NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 13, 2023) — Forefront Books, a Nashville-based independent book publisher, announces a three-book deal with New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury. The first book is slated to be released in early 2025.

The new agreement once again pairs Kingsbury with longtime collaborator Becky Nesbitt, Associate Publisher of Forefront Books. Nesbitt and Kingsbury previously worked together at both Simon & Schuster and Tyndale.

“We feel incredibly honored to team with Karen as her talent and success are widely renowned,” said Nesbitt. “Forefront Books is committed to expanding her legacy and cannot wait to see what she continues to accomplish.”

“I’m so grateful for Forefront’s partnership and am excited to bring these next three books into the world with their support,” said Kingsbury.

Kingsbury has sold more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books and many have been developed into successful film and television projects. Her newest film, SOMEONE LIKE YOU, will release in theaters April 2, 2024, and her final book with Simon & Schuster, Just Once, releases on November 14, 2023.

Forefront Books was recently named Publishers Weekly’s second-fastest growing independent publisher. With a sales growth of 216% over two years and an increase in title count from 21 books a year in 2020 to 52 books in 2023, Forefront’s growth is projected to continue beyond 2023. To learn more about Forefront Books, visit https://www.forefrontbooks.com.

Forefront Publisher, Jonathan Merkh, acquired world rights from Rick Christian, Karen’s longtime agent and the Founder/CEO Emeritus of Alive Literary Agency.

About Forefront Books
Forefront Books is a unique publishing company that caters to the most successful men and women in their respective fields – the thought leaders, the visionaries, the pioneers, the business owners, and the entrepreneurs who have a compelling story to tell – and delivers a world-class end result from a team which has helped create nearly 100 New York Times bestsellers, including thirteen #1 bestsellers. 

About Karen Kingsbury
Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling novelist, has been dubbed “America’s favorite inspirational storyteller” by Time. Her award-winning books have sold more than twenty-five million copies, topped national bestseller lists and been adapted for film/TV by MGM, Hallmark Films and her newly launched eponymous studio, Karen Kingsbury Productions. Her Baxter Family books have been developed into a streaming series slated for release on a major platform next year. Karen is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University where the writing center is named after her. In 2001, she and her husband Don adopted three boys from Haiti, doubling their family in a matter of months. Today the couple has joined the ranks of empty-nesters, living in Tennessee near several of their adult children.

Series Sales Hit 350,000 – Expected to Top 400,000 by Year-End

Nashville, TN (November 20, 2023) – Rabbit Room Press announces that Every Moment Holy, Vol. III: The Work of the People has debuted at #10 on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction bestseller list (week of November 11). This is the first time an Every Moment Holy volume has appeared on a Publishers Weekly bestseller list. The new volume has also taken the #1 spot for its Amazon category. Every Moment Holy is the top-selling series for Rabbit Room Press with more than 350,000 copies sold; total sales are expected to top 400,000 by year-end.

Pete Peterson, the publisher at Rabbit Room Press, credits series author Douglas Kaine McKelvey and series illustrator Ned Bustard for the unique appeal of the Every Moment Holy series, “Once readers discover Every Moment Holy, they are eager to gift the books to friends and family. These rich, beautiful books help individuals and families honor the sacred purpose and eternal hope found in everyday moments of life.”

Enthusiastic word of mouth from readers, faith leaders, and influencers quickly made Every Moment Holy a modern classic. Every Moment Holy, Volume II released in 2021, featuring liturgies for death, grief, and hope, was embraced by those who were weary of pandemic life and loss. Every Moment Holy, Volume III offers the most diverse and expansive collection of liturgies and illustrations to date, with contributions from five dozen writers and artists. The Every Moment Holy product group will introduce its first hardcover journal, Every Moment Holy: Prayer Journal, on January 12, 2024. Every Moment Holy books are available at the Rabbit Room store (store.rabbitroom.com), Amazon, and local booksellers (distribution via Ingram and APG).

The launch of Every Moment Holy, Vol. III is supported by print and digital advertising, a national publicity campaign, and outreach to social media influencers. Every Moment Holy books have been featured in national media outlets such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Christianity Today, That Sounds Fun Podcast, Good Grit magazine, Rhythms for Life Podcast, FamilyLife Today, The Crystal Paine Show, Nothing is Wasted Podcast, The Conversation with Adam Weber Podcast, Raising Boys & Girls Podcast, Hearing Jesus Podcast, and more.

DOUGLAS KAINE MCKELVEY is an author, song lyricist, scriptwriter, and video director. He has penned more than 350 lyrics recorded by artists such as Switchfoot, Kenny Rogers, Sanctus Real, and Jason Gray. Doug and Lise McKelvey, the parents of three young adults, live near Nashville, TN. everymomentholy.com

NED BUSTARD is a graphic designer, illustrator, and printmaker for World’s End Images, the creative director for Square Halo Books, Inc., and curator of the Square Halo Gallery. He is on staff with CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts) and is on the boards of the ASCHA (Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art) and The Row House, Inc. worldsendimages.com

THE RABBIT ROOM cultivates and curates stories, music, and art to nourish Christ-centered communities for the life of the world. Conceived in 2007 as an experiment in creative community, The Rabbit Room put down roots in a 150-year-old farmhouse in Nashville, Tennessee. The community’s creative ventures now include a podcast network, book store, Rabbit Room Press, and live events including the annual Hutchmoot conference. www.rabbitroom.com

PRESS INQUIRIES: Pamela McClure, MMPR: pamela@mmpbulicrelations.com, 615-294-5073
Interviews with Douglas Kaine McKelvey and Ned Bustard are available upon request.

Media contact: Pamela McClure, 615-294-5073, Pamela@mmpublicrelations.com

Exciting speakers, worship leaders, and Bible teachers to share at April 2024 event

November 6, 2023 (COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – Esther Press, David C Cook’s imprint for women’s books, Bible studies, and devotionals, announced this week an all new conference for women of all ages called est.HER. The three-day event will take place April 11-13, 2024, in Spring Hill, Tennessee, just south of Nashville.

The line up of speakers and worship artists includes well-known names like Lisa Harper, Babbie Mason, Sarah Kroger, Lisa Whittle, Alli Worthington, Tammy Trent, and special guest Patsy Clairmont, and is sure to draw faith-filled women from around the country for an incredible three days of purpose and belonging.

**Registration is now open and space is already filling fast. Interested attendees can find event details and register now at: EstherPress.com/Events

“We created the est.HER Conference to be an immersive experience that will inspire women to have the courage to step into God’s calling for their lives,” said Esther Press founder Susan McPherson. “This conference will give women an opportunity to come together in community, learn from trusted Bible teachers, be encouraged by powerful storytelling, rest, reflect on God’s faithfulness, and walk away with a clearer understanding of what God is calling them to.”

Conference attendees can also enjoy Nashville and the charm of its neighboring cities which offer plentiful opportunities to enjoy the country music scene, delicious southern food, and historic, unique small town shops and boutiques. You won’t want to miss this memorable, life-changing weekend event!

Esther Press is an imprint of David C Cook. Learn more at EstherPress.com.

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.

Media Contact: Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011

World-Class Illustrations Bring Season 1 Stories to Life for All Ages

November 7, 2023 (COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – Based on Season 1 of the hit television series and the largest crowd-funded media project of all time, The Chosen, David C Cook released today the first graphic novel adaptation of the powerful story of the life of Jesus and his followers, The Chosen: Volume 1, Called by Name.

The book is the first in a series of graphic novels that follow the first three seasons of The Chosen. Whether a loyal fan or a newcomer to the groundbreaking show, graphic novel enthusiasts, collectors, and readers of all ages will be captivated by the world-class illustrations and engaging storytelling in The Chosen: Volume 1, Called by Name.

The book contains original depictions from the television show now seen through the pen and ink of the talented team from Crux Studios, David C Cook’s graphic novel and comic book imprint. Creative Director Chris (“Big Chris”) Wood, known for his work on video game titles such as Halo 2 and 3, Call of Duty, and Pirates of the Caribbean, led the artwork and illustrations, bringing the story to life alongside authors Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, and cowriters Ryan Swanson and Tyler Thompson.

With 200 pages of never-before-seen artwork, the graphic novel features exclusive content that can’t be found anywhere else, including four pages of variant covers in the back, splash pages, double-page spreads, and a variety of unique angles on familiar scenes.

Through a dramatic, exciting comic book perspective, readers young and old will be drawn into favorite scenes from Season 1, like Jesus turning water into wine, Mary Magdalene being called from darkness into light, and Simon and Andrew’s miraculous catch of fish.

“This project is exciting because the graphic novel genre powerfully speaks to today’s youth in a way that they can connect with,” said Michael Covington, VP of Publishing and Acquisitions. “David C Cook has a century-long history of creating illustrated Biblical resources and we’re very aware of the needs of this generation. The storytelling brilliance of The Chosen combined with the world-class illustrations will absolutely connect with readers of all ages, especially kids.”

The Chosen: Volume 1, Called by Name is available now online and at select retail outlets.  For interviews or more information, please contact Cathy Herholdt, VP of Communications, at cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org.

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.

Media Contact: Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011

November 8, 2023 — Today, HarperCollins Christian Publishing announced the promotion of Kristi Smith to vice president of marketing for Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift Book imprints.  Smith joined the company 24 years ago, and throughout her tenure has been integral to the marketing strategy of some of the company’s top titles. Smith served as marketing director for W Publishing before joining Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift Books as senior marketing director in 2019.  In this role she has worked with leading authors including Max Lucado, Emily Ley, Dr. David Jeremiah, Sadie Robertson Huff, Liz Marie Galvan, and many more.

“Kristi encompasses all the elements you’d hope for in a marketing leader,” commented Michael Aulisio, VP of HarperCollins Christian and HarperCollins Focus Gift Books.  “She is a brilliant forward-thinking strategist, tremendous author advocate, and a ‘people first’ leader that has inspired our marketing team to new heights.  I couldn’t be happier for her to take this next step in leadership for Thomas Nelson & Zondervan Gift Books.”

Carol Stream, IL (November 8, 2023) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Praying with Saint Patrick: Prayers and Devotions Inspired by the Irish Hero of the Faith by Aaron Burns and Matt Mikalatos on February 6, 2024. Created for anyone who is fascinated by Ireland, the heroes of the faith, or prayer, Praying with Saint Patrick will equip readers to draw deeper into conversation with God. Just as Patrick experienced God’s presence through prayer as he took risks to serve others—including women, slaves, and the poor—and through a period of intense prayer during his own enslavement, readers will be invited to experience God’s presence in a powerful and vibrant way.

In Praying with Saint Patrick, producer and writer Aaron Burns and writer Matt Mikalatos take readers on a journey through Patrick’s life, allowing them to pray alongside him using his story and his words to deepen and enrich their own prayer lives. Each reading features a quote from Patrick, a Scripture verse, a devotion, and a prayer inspired by his life, such as these:

• A Prayer for Times of Trouble
• A Prayer for When We Feel Helpless
• A Prayer for Hope
• A Prayer for Freedom
• A Prayer for When You Don’t Fit In
• A Prayer for the Presence of Christ
• A Prayer for God’s Salvation
• A Prayer in Times of Grief

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com.

Praying with Saint Patrick by Aaron Burns and Matt Mikalatos
ISBN: 978-1-4964-4675-6
Hardcover: $18.99
February 6, 2024

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com, 630.784.5103

BLOOMINGTON, MINN. (November 8, 2023)—Dynamic Minneapolis pastor and prophetic voice Joshua Giles was named a USA Today and ECPA bestseller. On October 3, his new trade book, Mantled for Greatness, claimed the No. 32 spot on USA Today’s Booklist, achieving Giles’s second USA Today placement after his release of Prophetic Forecast in Apr. 2022. He also achieved a No. 3 placement on the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association’s (ECPA) November Bestseller List. Mantled for Greatness also rose to the top 50 books on Amazon during its release week.

Mantled for Greatness highlights the deep stirring of greatness in the hearts of believers. As God created each believer for more, He equips the whole Body of Christ to pursue a God-sized dream and manage the pressures of divine assignments. Through Scripture, stories, and sound prophetic insight, Giles challenges believers to think bigger—positioning themselves to awaken their anointing, catch their mantle, and unlock the greatness of God inside.

“Mantled for Greatness came from the many seasons of struggle, pressure, deconstruction, and eventually growth that I’ve personally gone through,” Giles said. “I believe that each person carries seeds of greatness on the inside and that our faith journey is about becoming more like Christ and allowing Him to unlock His unique purpose within. This book is a testimony of how God can take something seemingly small and insignificant and use it to make a major impact.”

Giles goes on to say that he is “humbled by the reception of this message. I know its success could only come from God.”

Preaching on biblical greatness, Giles continues traveling to churches across the United States. His Kingdom Government Summit—occurring November 30 through December 2, 2023, in Washington, DC—still has virtual seats available. On July 10, 2024, Giles also will host his annual Mantle Conference at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Conference registration and booking details are available at JoshuaGiles.com.

Mantled for Greatness is available everywhere books are sold.

Joshua Giles is a USA Today bestselling author, the lead pastor and founder of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and founder of Joshua Giles Ministries and the Mantle Network. An apostle, prophet, and sought-after speaker and instructor, he has traveled the world, advising government officials, dignitaries, and national leaders seeking prophetic counsel.Learn more at JoshuaGiles.com.

Social media | Facebook: /ProphetJoshuaGiles | Instagram: @JoshuaGilesGlobal | YouTube: @JoshuaGilesMinistries

Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes well-crafted books that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and help readers live more empowered and effective lives for Jesus Christ.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Learn more at BakerPublishingGroup.com.

Media Contact: Rebecca Schriner, (952) 829-2512, rschriner@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Publishers Weekly praises BETWEEN YOU AND US for “perceptive renderings of the nuances of grief, the challenges of healing, and what it means to trust God’s will. There’s plenty to appreciate in this touching tale of loss and renewal.”

What if? That’s the question haunting the pages of Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis, WaterBrook’s contemporary novel releasing March 12, 2024. A decade of writing nonfiction, one stillbirth, and countless prayers led Broekhuis to create her first work of fiction – a gripping page turner for anyone second guessing what life may be like if one thing had been different.

Leona, the protagonist of Between You and Us, steps into an alternate version of her life when she meets her husband, David, for their anniversary dinner. It’s obvious to her that in this reality, they’d accepted all the strings attached to David’s parent’s wealth. His demeanor is distant, their home is lavish, and their baby girl, Vera, is alive. The novel follows Leona as she weighs the bitter and sweet of both worlds, ultimately choosing between being with Vera—while also stuck in an unloving marriage with deeply involved and demanding in-laws—or staying in her real life that’s been altered by grief, but with the incredibly kind, funny, and thoughtful man she’s known and loved since college.

Between You and Us touches on heavy topics with a dose of humor and a lot of love, ultimately encouraging readers that even our trauma makes us who we are. Readers of contemporary women’s fiction and inspirational faith fiction will be moved by the message that everything—even the traumatic events of our lives—make us who we are and are aligned with God’s will for our lives. Additionally, women who have experienced unimaginable loss will be comforted by Leona’s laments and realizations.

“My desire is that throughout this book, readers will experience safe spaces to lament life’s sorrows while finding glimmering reminders of hope,” writes Kendra.

For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kendra Broekhuis is the Milwaukee-based author of Between You and Us, her first novel. Throughout 10+ years of writing nonfiction, her work appeared in Banner, Crosswalk, and Relevant, and she authored Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert’s Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor. For her day job, Kendra stays home with four of her children and drives them from one place to another in her minivan. You can find her sarcastic ramblings and serious encouragement—including the grief of losing her baby at thirty-three weeks pregnant at KendraBroekhuis.com.
Instagram: @kendrabroekhuis / Goodreads: @kendra_broekhuis / Facebook: @kendrabroekhuisauthor

Media Contact: Elizabeth Groening, Publicity & Marketing Assistant, egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com

ONE MILLION BIBLES: A CROSSWAY GLOBAL INITIATIVE

WHEATON, Ill.—Beginning November 8, 2023, Crossway is pleased to announce the launch of an end-of-year fundraising campaign to aid the ongoing effort to distribute one million ESV Bibles around the world. The goal of this phase of the campaign is to raise $600,000 by December 31, 2023, to support the printing and distribution of an additional 150,000 Bibles around the world. Achieving this goal would help Crossway to surpass the halfway mark of the overall goal of distributing one million Bibles.

“It’s a blessing to be able to reach our brothers and sisters in Christ around the world by providing them with an ESV Bible,” says Josh Dennis, Crossway President & CEO. “The Lord has graciously provided for this initiative thus far, and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing how he continues to provide. We’re confident that he will use each of these one million Bibles to grow and deepen the faith of many.”

Throughout the past year, God has provided many donors to support the One Million Bibles Initiative. And by God’s grace, 127,000 Bibles have been distributed to ministry partners throughout the Global South, with over 250,000 additional copies in process. These Bibles will equip believers to worship the Lord in truth and more faithfully minister to their communities.

These Bibles are being freely provided to Christians in places of great need and strategically subsidized in other locations where the need is just as great but the current priority is building sustainable, long-term Bible distribution models. By partnering with churches, ministry networks, and other organizations in the Global South, Crossway’s goal is to provide the Word of God to one million Christians who would otherwise not have access to their own Bibles.

More information can be found at crossway.org/OneMillionBibles.

Founded in 1938, Crossway is a not-for-profit global Christian publishing ministry that publishes gospel-centered, Bible-based content to honor our Savior and serve his church. Crossway seeks to help people understand the all-encompassing implications of the gospel and the truth of God’s word—for all of life, for all eternity, and for the glory of God alone. Crossway is the global publisher of the ESV® (English Standard Version®) Bible, more than 1,000 Christian books, and an extensive list of gospel literature. For additional information, visit crossway.org.

Contact: Lauren Susanto, lsusanto@crossway.org, crossway.org

Bellingham, WA | November 2023  FatCat, the friendly feline who helps make the catechism of the Christian faith understandable for our little ones, has recently won two awards.

The King of Easter: For All God’s Children received Moonbeam’s Silver award for the category of Religion, and won first place in the American Book Fest’s Religion category.

Following Jesus’s journey from his birth to the cross, his resurrection, and beyond, and featuring a family prayer, The King of Easter reminds us of the meaning of Easter and Jesus’s power to save. FatCat follows Jesus as he seeks and saves the lost. Whether friends or enemies—if they are lost, Jesus came to seek and save them. At every step, he brings his new friends to join the search.

Todd Hains, associate publisher of Lexham Press and writer of The King of Easter, shares, “It’s a joy to see others recognize the beauty and value of our FatCat books! Tasha’s art opens the hearts and imaginations of dear children and those who care for them. The words of Fatcat authors help give words for our little ones to confess their faith and praise our Lord.”

Since its launch in 2023, the FatCat series has received numerous awards. The Lord’s Prayer for All God’s Children, won gold in Moonbeam’s Religion category. FatCat: The Lord’s Prayer, The Apostles’ Creed, and The King of Christmas each were finalists for American Book Fest and the FatCat series won best series from Northern Lights in 2023. In the same year, The Apostles’ Creed won Resource of the Year for youth and kids from Outreach Magazine.

Lexham Press is committed to excellent publishing that loves the church, loves the faith, and loves the Word, drawing from the Christian tradition and the global church to provide resources for pastors, scholars, parents, and students of the Bible. As part of Logos Bible Software, Lexham Press seeks to increase biblical literacy, thoughtful reflection, and faithful Christian action around the world.

Natasha Kennedy is a freelance illustrator from Seattle, Washington. She and her husband, Lindsay, have four children and a grey kitty named Tiny.

Todd R. Hains is associate publisher of acquisitions and development at Lexham Press. He and his wife, Veronica, have two children and two grey cats—Crumpet and Utini.

Media Contact:  Marketing & Publicity at Lexham Press, press@lexhampress.com