Independent publisher expands children’s fiction list with veteran author known for humor and faith-based storytelling

Calla Press Publishing has announced the signing of award-winning author and illustrator Sandy Silverthorne to its growing children’s and middle-grade list, marking an exciting new partnership for the independent press. The acquisition reflects a continued commitment to stories that both entertain and equip young readers with values-driven narratives in the Christian market.

Silverthorne’s upcoming release, Double Take, is a middle-grade mystery for readers ages 8–13 and the first installment in The Backlot Mysteries series. The story blends fast-paced, cinematic storytelling with meaningful themes relevant to young readers navigating the transition into middle school, including identity, friendship, integrity, and wise decision-making. As students face new social and personal challenges in their formative years, The Backlot Mysteries aims to meet them with engaging fiction that fosters empathy, courage, and character development.

Silverthorne brings more than three decades of experience in writing and illustrating for children, with nearly one million copies of his books in print. He is widely recognized for titles such as The Awesome Book of Unusual Bible Heroes for Kids (Harvest House Publishers), 101 Awesome Bible Facts for Kids, and the popular One-Minute Mysteries series, along with additional works including The Awesome Book of Bible Facts for Kids and The Awesome Book of Bible Questions for Kids (Revell).

Known for combining humor with meaningful lessons, Silverthorne’s work has resonated with young audiences worldwide. Early reactions to his illustrations and storytelling continue to reflect his signature ability to engage children through laughter while encouraging thoughtful reflection.

Revell’s Powerful New Release Resonates with Readers Across the Country

ADA, MICH. — Baker Publishing Group is thrilled to announce that Counterweights by Shannan Martin has debuted on the USA TODAY bestsellers list. Published by Revell, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group, the book has resonated deeply with readers nationwide, affirming Shannan Martin’s powerful voice in the Christian publishing space.

Counterweights invites readers into a countercultural way of living, rooted in presence, community, and the quiet resistance of choosing what matters most in a distracted, fragmented world. With her signature warmth and unflinching honesty, Martin challenges readers to examine the forces pulling at their lives and to anchor themselves in what is true, good, and lasting.

“Shannan’s writing speaks directly to this moment,” says Kelsey Bowen, senior acquisitions editor for Revell. “She uniquely invites readers to name both their grief and their gratitude while finding meaning through her own honest, vulnerable storytelling. We’re proud to steward her remarkable voice at Revell.”

Martin is holding a nine-city book tour that began on March 25 in Lancaster, PA (sold out), followed by two sold-out stops in Goshen, IN with Jen Hatmaker on March 28 and  April 9 Davidson, NC with Emily P. Freeman.

The following dates are upcoming:

• April 10 Franklin, IN with Tanorria Askew
• April 11 Nashville, TN with Kat Armas
• April 12 East Nashville, TN with Kat Armas
• April 18 Grand Rapids, MI
• May 12 Abilene, TX
• May 14 Waco, TX with Kelly Harp

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of several books, including Start with Hello, and the popular Substack The Soup. She is a speaker and writer who found her voice in the country and her story in the city. Shannan works as a cook at The Window, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding its community. She and her family live as grateful neighbors in Goshen, Indiana. Find her on Instagram @shannanwrites.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, was founded in 1870 and has spent more than a century focused on publishing books that offer both inspiration and practical help to readers. Over the decades Revell books have included numerous New York Times bestsellers as well as titles in a variety of genres including fiction, Christian living, marriage, family, youth, and self-help.

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

Contact: Kelli Smith, ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

A finalist in the “New Author” category, Rev. Dr. Jared Ayers’ book invites readers into a compelling, hospitable conversation about faith, doubt, and a God who understands suffering.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 10, 2026) — NavPress is pleased to announce that Jared Ayers’ 2025 release, You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul, has been recognized as a finalist in the “New Author” category for the upcoming Christian Book Award^® program. Written especially for anyone whose experience of Christianity has been touched by suffering, skepticism, or disillusionment, Ayers’ timely book invites readers into an honest, hospitable, and intellectually compelling conversation about Christian faith.

“It’s a joy to see Jared Ayers recognized as a finalist for this award,” shares Deborah Saenz, acquisitions and developmental editor at NavPress. “This book meets readers in their questions and doubts — something we all need, especially in this cultural moment. My hope is that it will continue to offer wisdom and strength to those wrestling with faith.”

With more than two decades of pastoral experience, Rev. Dr. Jared Ayers currently serves as senior minister at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, Florida, and as adjunct faculty at Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary and the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination.

Winners of the 2026 Christian Book Award program will be announced later this month at the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) Awards Celebration, during the annual ECPA Leadership Summit. One of the most prestigious award programs in religious publishing, the Christian Book Award program was established in 1978 to recognize and promote excellence in Christian books and Bibles.

Visit NavPress.com to learn more about You Can Trust a God with Scars and other NavPress titles.

About NavPress
NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message^® Bible, NavPress equips readers “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Since 2014, NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers. NavPress, the NavPress logo, and The Message ^® are registered trademarks of NavPress, The Navigators, Colorado Springs, CO.

About The U.S. Navigators
The Navigators is a ministry that shares the gospel of Jesus and helps people grow in their relationship with Him through Life-to-Life^® discipleship, creating spiritual generations of believers. Since its founding in 1933, The Navigators has upheld the mission “to know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same^®.” Our Worldwide Partnership includes around 6,000 staff of 85 nationalities, serving in 123 countries. Navigators encourage spiritual growth across life stages, serving wherever people work, live, worship, and play: on college campuses and military bases as well as in urban neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, local communities, and hard-to-reach places. To learn more, visit www.navigators.org.

Contact: Mariah Franklin, Marketing and PR Content Editor
Marketing and Communications, mariah.franklin@navigators.org

Join #1 New York Times bestselling author and Bible teacher Joyce Meyer for a study of God’s Word that will transform the way you see yourself. 

God created you in His image, with specific skills and gifts. You are completely one-of-a-kind, and there’s no one in the whole world exactly like you. But the world often tries to conform us to its image instead. You may have felt the pressure of these lies: that you’re not good enough, that things would be better if you were more like someone else, or that you need to become the person others want you to be in order to be loved and accepted.

God’s Word shows us over and over again that we are loved and chosen by God. He calls us to rest in our identity in Christ, but how can we do that when there is so much confusion and pressure? In Living Confidently, you will explore what God says about who we are with eight sessions designed to help you know and understand everything you have in Christ.

Throughout the eight sessions of this study, you will explore what God says about who you are and be equipped to walk in confidence and stand firm in your identity.
In Living Confidently, you will:

• Grow in knowledge with readings and commentary on New Testament scriptures
• Reflect on the truths from God’s Word that will change your heart and mind
• Apply these truths to your life with reflection questions
• Learn from key verses to memorize or dwell on to keep the truth close to your heart
• Refresh your learning with Scripture memory cards so you can be reminded of the truth long after you’ve finished

You can walk in freedom from worry and self-consciousness through the power of God’s Word. Begin today and experience the power of Living Confidently!

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.”

Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 9 million copies across the globe. Her ministry has also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than forty years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org.

Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.

In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.

What does it look like for our faith to grow and become stronger, and what does it mean to look like Jesus? Join #1 New York Times bestselling author and beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer on a journey of transformation.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages believers to attain the fullness of Christ, and to be growing in every respect more like Him. But everywhere we look, it seems like there’s another thing pulling our minds in a different direction: worry over work or family, frustration when life doesn’t go our way, or shame over things from our past and lies about who we are. Instead of feeling set back by these challenges, you can learn from Christ’s example to overcome these obstacles and walk more closely with God!

In this eight-week study, you’ll learn from Joyce Meyer and the New Testament writers what it means to grow in spiritual maturity. She will show you, through God’s Word, how we can know Jesus more fully and stand firm on God’s truth to resist the storms of life.

With Growing in Spiritual Maturity, you will:

• Grow in knowledge with readings and commentary on New Testament scriptures
• Reflect on the truths from God’s Word that will change your heart and mind
• Apply these truths to your life with reflection questions
• Learn from key verses to memorize or dwell on to keep the truth close to your heart
• Refresh your learning with Scripture memory cards  so you can be reminded of the truth long after you’ve finished

There is freedom and power that comes from spiritual maturity. Start today and experience it in your life!
Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.”

Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast to millions worldwide in 114 languages. She has also authored over 150 books, which have been translated into over 170 combined languages, including Battlefield of the Mind, which has sold over 9 million copies across the globe. Her ministry has also distributed over 43.5 million books around the world.

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Joyce discovered how to overcome the emotional pain of her troubled past and experience true joy, hope, and healing by applying God’s Word to her life. Her passion is to help others do the same. For more than forty years, Joyce has held conferences across the United States and around the world, teaching God’s Word and sharing the message of Christ with millions. Joyce also encourages millions each day through social media and online efforts and resources at joycemeyer.org.

Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries. Each year, Hand of Hope provides millions of meals for the hungry and malnourished, installs freshwater wells in poor and remote areas, provides critical relief after natural disasters, and offers free medical and dental care to thousands through their hospitals and clinics worldwide. Through their Project GRL initiative, they rescue women and children from human trafficking, provide safe places where they can receive an education and nutritious meals, and seek to let all girls everywhere know they are loved and valued by God.

In 2023, Joyce founded Hope Mountain Ranch, an 800-acre refuge in Mount Pleasant, Utah. Inspired by her own personal journey, Hope Mountain Ranch is a place where people can experience the transformative power of God and find hope and healing. It also serves as the hub for Joyce Meyer Ministries’ outreaches across the United States.

Ada, Mich. (April 10, 2026)— Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce that nine titles across its imprints— Baker Academic, Baker Books, Bethany House, Brazos Press, Lexham, and Revell—were selected as finalists for the ECPA 2026 Christian Book Awards.

Established in 1978 as the Gold Medallion Award, the Christian Book Award® program recognizes excellence in Christian publishing, including content, literary quality, design and impact. It is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in religious publishing. Learn more at ChristianBookAwards.com.

Baker Publishing Group Honorees

Audio

• I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen, written and narrated by Kate Strickler, produced by Christian Audio, book published by Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, B0FDH42YFY

Bible Reference Works

• Behind the Scenes of the New Testament, Bruce W. Longenecker, Elizabeth E. Shively and T. J. Lang, Baker Academic/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781540964472
• Romans: Greek-English Interlinear, Michael F. Bird, Lexham Academic/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781683598145

Children

• Where Did TJ Go?, Annie F. Downs with Tatum Green; illustrated by Jennie Poh, Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800738785

Christian Living

• Restored, Meshali Mitchell, Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800746209
• You Have a Calling, Karen Swallow Prior, Brazos Press/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781587436659

Faith & Culture

• The Anti-Greed Gospel, Malcolm Foley, Brazos Press/ Baker Publishing Group, 9781587436307

Ministry Resources

• Pastoral Confessions, Jamin Goggin, Baker Books, Baker Publishing Group, 9781540905062

Young People’s Literature

• The Bible Recap for Kids, Tara-Leigh Cobble, Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764240355

Winners in each category, along with the 2026 Christian Book of the Year®, will be announced April 28 at the ECPA Awards Celebration, held at the Chicago Marriott Schaumburg during the ECPA Leadership Summit.

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

Contact:  Shelly MacNaughton, (616) 450-5560, smacnaughton@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Christian leaders Barry Corey, Kynan Bridges, Nicolet Bell, Dr. Dale C Bronner, Tabatha Claytor, David Kubal, and Bunni Pounds will be participating in the event at the Museum of the Bible for America’s 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C.

Pittsburgh, PA. (April 13, 2026) — Whitaker House publishers is thrilled to announce the involvement of seven of their authors at upcoming national event America Reads the Bible.

The event, organized by founder of Christians Engaged Bunni Pounds—author of Stepping Up to Lead—and supported by nearly 150 Christian ministries from around the country, runs April 18th to 25th and seeks to bring leaders from all spheres of influence to Washington, D.C. to read the entire Bible aloud ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Alongside many others, six Whitaker authors will be joining Pounds and lending their voices to various sections of the text: Barry Corey, president of Biola University and co-author of Necessary Burdens; Kynan Bridges, senior pastor of Grace and Peace Global Fellowship and author of They Shall Be Healed; Nicolet Bell, CEO of Million Praying Moms and author of Everyday Prayers for Moms; Bishop Dale Bronner, senior pastor of Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral and author of Essentials of Excellence; Tabatha Claytor, lead pastor of Alive Church and co-author of Better Marriage; and David Kubal, president and CEO of Intercessors for America and author of Impacting Generations.

Whitaker House is proud to be represented in D.C. by such inspirational leaders, and for America Reads the Bible to be using Whitaker’s King James Version Easy Read Bible as its chosen translation.

Learn more about the King James Version Easy Read Bible at whitakerhouse.com/kjver

Please contact publicity@whitakerhouse.com for media questions.

The special 7-day Scripture reading involving nearly 150 Christian ministries in Washington, D.C. at the Museum of the Bible will feature Whitaker House publisher’s KJVER Bible.

Pittsburgh, PA. (April 13, 2026) — America Reads the Bible, an event bringing Christian leaders from all spheres of influence together to read the Bible aloud from beginning to end and inspire the nation, will be using Whitaker House publisher’s King James Version Easy Read Bible (KJVER™) as their chosen translation.

Regarding the decision to use this text, event organizer and founder of Christians Engaged, Bunni Pounds, comments, “Whitaker House has believed in this project – America Reads the Bible – since we first cast the vision for it. They offered this strategic partnership for this event and movement that I am forever thankful for. The King James Version Easy Read is similar to the King James Version for all of those in the Body of Christ who continue to read the original, but has some great word changes for the modern reader. We believe the American people are going to be incredibly stirred and impacted by the public reading of scripture over our nation as we join forces.”

The KJVER™ brings the most published and printed translation of the Bible, the beloved King James Version, in an enhanced readability format—easier to view, study, and engage with patterns in Scripture, with the Words of God in red. Whitaker House is proud to be involved in America Reads the Bible, to see the KJVER as the selected text to inspire listeners across the U.S., and to have seven authors selected as guest readers for the event.

America Reads the Bible will run April 18-25 with both in-person tickets and a nationally televised complimentary livestream provided by Great American Pure Flix of Great American Media. Check out americareadsthebible.com for more info on the event and its full list of readers.

Learn more about the King James Version Easy Read Bible at whitakerhouse.com/kjver

Please contact:  publicity@whitakerhouse.com for media questions.

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 13, 2026 — Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, proudly announces the upcoming release of Graceful Warrior: The True Story of a Son, a Father, and a Family Who Carried Each Other Through (Nelson Books, November 10, 2026) by acclaimed actor and advocate Gary Sinise. Set to publish on November 10, 2026, this highly anticipated book will be released on the birthday of Sinise’s late son, Mac. The memoir explores profound themes of love, unexpected loss, enduring faith, and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

Drawing from his personal family experiences, Sinise shares the unforgettable legacy of his son. Mac was a talented musician, a gifted composer, and a beloved soul who courageously faced a rare bone cancer diagnosis at just twenty-seven years old. The story invites readers into the family’s private heartbreak and highlights the grace with which Mac and the entire Sinise family faced unimaginable challenges. It stands not only as a tribute to an extraordinary young man but also as a reflection on how triumph can rise from great hardship.

Reflecting on his motivation for writing the memoir, Sinise shares, “I felt like I was a bit of a battle buddy during this difficult time, trying to find as much strength and courage myself, as I saw that so much in our son. So, I really believe that by sharing our story in this book, others who may be going through something difficult in their own lives may find hope and strength to help carry them through. We are, after all, all human beings. We are all going through difficult times ourselves, yet we can all be graceful warriors in how we approach our challenges in the fights we’re in.”

By opening his heart to share Mac’s journey, a creative force whose courage and kindness touched everyone who knew him, Sinise hopes to inspire others to find light even in the shadow of loss. Through Mac’s legacy, he reminds us that hope is never out of reach, no matter how tough life gets.

World Rights for the project were negotiated by Cait Hoyt with Creative Artists Agency. The audiobook will be narrated by Gary Sinise.

Andrew Stoddard, VP and Publisher at Nelson Books, expressed his excitement for the upcoming release. “Gary and Mac shared a unique and powerful bond. They fought the good fight together, and as a result, their faith and courage will inspire many readers in the midst of their own obstacles and adversities,” Stoddard said. “This book is an inspiring testament to family, faith, endurance, and resilience. Nelson Books could not be more honored to bring this authentic, empowering message to market.”

About the Author
Gary Sinise is an Oscar-nominated actor and has won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild awards. Known for roles in beloved films like Forrest Gump and Apollo 13, he is also a New York Times bestselling author. Sinise has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has dedicated nearly forty years to advocating for America’s veterans. He received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor awarded by the president of the United States to citizens for “exemplary deeds performed in service of the nation.” The book is co-authored by Marcus Brotherton.

Marcus Brotherton is a New York Times bestselling author and coauthor. His books include Grateful American with Gary Sinise, The Long March Home with Tosca Lee, and We Who Are Alive & Remain with twenty of the elite paratroopers from World War II, known as the Band of Brothers. He is the recipient of the Christopher Award for literature that “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”

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.

Contact: Lisa Beech, Senior Director of Publicity, Nelson Books at Lisa.Beech@harpercollins.com

March 23, 2026 – NASHVILLE, Tenn. — New York Times bestselling author Mary Beth Chapman and multi-Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman have two new milestones to celebrate: 40 years of marriage and writing their first book together. “Still Here: Life Together on the Long Way Home” (B&H Publishing Group) reveals, for the first time, behind-the-scenes stories of a couple held together by divine grace and mercy.

The Chapmans’ story, which began as young love on a college campus, has aged into a cherished but challenging shared journey through the complexities of life. “Still Here” provides a vulnerable narrative from two imperfect people who love God most—and love each other almost as much.

Their book doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties in their 41-year marriage. It goes into candid detail about fights, tragedies, and the strain brought by Steven’s career on the road. They forgo quick tips and hot takes, instead offering an authentic recollection of lived lessons and hard-won wisdom earned across four decades.

“Until now, we have shied away from writing about our marriage because we thought it might be disappointing for you. Our life is not set to the tune of a love song on auto-repeat—although one of us has sung a certain love song about 100,000 times by now,” they write in “Still Here.” “But maybe you need to hear that a couple can be a crazy mess today and, by the abundant grace of God, can still be only a sunrise away from another whole new beginning. It’s true. Not just for us, but for you too.”

The book’s title is a play on the title of “I Will Be Here,” Steven’s ode to faithful marriage that has become something of a wedding anthem.

In a recent interview, the Chapmans shared that they grow closer together by growing closer to God. “There’s a reason we’ve been married 41 years,” Mary Beth told BP News. “Those reasons are a lot of redos and a lot of bearing with one another in love and a lot of forgiveness.”

Steven agreed. “I guess if we’ve done anything well and right in this process, it has been very willing to acknowledge humbly that we don’t have it figured out, that we need help,” he said. “We need, ultimately, God’s help.”

Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with 60 Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, five Grammy Awards, 10 certified gold or platinum albums and an unprecedented 50 #1 singles.

Mary Beth Chapman is a best-selling author and chairman of the board of Show Hope. Together, Steven and Mary Beth are the parents of six children and grandparents to seven. They are the cofounders of Show Hope, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to caring holistically for children and reducing barriers to adoption.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team that believes Every Word Matters®. We seek to provide intentional, biblical content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, cultivating lifelong relationships with Jesus Christ. We publish (print and digital) in the trade, church, and academic markets, as well as the CSB translation. For more information, visit BHPublishingGroup.com.

Contact:  Pamela McClure, pamela@mmpublicrelations.com