January 13, 2026 – New York Times bestselling author and host of the That Sounds Fun podcast, with more than 105 million downloads, Annie F. Downs has signed a four-book deal with WaterBrook.

The deal is anchored by Don’t Let That Hold You Back, a trade book that challenges readers to step into the life they can’t stop thinking about by releasing guilt, fear, and pressure and taking bold action toward what matters most. The project will be accompanied by a forthcoming 40-day devotional that is scheduled for publication in Fall 2026.

The deal also includes a second trade book and a Let’s Read the Gospels Bible, inspired by Downs’ popular podcast by the same name, which pairs the complete books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts with simple prompts designed to help busy readers engage more deeply with Scripture and grow in their relationship with Jesus.

World rights were acquired by Susan Tjaden, Vice President and Executive Editor at WaterBrook, from Lisa Jackson of Alive Literary Agency.

For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin at decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

WaterBrook is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group.

For the Third Consecutive January, Tara-Leigh Cobble’s Podcast Lands in Top Ten Across All Categories

Dallas, Texas (January 19, 2026) — The Bible Recap Podcast, hosted by author and Bible teacher Tara-Leigh Cobble, was ranked in the Top Five most popular Apple podcasts during each week of January 2026. For the third consecutive January, The Bible Recap Podcast is among Apple’s top ten shows, with more than half a billion total downloads since its 2019 debut.

The Bible Recap Podcast helps millions of people worldwide better understand the Bible as they follow a daily plan for reading the entire Bible in one year. In addition to a half a billion downloads, The Bible Recap’s YouTube channel has garnered more than 30 million views. As The Bible Recap Podcast has become one of the most trusted and widely listened-to Bible podcasts worldwide, it consistently ranks at the top of religion and spirituality podcast charts as well as the overall Top Shows chart at Apple Podcasts.

Also in January 2026, The Bible Recap Podcast for Kids (TBR Kids) debuted at #1 spot on Apple podcasts in Kids & Family. TBR Kids is hosted by Emily Pickell—known as “Miss Emily” to the younger listeners—and it’s part of the TBR Podcast Network. TBR Kids is a daily podcast geared toward younger Bible Readers, and follows the same 365-day TBR reading plan, so grownups and the kids in their life can read and recap together.

The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Study Bible (Baker Publishing, September 2) was #1 on Amazon in the Christian Bibles category for the first week of January.

“The continued growth of The Bible Recap Podcast audience reminds us that people are hungry for God’s Word and spiritual growth,” comments show host Tara-Leigh Cobble. “My favorite thing in the world is helping people around the world read, love, and understand the Bible.”

The Bible Recap Podcast launched in 2019 to serve D-Group International, a Christian ministry founded by Tara-Leigh Cobble. At the time, Cobble led an online Bible study for 1,200 people, and she hoped 300 listeners might tune in to the podcast. The show’s reach immediately outstripped expectations, and by January 2024, it had reached the #1 spot on Apple Podcasts across all categories.

In 2020, The Bible Recap Podcast content was adapted and published as a book, which has sold more than one million copies to date and still ranks among the top ten nonfiction titles on Amazon. Tara-Leigh Cobble has published more than a dozen additional Bible study resources, all designed to help people read, love, and understand the Bible. The author and podcaster is also the host of a daily radio program, “The God Shot,” heard on more than a dozen radio stations in the U.S.

Tara-Leigh Cobble (www.TaraLeighCobble.com) lives in Dallas, where she creates content and resources that help people read, understand, and love the Bible. She is the founder of D-Group International, a discipleship network reaching thousands of people around the world. Tara-Leigh is the host of a daily podcast, The Bible Recap Podcast, which has twice reached #1 across all Apple Podcast charts and has surpassed 500 million downloads across all platforms. Her daily radio show, “The God Shot,” airs on more than a dozen radio stations. Tara-Leigh is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author with more than two million books sold in the line of books under The Bible Recap brand. Her most recent project is The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Study Bible (September 2025). Tara-Leigh is a popular speaker and Bible teacher who leads multiple tours of the Holy Land each year via Israelux.

Baker Publishing Group (www.BakerPublishingGroup.com) publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with its library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Media Contact:
Jana Muntsinger, McClure Muntsinger Public Relations
jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 832-247-9308

 

Floyd to oversee curriculum for David C Cook and Group Publishing

Colorado Spring, Colo., Jan. 26, 2026—Christian media company Cook Media Global is pleased to announce industry veteran Chriscynethia Floyd as its new chief curriculum officer. Floyd will oversee all aspects of curriculum publishing—including content development, instructional design, production and distribution—for David C Cook Publishing and Group Publishing within the Cook Media Global family of brands.

With three decades of experience in the publishing industry, Floyd most recently served as the vice president, publisher of Our Daily Bread Ministries, where she led all publishing operations and spearheaded key initiatives that expanded the ministry’s footprint with new audiences.

Prior to Our Daily Bread, Floyd served at Simon and Schuster Publishing as the vice president, deputy publisher of children’s publishing, and vice president of marketing at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. She also previously served at David C Cook as the vice president of sales and marketing/learning resources, managing key curriculum brands including the flagship product, The Action Bible.

“Chriscynethia’s expertise and experience make her the clear choice to lead our curriculum departments at both David C Cook Publishing and Group Publishing,” said Bill Reeves, CEO of Cook Media Global. “She shares our passion for equipping the Church and will be a great asset to our team.”

“I’m honored to return to David C Cook,” said Floyd, “and excited to support Cook Media Global as it continues to grow and expand. Adding a legacy brand like Group Publishing to its family shows Cook Media Global’s dedication to equipping the global Church with resources needed to make a lasting impact.”

Floyd received her master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State, and her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Floyd will partner with Dan Tancik over the coming months as he transitions out of the chief curriculum officer role and into retirement. Tancik has served at Group Publishing for more than 26 years and joined the Cook Media Global family when it acquired Group in 2024.

About Cook Media Global
Founded in 1875 by David Caleb Cook, Cook Media Global is a nonprofit ministry that exists to advance the gospel worldwide through media. With 300+ employees, and offices in Colorado Springs and Loveland, Colo.; Franklin and Brentwood, Tenn.; Elgin, Ill.; and East Sussex, England (UK); the organization includes faith-based publishing companies David C Cook and Group Publishing, as well as Christian record labels Integrity Music and Fair Trade Services. Learn more at CookMediaGlobal.org.

Pre-orders for Voice of the Ashes by T.R.Q.T. Open January 18–27 Ahead of February 2, 2026 Release

Calla Press Publishing is pleased to announce the release of “Voice of the Ashes” by T.R.Q.T on February 2nd, but now available for preorder through January 27, 2026.

Pre-orders for the historical novel Voice of the Ashes by T.R.Q.T. will be available from January 18 through January 27, ahead of its official release on February 2, 2026. Set during the turbulent reign of Queen Mary, this gripping work of historical fiction explores the high cost of faith, truth, and conviction in a time when belief could mean betrayal—or death.

The story follows Laurence, a man whose life is marked by both blessing and hardship as England is torn apart by religious conflict. When the final words of a martyr draw him toward a dangerous truth, Laurence begins a journey that forces him to confront what he truly believes—and what he stands to lose. His newfound faith brings devastating consequences, leaving him isolated in a city increasingly hostile to those labeled “heretics.”

As London fills with the bishop’s soldiers, familiar faces become potential threats. Friends and loved ones turn away, while new alliances offer no guarantees of safety. Laurence must navigate a world where loyalty is fragile and trust may prove fatal, all while wrestling with the fear of standing alone.

Voice of the Ashes asks a timeless and haunting question: will one stand for truth when the cost is everything? With mounting tension and moral weight, T.R.Q.T. delivers a powerful novel about courage, conscience, and the quiet strength required to remain faithful when the world demands surrender.

Orders can be placed at www.callapresspublishing.com.

For bulk orders, please email callapresspublishing@gmail.com

Calla Press Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Roots and Fruit: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by acclaimed poet and scholar Timothy E. G. Bartel, made available January 24, 2026. Already garnering strong interest, Roots and Fruit offers readers a lyrical and accessible entry point into the foundations of Christianity through poetry.

Written for seekers and the curious alike, Roots and Fruit presents the core narratives of the Christian faith in poetic form. Readers will encounter essential biblical stories, including God’s creation of the world, the fall of humanity, the deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Along the way, the poems introduce central figures of Scripture—Joseph, Moses, Mary, John, and others—whose lives continue to shape Christian belief and imagination.

Running parallel to these biblical narratives are thoughtful explanations of how these stories inform Christian doctrine and practice. Bartel gently guides readers through key theological concepts such as the Trinity and the incarnation, while also illuminating lived expressions of faith including prayer and communion. The result is a work that bridges story, belief, and practice with clarity and reverence.

Timothy E. G. Bartel brings a distinguished literary and academic voice to this project. A poet and professor from California, his poems, translations, and essays have appeared in Christianity and Literature, First Things, The Hopkins Review, Modern Age, and other notable publications. He is the author of four collections of poetry and three volumes of essays, most recently The Poets and the Fathers: Theology and Poetry from Gregory Nazianzus to Scott Cairns.

Bartel currently lives in Houston with his family, where he serves as Professor of Great Texts and Theology at Saint Constantine College. With Roots and Fruit: An Introduction to the Christian Faith, Calla Press Publishing is proud to offer a beautifully written work that invites readers to explore Christianity’s deepest roots and the fruit it bears in belief and life.

Orders can be placed at www.callapresspublishing.com.

For bulk orders, please email callapresspublishing@gmail.com.

January 2026 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) is thrilled to announce that three IVP Kids titles have received 2026 Independent Press Awards (IPA). The honored titles include Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World by Helen Lee, Abigail and the Waterfall by Sandra L. Richter, and Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World by Tara Hackney.

The Independent Press Awards recognizes the best books of the year published by small independent publishers. These awards are decided by experts from different roles within the book industry, and selected IPA Winners and Distinguished Favorites are based on overall excellence.

IVP Kids books received awards in the following categories:

Winner: Childrens–Religion Fiction

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World: God Hears Every Prayer

Written by Helen Lee and beautifully illustrated by Shin Maeng, this book follows Kaylee and her grandfather, Halbi, as they read the morning newspaper. While reading, they look for ways to pray for the children of the world. Featuring a Korean American family, this is an inspiring story about faith, empathy, and the power of prayer.

“Kaylee’s desire to be aware of the world around her, and to empathize with the suffering of others, is a beautiful model for young readers. . . . Maeng’s appealing cartoon images highlight Kaylee’s earnestness, and the ‘Kim Family Prayer Map’ gives their prayer practice a well-drawn sense of practicality. Children from many disparate places affected by both tragedy and joy are shown, giving a sense of how big and diverse the world is. An affecting story that will resonate with the faithful.” – Kirkus Reviews

Kaylee Prays for the Children of the World is also a SOLA Network’s 2025 Asian American Book Awards winner and a recipient of a 2025 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.

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Distinguished Favorite: Childrens–Religion Fiction

Abigail and the Waterfall: Loving God’s Good Earth

Written by parent and university professor Sandra L. Richter and brought to life with illustrations by Michael Corsini, this story follows Abigail and her family as they hike through the lush landscapes of Appalachia. On their adventure, Abigail encounters fascinating animals, marvels at a big, beautiful waterfall, and learns about caring for creation. Abigail and the Waterfall is an invitation for families to discuss what the Bible says about caring for the environment, animals, and the beautiful world around us.

Sandra L. Richter (PhD, Harvard University) is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College. She is best known in the church for The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, the video courses that have grown from that project, and Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters.

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Distinguished Favorite: Childrens–Religion Nonfiction (Board Book)

Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World: Fresh Lyrics for a Beloved Song

With beautifully refreshed lyrics by Tara Hackney, this cherished classic song celebrates the perfect way God made and loves every child, everywhere. This delightful board book includes three new stanzas that reflect God’s inclusive love. The vibrant photographs showcase children from around the globe, creating a captivating reading experience.

“Three new verses encourage readers to reflect on the inclusivity of God’s love, delivering a Christian message that speaks back to the divisive politics that dominate today’s society. The volume is illustrated with real-life photographs of children of all shapes and sizes, all in different environments and from various backgrounds, but all beaming with the joy of being alive. The bold font and frequent repetition help keep the text accessible to even very young readers. . . Whether read/sung at home or in church, Jesus Loves the Little Children, All the Children of the World is a fantastic introduction to the concept of diversity for preschoolers.” –The Children’s Book Review

 

For a complete list of IVP Kids award winners, visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact:  Anna Tjernstrom, atjernstrom@ivpress.com

 

January 15, 2026 – WaterBrook will publish Ally Yost’s debut book, Love That Lasts: Finding Purpose in the One Who Never Fails, challenging readers to discover the simplicity of childlike faith and the transformative power of God’s love as they explore who God is and who He uniquely created them to be, for publication in Fall 2026.

Yost is a lifestyle and faith-based digital creator with three million followers and podcast host of Christ with Coffee on Ice.

World rights were acquired by VP, Executive Editor Susan Tjaden at WaterBrook from Dan Milaschewski and Kelly Karczewski at United Talent Agency.

For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

WaterBrook is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group.

January 16, 2026 – Nelson Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the acquisition of world rights to The Ladder of Love, the highly anticipated new book from New York Times bestselling author Stasi Eldredge. The deal was brokered by Andrew Stoddard, VP and Publisher at Nelson Books, and Curtis and Karen Yates of Yates & Yates. The Ladder of Love is scheduled to release in Fall 2026.

In The Ladder of Love, Eldredge speaks directly to women who long for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus. While many faithfully attend church, read Scripture, and pray, they often feel disconnected, knowing God intellectually but struggling to experience His love in their hearts. With her signature warmth, biblical insight, and guided prayers, Eldredge gently invites readers into a journey of healing, restoration, and spiritual intimacy.

Blending Scripture, prayerful pauses, and spiritual practices, The Ladder of Love offers practical tools to help women work through heartache, embrace transformation, and rediscover the joy of truly knowing Christ. The book acts as both a companion and a guide for women seeking closeness with God that goes beyond routine into lived, relational faith.

“Stasi Eldredge has a remarkable gift for connecting with readers in ways that are both deeply personal and spiritually profound,” said Andrew Stoddard, VP and Publisher at Nelson Books. “The Ladder of Love is a transformative work that will resonate with those yearning for a closer walk with God. We are honored to bring this powerful message of healing in and intimacy with Christ to today’s readers.”

Eldredge shared her hope for the book: “My prayer is that The Ladder of Love will help women move beyond simply knowing about God to truly experiencing His love in the deepest places of their hearts. I hope it becomes a guide toward healing, transformation, and the breathtaking joy of being fully known and deeply loved by Him.”

For every woman longing to experience God’s love more fully, The Ladder of Love is a timely and hope-filled invitation to intimacy, healing, and joy.

About Stasi Eldredge
Stasi Eldredge, a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, and podcast host of Captivated, has sold nearly three million books, becoming a global voice for women’s spiritual growth and transformation. As a co-founder of Wild at Heart Ministries with her husband, John, she directs the women’s ministry, leads international retreats, and creates resources, including the Captivating One Day virtual event. Stasi’s impactful works, including Captivating (co-authored with John Eldredge), Becoming Myself, and Free to Be Me, inspire women to embrace their identity, healing, and purpose in Christ. Her leadership and vision continue to shape Wild at Heart’s mission to help individuals live fully in God’s love.

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is an industry leader in Christian nonfiction publishing. Nelson Books publishes a diverse array of leaders, experts, and creatives, crafting biblically informed and spiritually fresh books from a Christian perspective that enliven, educate, and encourage readers. The Nelson Books roster of bestselling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Tim Tebow, John Mark Comer, John & Stasi Eldredge, Jennie Allen, Jefferson Bethke, Bob Goff, Ruth Chou Simons, Tyler Staton, Jason Wilson, Christine Caine, Zach Windahl, and Carlos Whittaker.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo—January 20, 2026—Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group is thrilled to announce promotions within its marketing, publicity, editorial and publishing teams.

Beverly Rykerd has been promoted to VP, Senior Director of Publicity and Communications, continuing to report to Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher, PRH Christian. In the last year, Bev’s role expanded to handle all communications for the new PRH Christian division, resulting in an extraordinary level of positive publicity for PRH Christian and in turn attracting new business. “In her 14 years at PRH, Bev has proved time and time again that she is not only a trusted and experienced leader of the publicity department, but a top-notch, creative publicist with an understated tenacity. Admired for her impeccable relationships with the media and steadfast knowledge of the changing media landscape, Bev’s leadership shines as her team is regarded as one of the finest publicity departments in Christian publishing,” says Wharton.

Johanna Inwood has been promoted to Marketing Director, continuing to report to Ginia Croker, VP and Marketing Director. “A 20-year veteran at Penguin Random House, Johanna is a marketing genius, creating savvy, strategic promotional plans that make a tremendous impact on the success of PRH Christian’s books in the marketplace,” Croker says. She continues to excel in her role by leading successful campaigns that result in New York Times bestsellers and award-winning authors including Jennie Allen, Latasha Morrison, Madison Prewett Trout, Ashley Hetherington, Sarita Lyons, and Jordan Lee Dooley. Johanna also has taken on the role of brand manager for John Mark Comer where she has greatly contributed to the ongoing success of Practicing the Way and The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry.

Leslie Calhoun has been promoted to Editor, now reporting to Madison Trammel, Editorial Director. Leslie joined Penguin Random House in August 2017 as a marketing and publicity assistant for the WaterBrook and Multnomah imprints, moving into an assistant editor role at Ink & Willow in 2021. She has acquired dozens of titles since then, including the top-selling The Bible Is Funny Card Game, which she conceived and shaped with comedian Anthony Russo. In her new role, Leslie will focus on acquiring for Penguin Random House Christian’s Align Insight and WaterBrook imprints. She has already jumped fully into her new responsibilities, recently acquiring New York Times bestselling author Allie Millington and leading the internal team developing Annie F. Downs’s Let’s Read the Gospels Bible product. Trammel adds, “Leslie is eloquent, imaginative, and resourceful, and is an indispensable member of the Penguin Random House Christian team.”

Bridget Baxter has been promoted to Senior Manager, Publisher’s Office & Operations, reporting to Campbell Wharton. A trusted 10-year veteran at PRH, Bridget is known for tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure operations run smoothly across the Christian division. In her expanded role, Bridget will now support Wharton in the management of the publisher’s office. Wharton notes, “Given her speed, efficiency, wisdom, and capability to work cross-functionally, and her institutional knowledge of WaterBrook and Multnomah, Bridget is poised to support PRH Christian’s growth plans.”

Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group—made up of the imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, Forum, Align Insight, Ink & Willow, and WaterBrook Children’s—is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Beverly Rykerd, brykerd@penguinrandomhouse.com

JANUARY 21, 2026 – WaterBrook will publish Director of Church Formation at Practicing the Way, Brandon Shields’ PRACTICING THE WAY OF JESUS TOGETHER, addressing the crisis of discipleship in modern churches and providing a framework for implementing spiritual formation.

World rights were acquired by Drew Dixon and Campbell Wharton for WaterBrook, in an exclusive submission by Mike Salisbury and Matt Yates, at Yates & Yates.

For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

WaterBrook is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.