Palm Bay, FL: The American Christian Fiction Writers virtual conference included a virtual gala, during which their 2021 honors were awarded. Among them were the winners of the 2021 Carol Awards, honoring Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year.

Congratulations to these Carol Award winning authors and their publishing houses and editors.

Contemporary

The Promised Land by Elizabeth Musser; Bethany House (Baker) Publishing; Editor: L. B. Norton

Historical

Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green; Bethany House (Baker) Publishing; Editors: Dave Horton and Rochelle Gloege

Historical Romance

Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette; Bethany House (Baker) Publishing; Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veilleux

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Dead End by Nancy Mehl; Bethany House (Baker) Publishing; Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jean Bloom

Novella

Far as the Curse is Found (from The Joy to the World Collection) by Amanda Barratt; Kregel Publications; Editors: Janyre Tromp and Dori De Vries Harrell

Romance

Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray; Bethany House (Baker) Publishing; Editor: Raela Schoenherr

Romantic Suspense

Lost Down Deep by Sara Davison; ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published); Editors: Ines Jimenez and Deb Elkink

Short Novel

The Christmas Bargain by Lisa Carter; Love Inspired (Harlequin); Editor: Melissa Endlich

Speculative

Stealing Embers by Julie Hall; ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published); Editors: Rebecca Heyman and Janelle Leonard

Young Adult

Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads; Enclave Publishing; Editors: Steve Laube and Lisa Laube

Debut Author

Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green; Bethany House (Baker) Publishing; Editors: Dave Horton and Rochelle Gloege

Congratulations also go to the winners of the 2021 Genesis Contest for to-date unpublished Christian fiction, as follows:

Contemporary

Terri McAdoo – Tattooed Woman at the Well

Historical

Jamie Ogle – Of Love and Treason

Historical Romance

Savanna Kaiser – Son of the Shepherd

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

Andra Loy – The Memory of Lillian Grey

Novella

Stephanie Rose Finsterbush – Christmas at Fort Bennett

Romance

Deborah Clack – Love Painted

Romantic Suspense

Kelly Borjas – Slippery Slope

Short Novel

Stephanie Atkins – Cowboy’s Redemption

Speculative

Sara C. Anderson – Sook

Young Adult

Kelly Fernlake – Legend Lost

Also announced during the virtual gala were the following:

• Editor of the Year—Jessica Sharpe, Bethany House
• Agent of the Year—Terrie Wolf, AKA Literary Management
• Mentor of the Year—Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis Contest Coordinator—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award Coordinator—Nick Kording, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.”  For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/

You can find a link to this press release at https://www.acfw.com/about/press_room/

The Gospel Coalition (TGC) recently reviewed new picture books for fall of 2021, and Near (Zonderkidz 2021) was featured.  The book, authored by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, is based on Psalm 139 and conveys that God is with little ones anywhere they go in God’s wide world, offering a reassuring message to calm fears and stir faith.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/picture-books-2021/

“The illustrations are bright and joyful, and the words are simple and lyrical,” writes Ginger Blomberg of TGC. “The New York Times bestselling team that created The Jesus Storybook Bible uses Psalm 139 as inspiration to say that God will be with you anywhere you could possibly go: in space, under the sea, in a desert, in the North Pole, or in your room. There are race cars, rockets, polar bears, and a dog in scuba gear. Written in a similar format to Found and Loved, the other books in this series by Lloyd-Jones and Jago, Near is a board book with a bright cover and sturdy pages designed with even the smallest listeners in mind.”

From the book:

God is my Father who made everything.

And I am a little explorer of the wide world.

He is near me

And he protects me.

He sees me

And he knows me.

He is strong

And he looks after me.

He is with me—always!

This title, published by Zonderkidz, is available for purchase anywhere books are sold. More information can be found at https://www.zonderkidz.com/book/9780310768265/near/

Contact: Jessica Westra, Publicity Director, Zonderkidz and Zondervan YA
C: 616.403.6628  Jessica.westra@harpercollins.com

Elk Lake Publishing, Inc., Plymouth, MA, has released Man on Fire—St. John’s Last Disciple: Polycarp by Archbishop Robert L. Wise, PhD.

No person provided more support in the Church’s struggle against Roman Imperial oppression and the first destructive heresy than Polycarp, the towering first father of the ancient Church. His story conveys the intrigue and struggle of the early Christians as they overcame persecution and conflict.

Based on a true story, history, and fact, this exciting narrative takes artistic license embodied in the fictional figures of Bythnia Attalus, her daughter, Constance, and her son, Arius, who tells Polycarp’s story.

Publisher Deb Haggerty said, “Today, more than ever, we need to hear of men and women who stand up for the faith even in the face of persecution for those beliefs.”

From General Editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Grand, Rapids, Mich. (Aug. 2021) — Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the release of the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible with General Editor Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

“Nothing on earth is as powerful as God’s Word, and nothing is more important than making God’s Word known,” said Mohler.  “That’s why I am so excited about the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible. This study Bible is theologically faithful, directly practical, deeply devotional, and especially designed for both new believers and mature disciples. It is accessible so that readers of the Bible can better understand God’s Word.”

Mohler also expressed pride in the team of scholars who worked on the project. “The 42 wonderful teachers of the Bible who contributed to the NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible represent the very finest in biblical scholarship. We were all driven by one sacred purpose, to help God’s people to love the Bible and understand it. The team of writers and editors and publishers worked together seamlessly. This was a project of devotion to the Scriptures.”

Dr. Mohler is one of the foremost voices for evangelicals worldwide. He is the president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary – the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also the current president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS).

“We are honored to be publishing this landmark study Bible that will impact readers for years to come,” says Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “We are furthermore delighted that this study Bible will be Zondervan’s first study Bible to include a Premier Collection in its lineup.” Premier Collection Bibles feature the highest Bible craftmanship with hand-bound goatskin covers, elegant art-gilt page edges, premium European paper, and three double-sided satin ribbon markers.

As a study Bible intended for the greatest range of English-speaking Christians, it is set in the New International Version (NIV) text, today’s most widely read contemporary English translation, and typeset in Zondervan’s exclusive easy-to-read NIV Comfort Print® typeface. Features include:

• Complete text of the accurate, readable, and clear New International Version (NIV)
• Project leadership by general editor Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Insightful and practical bottom-of-the-page study notes
• Center-column cross reference system for deeper study
• Comprehensive NIV concordance
• 16 pages of full-color maps
• Smyth-sewn durable covers that lie flat when open
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print typeface

In addition to the NIV editions in English, Vida Publishing will simultaneously release this Bible in Spanish as the NBLA Biblia de Estudio Gracia y Verdad. “This has been a massive undertaking, but one that has the potential to shape a generation of churchgoers globally,” says Cris Garrido, vice president and publisher for Vida Publishers. “The world is hungry for both God’s grace and his truth; this Bible will bring readers closer to both.”

The NIV Grace and Truth Study Bible and NBLA Biblia de Estudio Gracia y Verdad is available now in a wide variety of binding types. For more information, visit www.graceandtruthbible.com.

Ada, Mich. (August 25, 2021)—On Sunday, August 15, founder and CEO of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), Linda Evans Shepherd, along with Carol Kent, Dawn Scott Damon, and Rhonda Rhea, presented the 2021 Golden Scroll and Christian Market Awards at their annual banquet. The banquet took place at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Missouri, and was the culmination of the 2021 AWSA conference. This year, Baker Publishing Group authors received a total of eight awards. For the complete list of winners, please visit https://awsa.com/?p=6262.

Carol and Gene Kent and Cindy and David Lambert received the Book of the Year Award for Staying Power: Building a Stronger Marriage When Life Sends Its Worst (Revell; ISBN 9780800737054; Ebook ISBN 9781493421213; $16.99). Staying Power also received the Christian Market Christian Living Book of the Year award.

The Nonfiction Book of the Year Award went to Janell Rardon for Stronger Every Day: 9 Tools for an Emotionally Healthy You (Revell; ISBN 9780800737580; Ebook ISBN 9781493428939; $16.99).

Lynette Eason’s novel, Acceptable Risk (Revell; ISBN 9780800729356; Ebook ISBN 9781493423101; $15.99), won the Mystery/Suspense Novel of the Year. Lynette also won third place in the Mystery/Suspense category for Collateral Damage (Revell; ISBN 9780800729349; Ebook ISBN 9781493421046; $15.99). Both titles are part of the Danger Never Sleeps series.

Cindy K. Sproles, author of What Momma Left Behind (Revell; ISBN 9780800737047;  Ebook ISBN 9781493423279; $15.99) tied for the Christian Market Novel of the Year.

Jocelyn Green was selected as the second place winner for the Historical Novel of the Year for her book Shadows of the White City (Bethany House, ISBN 9780764233319; Ebook ISBN 9781493429912; $15.99).

Julie Lavender, author of 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories (Revell; ISBN 9780800738846, Ebook ISBN 9781493427932; $9.99) tied for second place for the Christian Market Nonfiction Book of the Year Award.

AWSA is a professional group of over eight hundred Christian women who work as professional authors, entertainers, publishers, and speakers. Their goal is to encourage and train one another. The Golden Scroll Awards was created thirteen years ago as a means of honoring their members. Two years ago, they created a new award, the Christian Market Award, which is open to all authors who publish in the Christian Market.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Contact: Karen Steele, (616)676-9185 x100 ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Carol Stream, IL. (August 25, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release In the Presence of Jesus: A 40-Day Guide to the Intimacy with God You’ve Always Wanted by Paul Bane and Matt Litton on October 19. Through daily readings based on Scripture and written as a personal narrative in the voice of Jesus, In the Presence of Jesus provides a guided journey to finding inner peace and contentment in the midst of the stress, noise, and activity of modern life.

In 2015, retired pastor Paul Bane founded the online community Mindful Christianity to help people practice the presence of Jesus in their daily lives. Mindful Christianity currently has over one million Facebook followers. Bane has teamed with Matt Litton to bring this contemplative and meditative tradition to readers. Through Scripture, daily prayers, reflection activities, and blessings, you will learn to quiet your mind, focus on the character of Jesus, open your spirit to His presence in your life, and, with His help, ultimately find peace for your mind and soul.

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

In the Presence of Jesus by Paul Bane and Matt Litton
ISBN: 978-1-4964-5562-8 Hardcover: $19.99 October 2021 release 

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

Carol Stream, Ill. (August 25, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release Designed to Last in April 2022, written by Instagram sensations (@arrowsandbow) Ashley and Dino Petrone. In their much-anticipated debut book, Ashley and Dino invite readers into their home and relationship, employing their trademark honest and hilarious storytelling.

The Petrones are the first to say that they don’t have all the answers, but in their book, they invite readers to join them as they share the struggles and successes that come from intentionally staying committed to God and each other. They are convinced that when you build with faith, creativity, and love as the foundation . . . you build something designed to last.

Ashley and Dino announced their upcoming book release on their Instagram platform @arrowsandbow, with over 619k followers, on August 23, triggering a viral response. In addition to reaching their own platform, over 30 Instagram influencers organically shared their news, accounting for over 1.7 million impressions, demonstrating the power of their community and platform. This social media announcement landed Designed to Last on Amazon Best Seller lists shortly after breaking the news. Specifically, within hours of the announcement, the book skyrocketed to #11 in all books on Amazon. It also appeared in the #1 spot on Amazon’s Movers and Shakers and #2 on New Release lists, respectively, and the #1 spot on Amazon’s Happiness Self-Help, Christian Self-Help, and Christian Marriage lists.

Senior Acquisitions Editor Kara Leonino shared, “While it would be easy and truthful to say that social media is not always an accurate representation of a person’s true nature, I can tell you firsthand that Ashley and Dino are the real deal. I discovered them on Instagram years ago—drawn in by their inviting, quirky, honest, friendly, and exceptionally fun personalities. Ashley and Dino are creatives and trailblazers who welcome people as they are and encourage us all to chase big dreams and adventures.” She continued, “They’re real—not afraid to talk about hard things but still find hope in the in-between areas of regular life. They are clear in all aspects of how they share their life that their faith is central and a key motivator in everything they do from managing their business, to curating content for social media, raising their children, and highlighting—throughout their book Designed to Last—the way they consistently show that God is central to their marriage. It is a dream come true to publish their first book, an incredible example for the world about what an inspired, beautiful, loving marriage and home can be.”

Publisher Sarah Atkinson added, “On behalf of Tyndale Momentum, I can’t overstate how excited we are to be partnering with Ashley and Dino on their first book. It has been, quite simply, a beautiful journey in every way—starting from our very first conversations when we all came together to share the dream of what a book could be. The result: a gorgeous book full of amazing adventures, photos, and charm. It’s funny, heartfelt, poignant, and creative—just like the Petrones themselves. Their online community will love it, and so will the many new friends they’ll make along the way.”

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com.
TyndaleMomentum.com

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: Katie Dodillet, katiedodillet@tyndale.com, 630.784.5275

Letting God Be Enough Examines Our Struggles with Identity and Imposter Syndrome

Phoenix, AZ – Moody Publishers is honored to release the fourth book by Erica Wiggenhorn, Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free. Staying in tune with her mission to help inspire Christians to not just know God, but to live like God is in control, Wiggenhorn helps readers break down personal issues of inadequacy by examining the life of Moses.“As a Christian woman who has battled self-doubt for decades, I felt compelled to encourage others who face these issues,” shares Erica. “Moses struggled with many of the same issues, and I hope that by examining his life, we can find truth, encouragement and freedom.”Erica refers to Moses as the “greatest self-doubter in the Bible” and she shares how self-doubt is tied tightly to self-reliance. “It’s only when you cast yourself on God that you can find the true source of strength.”Letting God Be Enough tackles themes such as:

• Overcoming feelings of Imposter Syndrome, which is defined as “persistent doubt concerning one’s abilities or accomplishments accompanied by a fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evidence of one’s ongoing success.”
• Finding freedom from the nagging fears of self-doubt and inadequacy
• Securely resting in God’s ability and commitment to care for you
• Cease searching for endless affirmation in accomplishments, positions, and relationships.
• Surrender your doubts and fears over to the arms of your loving Father who promises to never leave or lie, and to always be enough in whatever you feel you lack.
• How to stop looking in the mirror and instead let God be enough.

The book is a format change from Erica’s previous offerings, An Unexplainable Life, The Unexplainable Church, and Unexplainable Jesus. While still deeply steeped in scripture, Letting God Be Enough is a readable project, showing the parallels between the life of Moses and our over-committed, fast-paced lives.Letting God Be Enough is the modern book for tackling an age-old problem, resting in God when life doesn’t make sense. You no longer have to strive, compare, or appease others to secure your worth. Instead, you can let a loving God be enough.A free digital Bible study book and Leader’s Guide on the life of Moses entitled My God Fights For Me is offered to anyone who pre-orders the book at www.ericawiggenhorn.com.

About Erica Wiggenhorn:  Erica is an award-winning author and the founder of Every Life Ministries, bringing you the truths of Scripture to transform your life. By digging deeply into God’s Word, Every Life Ministries encourages you to discover your unique purpose, accept God’s promises, and live by His power. Erica is the author of three Bible studies released by Moody Publishers: An Unexplainable Life, The Unexplainable Church, and Unexplainable Jesus.  A graduate and post-graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Erica lives in Phoenix with her best friend and husband, Jonathan, and their four children, only two of which are human. The others are furry and adorable.

---

Letting God Be Enough Suggested Interview Questions: 

• Why do you think so many Christians, women in particular, struggle with self-doubt?
• What is Imposter Syndrome and what does it look and feel like in our lives?
• Millions of copies of self-help books have been sold, addressing issues of self-doubt. What does the Bible say about the issue?
• What are some signs that indicate you are striving out of a place of fear rather than working with passion in the role(s) you’re fulfilling in a relationship or a responsibility you hold?
• Moses, a prominent character in the Bible, displayed a lot of self-doubt. What does his story teach us about trusting God?
• When Moses suffered from self-doubt, how did God respond? How did God want Moses to respond?
• It seems like if God has called us to something, then shouldn’t it be relatively easy, since God is with us?  Why does it often feel like the things we try hardest at feel the most difficult?
• What are some practical ways to stop responding in fear and instead surrender in faith when God calls us to serve Him in a special capacity?
• How can we tell when we’ve surrendered? Why is this God’s ultimate plan for His children?
• What made you become passionate about Bible teaching? Why can you empathize with the person out there who struggles to make Bible reading or Bible study a priority?
• What are we missing when we don’t personally study scripture? What practical steps would you offer to someone who wants to grow in their ability to read and study the Bible?
• Tell us something unexpected or surprising you learned while working on this book.

For more information or to schedule an interview:
Lori Heiselman – 714-553-5181 — lori@BiscuitMediaGroup.com

BELLINGHAM, WA—Beginning in early 2022, Lexham Press will publish their first children’s books, launching the FatCat series. The first title, The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children, will release in February 2022. This full-color illustrated book will inspire children aged 4-8 to understand and delight in the church’s ancient confession of faith.

Todd Hains, editor at Lexham Press, said, “Christian parents want to raise their children in the faith, but many feel inadequate to the task. And that’s why we’ve made it a hallmark of our work at Lexham to teach the catechism. The church’s catechism is the central texts of faith—the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. These unite Christians across traditions and generations. The catechism teaches us what the Bible teaches us: our faith. FatCat Books are meant to give parents and children the faith, hope, and love of the Bible. We’re excited to share these bright books of hope with families and churches.”

To keep the catechism approachable and fun, the series features a character named FatCat (“cat” being short for “catechism”). FatCat, a striped gray feline, can be found throughout the pages of the book, learning about the catechism along with the readers.

The Apostles’ Creed is beautifully illustrated by Natasha Kennedy, a freelance artist and mother from Seattle, Washington. Each spread includes a line from the traditional text of the creed and full-color illustrations. Kennedy said, “in illustrating the ancient catechism, I wanted to blend the traditional feel of Byzantine iconography with the playful imagery of Eyvind Earle and make the life of Jesus familiar and approachable for children.”

Each line of the creed is accompanied by thoughtful reflections from theologian Ben Myers that guide readers young and old. Myers is also the author of The Apostles’ Creed: A Guide to the Ancient Catechism in the Christian Essentials series (Lexham Press). The book also includes a list of Scriptures and a guided family prayer to aid in children’s education and devotion.

Jesse Myers, Lexham Press’ publisher, said, “it’s our hope that the FatCat books will be a joyful and fun way for parents to introduce children to the basics of Christian belief. The books will mirror exactly what we hope to do in all Lexham books: point people helpfully and hopefully to God’s Word.”

Future FatCat books are forthcoming, with The Lord’s Prayer: For All God’s Children expected in Fall 2022.

Visit http://www.lexhampress.com/FatCat to learn more about the FatCat series and first book in the FatCat series, The Apostles’ Creed: For All God’s Children, releasing in February 2022.

Contact:  Lindsay John Kennedy for more information and a press kit.  lindsay@lexhampress.com

Lisa Osteen Comes assures readers the blessing you believe God has promised to you, and the dreams you have been anticipating…are on the way!

In IT’S ON THE WAY! (FaithWords, August 24, 2021, ISBN: 9781546015963), Lisa Osteen Comes reminds readers that during these inevitable times in our lives, God is faithful and our current season is temporary. Lisa teaches readers how to press through challenges, quit taking shortcuts instead of trusting God to give you His best, allow God to fight your battles, and silence the enemy within, while giving encouragement and practical steps to take when you don’t know what to do next.

At times, we all find ourselves in seasons of waiting:

• For our dreams to be fulfilled
• Our prayers to be answered
• Our circumstances to change

Know that YOUR dream has an appointed time and God always has victory in store for you. And the seasons of waiting don’t need to be periods of discouragement or hopelessness. Instead, they can be rich periods of joy, growth and preparation for the plans and promotion that God has in store for you.

Lisa Osteen Comes serves as an associate pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, led by her brother Joel Osteen. Comes teaches in the weekly services and Bible study, as well as speaking at churches and conferences nationwide.