursuing a new professional career in baseball and recently signed a contract with the New York Mets. Through everything, Tebow’s true passion is the work of the Tim Tebow Foundation, which he began in 2010. The foundation’s mission is to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need. The foundation is fulfilling that mission every day by serving thousands of children around the world.

For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com or www.timtebow.com/shaken
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimTebow
Twitter/Instagram: @TimTebow
Religion/Christian Living/Personal Growth/Spiritual Growth
ISBN 9780735289949 ● Trade Paper ● 208 pages ● $12.99/$17.50 CAN
eBook: ISBN: 9780735289956

Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission of nourishing a universal passion for reading by connecting authors and their writing with readers everywhere. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson, who own 53 percent and 47 percent, respectively. With nearly 250 independent imprints and brands on five continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, India, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Portugal, and Uruguay. With over 15,000 new titles, and close to 800 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 60 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.

Media contact: Lisa Beech, Asst. Publicity Director
lbeech@penguinrandomhouse.com /(719) 268-1917 

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