New YA fiction addressing real-life issues faced by today’s preteen and teen girls

Publisher aims to provide a wholesome, age-appropriate alternative to secular junior romance novels

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (April 6, 2021)—Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, released Real, Not Perfect and Searching for Normal on April 6, 2021, as part of a four-book YA fiction series, Riverbend Friends. The series follows four friends from the fictional town of Riverbend, Indiana, and aims to thoughtfully engage with real-life issues teenage girls face today, such as anxiety, loneliness, cyberbullying and sexual harassment, comparison and insecurity associated with social media, and challenges related to divorce and blended families.

Focus on the Family editors created the series out of a felt need for contemporary fiction that realistically addressed the grittier elements of teen life, but from a distinctly Christian worldview. “It’s not easy being a teen in today’s world. Girls need all the support they can get from people who understand what they’re going through,” says Steve Johnson, VP of Content Development and Integration at Focus on the Family. “Riverbend Friends characters are dealing with today’s tough issues, and they learn how to handle them in a Christian way. Our prayer is that these characters will come alongside teens, offering them the extra guidance they just might need.”

The third and fourth books in the series, The Me You See and Chasing the Spotlight, are scheduled to release in August 2021. Ultimately, Focus on the Family hopes Riverbend Friends will inspire girls to deepen their faith and face everyday problems in God-honoring ways.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Mariah León, mariahleon@tyndale.com.

Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, it is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale has proved a faithful guide—helping readers discover the life-giving truths of the Bible. Its mission is to open God’s Word to as many as possible in language they can relate to and understand. Tyndale’s independent and nonprofit status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a majority of net income to charitable missions—more than $110 million throughout its history. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

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Real, Not Perfect
Riverbend Friends #1
By Stephanie Coleman
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-58997-704-4 | $14.99
240 pages | April 2021 | focusonthefamily.com

Searching for Normal
Riverbend Friends #2
By C. J. Darlington
Softcover ISBN: 978-1-58997-705-1 | $14.99
240 pages | April 2021 | focusonthefamily.com

 

CHARLOTTE, NC– Since its publication in February 2018, Rachel Jones’ blog piece “A 5 Minute Theology of Periods” has consistently garnered great curiosity. The Good Book Company is excited to announce Rachel has taken more than 5 minutes to further unpack the topic in book form. A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really) is an adventure for the curious into bodies, womanhood, time, pain and purpose (The Good Book Company, May 2021).

You’ve never read a book quite like this one. Jones’ wit and humor make it a surprising, light-hearted read as she discusses the sometimes sensitive topic from a Biblical perspective.

Jones’ goal for the book is positive, as she explains in an interview with bestselling author Rebecca McLaughlin, saying, “What I’d really love people to come away from this book with is just a greater appreciation for how God has made them, and how God has saved them, and just for the fact that the Bible speaks into all of life’s experiences, even periods.” The interview releases on The Good Book Company podcast in May.

Endorsing the book, Jen Wilkin, bestselling author of None Like Him and Women of the Word, said, “In the church today, the female reproductive cycle is still regarded as taboo to speak of, let alone to ponder in relation to our faith. I’m deeply grateful that Rachel has endeavored to dignify what God has architected and to help us consider what we might learn from that design. As the prevailing culture dismantles the categories of male and female before our eyes, Rachel shows us how precious the gift of our female biology is, and all the more for the theology it illustrates.”

Written to be thorough but accessible, A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really) makes for a lively, memorable book club choice. A free host’s guide PDF is also available in the extras section of the product page. This PDF offers small group and women’s ministry leaders ideas for hosting a session or event offering women a Biblical perspective on periods. It also includes a brief, interactive Bible study.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Jones is the author of A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, really), Is This It?, and several books in the award-winning Five Things to Pray series, and serves as Vice President (Editorial)  at The Good Book Company. She helps teach kids and serves on the mission core team at her church, Chessington Evangelical Church, in Surrey, UK.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce that Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Crossway, April 2020) by Dane Ortlund has achieved 250,000 units in print sales.

“Gentle and Lowly beautifully depicts the heart of Christ, shedding fresh light on God’s tenderness toward weary sinners,” says Don Jones, Crossway’s chief publishing officer and Bible publisher. “We are overwhelmed by how God is using this book to bring comfort, healing, and renewal as readers encounter the compassionate heart of our Savior.”

Christians know that God loves them, but can easily feel that he is perpetually disappointed and frustrated, maybe even close to giving up on them. But the gospel flows from God’s deepest heart for his people, a heart of tender love for the sinful and suffering. Ortlund takes readers into the depths of Christ’s very heart for sinners, one that is “gentle and lowly,” diving deep into Bible passages that speak of who Christ is and encouraging readers with the affections of Christ for his people.

Ortlund writes, “In the one place in the Bible where the Son of God pulls back the veil and lets us peer way down into the core of who he is, we are not told that he is “austere and demanding in heart.” We are not told that he is “exalted and dignified in heart.” We are not even told that he is “joyful and generous in heart.” Letting Jesus set the terms, his surprising claim is that he is “gentle and lowly in heart.”

Jared Wilson, assistant professor of pastoral ministry at Spurgeon College, remarked on the For the Church blog, “In an especially chaotic and conflict-heavy season, this book came to us as a compassionate reminder of the faithful, humble Christ. Read it slowly, thoughtfully, prayerfully; you’ll find it a precious ministry to your soul. I did. My favorite book of the year.”

Gentle and Lowly is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats. The book has received acclamations from Sam Allberry (speaker and author of 7 Myths about Singleness), Paul David Tripp (president of Paul Tripp Ministries and author of New Morning Mercies), and others.

Dane Ortlund (PhD, Wheaton College) serves as senior pastor of Naperville Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois. He is an editor for the Knowing the Bible series and the Short Studies in Biblical Theology series, and is the author of several books, including Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Dane and his wife, Stacey, have five children.

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—April 9, 2021—NavPress is pleased to announce that three of their titles and authors have been named finalists for the 2021 Christian Book Awards. The Christian Book Awards honor excellence in Bibles and Christian books.

According to their website, “The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award program honors the ‘best of the year’ in 12 categories.”

NavPress authors and titles were named as finalists in the following categories:

Bible Study

• Living for What Really Matters: 7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians (Get Wisdom Bible Studies) by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson

Christian Living

• How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People by Pete Greig

New Author

• This Life We Share: 52 Reflections on Journeying Well with God and Others by Maggie Wallem Rowe

David Zimmerman, NavPress Publisher, shared, “We’re not surprised these authors are being recognized for excellence in their categories. We’ve experienced their excellence of craft and character firsthand, and we’re thrilled for them to receive this recognition.”

For more information on NavPress titles, please visit NavPress.com.

The Christian Book Award program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.  ChristianBookAwards.com

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international nonprofit trade organization comprising member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that its members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ECPA.org.

The mission of NavPress is to advance the calling of The Navigators by bringing biblically rooted, culturally relevant, and highly practical products to people who want to know and love Christ more deeply. Through The Message Bible and other insightful resources, NavPress seeks to bring positive spiritual movement to people’s lives. In January 2014, NavPress entered into an alliance with Tyndale House Publishers to strengthen and better position NavPress and its rich content for the future. NavPress provides books and other content that bring spiritual impact, life transformation, and help lead in the mission of making disciples.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) has announced that four IVP titles are among the finalists for the 2021 Christian Book Award® program.  The IVP finalists include:

Faith and Culture

Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope

New Testament scholar Esau McCaulley calls the church to a dynamic theological engagement with Scripture, in which Christians of diverse backgrounds dialogue with their own social location as well as the cultures of others. Nijay K. Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, said, “Reading While Black is a unique and successful blend of biblical hermeneutics, autobiography, black history and spirituality, incisive cultural commentary on race matters in America, and insightful exegesis of select New Testament texts.” Reading While Black also received Christianity Today’s 2021 Beautiful Orthodoxy Award and the 2021 Outreach Resource of the Year Award for Christian Living.

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 Bible Reference Works

The Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament

In The Story Retold, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd explore each New Testament book in light of the broad history of redemption, emphasizing the biblical-theological themes of each New Testament book. Their distinctive approach encourages readers to read the New Testament in light of the Old, not as a new story but as a story retold.

 

 

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Ministry Resources

Compassion (&) Conviction: The AND Campaign’s Guide to Faithful Civic Engagement

Justin Giboney, Michael Wear, and Chris Butler represent the AND Campaign, which exists to educate and organize Christians for faithful civic and cultural engagement. They insist that not only are we called to love our neighbors through the political process but also that doing so requires us to transcend the binary way the debates are usually framed. In simple, understandable language, they lay out the biblical case for political engagement and help Christians navigate the complex world of politics with integrity, from political messaging and the politics of race to protests, advocacy, and more.

 

When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse

Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is. In When Narcissism Comes to Church, DeGroat takes a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems. He offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects. DeGroat also offers hope for narcissists themselves—not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery, possible only through repentance and trust in the humble gospel of Jesus.

 

Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the best of the year in twelve categories. Five finalists are chosen in each category unless there is a tie. Winners will be announced at a virtual celebration on May 6. In addition, one title will be chosen as the Christian Book of the Year® to represent the year’s best book or Bible for its literary merit and extraordinary influence.

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles visit ivpress.com.

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

CAROL STREAM, Ill.—April 9, 2021—Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to announce that three of their titles and authors have been named finalists for 2021 Christian Book Awards. The Christian Book Award honors excellence in Bibles and Christian books.

According to their website, “The Christian Book Award® program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards program in the religious publishing industry. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories.”

Tyndale House Publishers authors and titles were named as finalists in the following categories:

• Ministry Resources:  A Church Called Tov, Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer
• New Author:  Try Softer, Aundi Kolber
• Young People’s Literature:  The Big Book of Bible Questions, Amy Parker and Doug Powell

Regarding A Church Called Tov, author Scot McKnight shared, “Laura and I had a vision: that abuses in churches are shaped as much by church culture as by abusive individuals. So we designed A Church Called Tov to help church leaders and churches nurture a culture of goodness (tov) with the prayer that such a culture would block abuses from forming. We are honored by ECPA’s nomination.”

Speaking about her work with author Aundi Kolber on Try Softer, Jillian Schlossberg, senior acquisitions editor, shared, “What an honor and privilege it has been to have partnered with Aundi on the important work of Try Softer. With her trauma-informed expertise and hard-won life experience, Aundi has brought a new and healing lens to our cultural conversation. I can’t wait to see how she continues to grow and flourish as an author.”

Linda Howard, associate publisher for Tyndale Children and Youth, commented, “It is an honor to have worked on The Big Book of Bible Questions with Amy Parker and Doug Powell. I am so happy to see it as one of the finalists for the Christian Book Awards. We continue to pray that this book will help many kids understand God’s Word in a fresh and personal way.”

For more information on Tyndale titles, please visit tyndale.com.

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the absolute highest quality in Christian books since 1978. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and impact, the Christian Book Award® program is the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in the religious publishing industry.  ChristianBookAwards.com

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. For more information about ECPA: info@ecpa.org, ECPA.org.

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.

 

Includes new stories, life lessons, discussion questions and resources to help stop child neglect 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 6, 2021) – Based on the bestselling memoir that also was depicted in a feature film, HarperCollins Christian Publishing releases “A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home” by Steve Pemberton, everywhere books are sold on Tuesday, April 20.

Since its publication in 2012, Steve’s story has inspired thousands of people around the world. A true story of growing up in a cruel foster home and defying seemingly insurmountable odds, this new adaptation of the USA TODAY bestselling memoir “A Chance in the World” shares Steve’s journey with 8 to 12-year-olds with sensitivity, honesty and hope.

Featuring new stories and life lessons not included in the original memoir, “A Chance in the World,” the young readers edition can provide adults and teachers an age-appropriate reading tool to engage with kids ages 8 to 12, on a deeper level about topics such as family, bullying, the power of kindness, and the destructive effects of labeling people.

Born as Steve Klakowicz, Pemberton’s story begins in New Bedford, MA. Taken from his mother at age three and losing his father to gun violence at age 5. Steve lived in the clutches of a cruel foster family. He would find his only refuge in a box of books given to him by a kind stranger. Books would be the tool he used to take him to new worlds he can only imagine and would someday lead him to his biological family.

Armed with just a single clue, Pemberton would embark on a years-long quest to unravel the mystery of his origins. As a light-skinned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name, Pemberton shares how he comes to learn and embrace his identity.

It would be the kindness of a neighbor, a Sunday school teacher, and a high school mentor who would help Steve steer through the darkness of harrowing circumstances. With the help of what he calls his “human lighthouses” as guides, Pemberton would go on to attend Boston College on a scholarship, became a trail-blazing Fortune 500 executive, an acclaimed speaker, a philanthropist, a US Senate candidate, a Congressional awardee and a visionary youth advocate. He shares his story to inspire others who want to be seen for their possibilities rather than their circumstances because he, himself, ‘is the way the story can turn out to be.’

In this Young Readers Edition, “A Chance in the World” teaches children:

• to begin each day with hope
• that there is goodness in the world, and it is possible to be a beacon of light for others
• that they can overcome challenging circumstances
• that everyone comes from different backgrounds and has value
• to apply Steve’s inspirational message to their own lives, through age-appropriate discussion questions.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. According to iFoster, approximately 424,000 children are in foster care, with 20,000 youth aging out of the foster care system annually. Within four years of aging out, 50% have no earnings, and those who do make an average annual income of $7500. “A Chance in the World” concludes with resources on how to help stop abuse.

People can call or text Childhelp at 1-800-422-4453 to have a private conversation with someone who is trained in how to help kids who are being abused. They will listen and help callers decide next steps.

“A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home” (ISBN# 9781400225149) releases on April 20 and now is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold.

* MEDIA COPIES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST*

About the Author
Steve Pemberton is Chief People Officer for Workhuman, the leading online platform bringing positivity to the workplace through social recognition. Prior to assuming his role at Workhuman, Steve was a Senior Human Resources Executive at Walgreens. Steve and his wife, Tonya, are the proud parents of three children. 

About Tommy Nelson
Tommy Nelson® is the children’s division of Thomas Nelson. As a leading provider of Christian content, Tommy Nelson publishes a wide variety of high-quality, enjoyable products that are consistent with the teachings found in the Bible. Tommy Nelson’s award-winning products are designed to expand children’s imaginations and nurture their faith while inspiring them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. For more information, visit www.tommynelson.com.

Dolly Parton, Many Others Endorse Grace Bomb Book by Author, Pastor Patrick Linnell Releasing May 1

The second annual Grace Bomb Day happens May 16 and follows the May 1 release of Author and Pastor Patrick Linnell’s timely book Grace Bomb: The Surprising Impact Of Loving Your Neighbors from David C Cook. Churches and individuals across the country will come together for this second annual event to unleash love on neighbors through surprising gifts that point them to the source of kindness, Jesus.

Intentional acts of love prompted by the Holy Spirit, Grace Bombs can practically look like offering an extra tip to a hardworking server, giving up a seat on an airplane, or making a meal for the ER nurse next door, etc. When a person “grace bombs” a neighbor, spouse or stranger, it is a response to God’s call to love those people in generous and surprising ways.

“While we want grace bombing to be a part of our everyday rhythm of life, we have designated May 16 as a day to collectively elevate and live out Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:16 to let our light shine,” says Linnell.

Like the Grace Bomb movement, the companion book is a gateway to personal and corporate revival, inspiring readers to put into practice Jesus’ command to love our neighbors. In Grace Bomb, Pastor Linnell equips readers to join a movement of simple obedience that leads to world-changing impact.

The message of the book resonates with iconic celebrity Dolly Parton, who shares that she’s “all about loving thy neighbor and spreading love and kindness” as many others chime in to endorse Grace Bomb.

Calling the book a “magnificent work,” Rev. Dr. Casely Baiden Essamuah, Secretary, Global Christian Forum, says it’s a “must-read for church leaders and followers of Christ who want to next-level their commitment in practical ways.”

Edward F. Kelley IV, TH. B, M. Min., M.T.S., Executive Pastor and Management Consultant, adds that he thinks the book is “fabulous,” and “was truly astonished by its clarity, simplicity and heart,” while Dr. Robert Morrison McAlister, Global Catalyst, says, “It is so refreshing to read a book that stirs my heart in new ways to make God’s precious Word practical.” “Grace Bomb is a delightful and inspiring read,” continues Buck Rogers, President of Empower Clarity, Inc. “Pat writes in such a winsome, humorous and practical fashion.”

“Simple. Inspiring. Contagious. Essential. That’s Grace Bomb…Pat Linnell mentors us through a neighbor-loving explosion of grace bombing that can change you, your neighbor and the nations!” exclaims Greg St. Cyr, D.Min, pastor of Bay Area Community Church, Annapolis, MD.

“I can’t think of a better book for what the world needs right now…You’ll walk away inspired, prepared and eager to live this out,” says Brian Hopper, Pastor, Equipper, Coach, Bay Area Community Church.

“What’s better than random acts of kindness? Intentional acts of kindness prompted by the Holy Spirit. Grace Bomb is pure delight from start to finish…,” says Tracey Tiernan, radio host 95.1 SHINE-FM.

Drawing on rich examples from Scripture and everyday life, and with a foreword written by Joey Tomassoni, Grace Bomb shows how readers can:

• Deepen sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
• Go beyond cultural expectations of kindness to point people toward Jesus
• Overcome barriers to “Grace Bombing,” such as fear, busyness and prejudice
• Rest in God-given identity and access His supernatural fuel supply
• Experience joy and fun while exercising faith beyond Sundays

Sharing first-hand accounts of “bombs” dropped and received over the past three years of the Grace Bomb movement, Linnell encourages, “In the spirit of Hebrews 10:24, we are considering how to stir one another on to love and good works. When we hear about these simple everyday neighbor-loving actions that really happened, we can better spot the opportunities that God is putting before us even now.”

For all the latest Grace Bomb news and more, go to www.gracebomb.org/book, Facebook and Instagram.

About Patrick Linnell:  Throughout Patrick Linnell’s nearly two decades in pastoral ministry, God’s disruptive grace has been his consistent theme. In 2017, this led to the preaching series that formed the basis for his Grace Bomb book and 2018’s birth of the non-profit The Grace Bomb Company. After an overwhelming response from his congregation, Grace Bomb cards and an interactive website, www.gracebomb.org, were branded and born, and stories began to circulate and be shared about these surprising gifts meant to brighten a neighbor’s day. Since then, Grace Bomb cards have been requested in all 50 States, with more than 1,000 stories shared through the website alone of intentional acts of love motivated by Jesus. Churches around the nation have also launched Grace Bomb as a sermon series and an ongoing discipleship tool.

With an undergraduate degree in Business and Marketing, Linnell at one time had his sights set on corporate America until God broke in with other plans. Instead, he became a missionary to young adults in the greater Baltimore/DC area while completing a MA in Theology from Columbia International University (CIU). Spending 14 years on staff at Bay Area Community Church in Annapolis, MD, Linnell now leads the Grace Bomb movement as chief visionary and travels to churches around the country to introduce them to this unique discipleship tool. He is the husband of 18 years to Kristen, father of four kids, an aging ice hockey player, and extreme yard work enthusiast.

About David C Cook:  David C Cook is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the global Church with life-transforming, Christ-centered materials. Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado—with offices in Illinois, Ohio, Tennessee, and the United Kingdom—David C Cook produces resources that are published in over 150 languages and distributed in more than 170 countries. Originally founded in 1875 as a curriculum publisher, David C Cook now also publishes numerous bestselling books, resources, music (Integrity Music), and media from a variety of award-winning authors and artists. Learn more about David C Cook’s mission at DavidCCook.org.

ATTN MEDIA: Patrick Linnell, Grace Bomb review and giveaway copies are available upon request. High-resolution cover artwork and other press materials are available now at https://app.box.com/v/PatrickLinnell-GraceBomb.

For additional information, contact:

• Rick Hoganson, Hoganson@comcast.net
• Maureen Hoganson, MaureenHoganson@comcast.net
• Hoganson Media Relations, 615-459-9870

(Ada, Michigan) April 12, 2021 – Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that Wendy Speake’s book The 40-Day Sugar Fast: Where Physical Detox Meets Spiritual Transformation has sold more than 150, 000 copies since its release in November 2019.

The 40-Day Sugar Fast is for anyone who runs to sugar for comfort or a reward, who eats mindlessly or out of boredom, who feels physically and spiritually lethargic, or who struggles with self-control. Speake helps people to not only find freedom from their cravings but to find an entirely new appetite for the good things God has for them.

“We are thrilled to see The 40-Day Sugar Fast get into the hands of so many readers and transform lives in powerful ways,” said Rebekah Guzman, editorial director, Baker Books. “Wendy is an advocate for life change and pointing people to what matters most—and Baker Books is honored to be alongside Wendy as her publishing partner.”

Her second book with Baker, The 40-Day Social Media Fast: Exchange Your Online Distractions for Real-Life Devotion, released in November 2020, has surpassed 40,000 copies sold. A 40-Day Fast Journal is also available to accompany both books.

Speake, a Bible teacher, is also coauthor of Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses. She hosts an annual online 40-Day Sugar Fast in January and her 40-Day Social Media Fast every Lent. Learn more at www.wendyspeake.com.

Contact: Kelli B. Smith, (616) 676-9185 x394  ksmith@bakerpublishinggroup.com

 

Eugene, Oregon—We at Harvest House Publishers are deeply heartbroken over the tragic news of the shooting deaths of Dr. Robert Lesslie, his dear wife Barbara, their grandchildren Adah and Noah, and another victim on April 7, 2021, in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Dr. Lesslie was special in many ways. Two characteristics that particularly stood out in our every interaction with him were his genuine love for people and his gracious humility. We have marveled at how fortunate—and blessed—his patients were to have a doctor who exhibited the extraordinary compassion he did. These traits shone brightly all through his decades of medical service, including 25 years as an ER doctor, where his giftedness offered what people needed most as they faced traumatic and life-threatening emergencies.

We get a glimpse of Dr. Lesslie’s heart with these words from his bestseller Angels in the ER, one of 12 published books he wrote as a Harvest House author: “I know without a doubt that life is fragile. I have come to understand that humility may be the greatest virtue. And I am convinced we need to take the time to say the things we deeply feel to the people we deeply care about.”

Angels in the ER, a compilation of miraculous and inspirational accounts of God at work in dire medical circumstances, released in 2008 and has sold nearly 340,000 copies worldwide. The in-print total of all of Dr. Lesslie’s books is approaching 750,000 copies, with many of them reaching people outside the Christian marketplace in airports, grocery stores, Walmart and more. Dr. Lesslie’s 13th book, Angels in the ER—Volume 2, will release on August 24, 2021.

“Robert was deeply loved for the exceptional level of care he showed to people. He was a godly and humble man who changed the course of life for so many—both in medical centers and through his books. God’s love was very much on display in every aspect of his life, faith and work,” says Bob Hawkins, president of Harvest House Publishers. “His legacy of wholehearted service, as shared in his books, will bless readers for a long time to come, giving people much-needed hope and enabling them to find faith.”

Harvest House, a Christian publishing company based in Eugene, Oregon, publishes more than 100 books per year and carries a strong backlist offering more than 1,500 titles. Over 145 million Harvest House books have been sold worldwide through diverse distribution channels, and additional millions have sold in over 75 languages.