Helping Teens Build Deep Relationships and a Caring Community

RELEASING JULY 21, 2025 BY NEW GROWTH PRESS

The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens by bestselling authors Robert H. Thune and Will Walker gives teenagers biblical and practical guidance for building deep friendships and being part of a community where they can grow and flourish.

Have you ever noticed that it’s hard to live with people and it’s hard to live without them? Real relationships are hard to come by—it’s easy to feel isolated and alone even when surrounded by people at school and home. But deep friendships and being a part of a caring community make our lives more meaningful. In this small group study, teenagers will learn with others about God’s good plan for us to connect and grow together and how following Christ makes that possible.

The Spirit takes people from all different backgrounds and shapes them into a Christ-centered community that reflects Jesus. Teenagers will find a place to belong where people love, care for, enjoy, serve, and even challenge one another in good ways and find a place to belong.

• Eight-lesson small group study with leader’s notes.
• Each self-contained lesson includes a Bible passage, discussion questions, a short article and an application exercise.
• An easy-to-follow road map for building a beautiful community based on love for God and others.

The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens
by Robert H. Thune and Will Walker
July 21, 2025 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-512-7
Religion / Christian Ministry / Youth

Robert H. Thune, MA (Reformed Theological Seminary) is founding and lead pastor of Coram Deo Church in Omaha, Nebraska. He is the author of Gospel Eldership, Gospel Training for Deacons, the coauthor of The Gospel-Centered Life, The Gospel-Centered Community, and The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens and the creator of the Daily Liturgy Podcast. In addition to his work as a pastor and writer, he helps to lead a classical Christian school, coaches and trains church leaders, and serves on the Council of The Gospel Coalition.

Will Walker, MA (Covenant Seminary) is the lead pastor of Providence Church in Austin, TX. He is the coauthor of​The Gospel-Centered Life,​The Gospel-Centered Community, The Gospel-Centered Community for Teens, and​Journey to the Cross.​Will and his wife Debbie are parents of two boys.​

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

On Monday, May 19, Today’s Jenna Bush Hager unveiled her fourth-annual Read with Jenna Jr. Summer Reading List for 2025 live on the Today Show Plaza, featuring 22 kid-friendly reads from picture books through young adult, including Sarah Arthur’s young adult fantasy novel Once a Queen (Book 1 in The Carrick Hall Novels), published by WaterBrook.

An ECPA bestseller, Once a Queen has received acclaim since its release in January 2024, including being a finalist for the 2025 ECPA Christian Book Awards—Young People’s Literature, as well as the 2024 Christy Awards—Young Adult, celebrating excellence in Christian fiction.

Once a Queen invites readers to join fourteen-year-old Eva as she uncovers dangerous secrets when she visits the manor of her estranged English grandmother, who may have once been a queen in another world.

“Once a Queen is a fantasy lover’s novel, blending classic fairy-tale homages with fresh takes on beloved tropes,” said Sarah Rubio, Executive Editor, PRH Christian. “But it’s also accessible for readers new to fantasy, with vivid, relatable characters and profound themes that will linger long after the last page is turned. I’m excited for many more readers to discover the joy to be found in losing themselves in this wonder-steeped story.”

The spellbinding sequel in the Carrick Hall Novels trilogy, Once a Castle (WaterBrook), recently published in February of this year. The highly anticipated final installment, Once a Crown (WaterBrook), is scheduled to release in Spring 2026.

To see the full list of the 2025 Read with Jenna, Jr Summer Reading picks, visit https://www.today.com/popculture/books/read-with-jenna-junior-book-list-2025-rcna203839.

Sarah Arthur is a fun-loving speaker and the bestselling author of a dozen books for teens and adults, including Once a Queen, Once a Castle, and Walking with Frodo. Among other nerdy adventures, she has served as preliminary fiction judge for the CT Book Awards, was a founding board member of the annual C. S. Lewis Festival in Northern Michigan, and codirects the Madeleine L’Engle Writing Retreats. For more information on Sarah Arthur, Once a Queen, and The Carrick Hall Novels, visit SarahArthur.com

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

In conjunction with acquiring the Spanish rights to Alan Paton’s other bestselling classic, Cry, the Beloved Country, Whitaker House is re-releasing Alan Paton’s Instrument of Peace, based on the prayers of St. Francis of Assisi.

“What an honor it is to bring back into print Instrument of Peace by Alan Paton,” commented Christine Whitaker, publisher at Whitaker House. “God works in such mysterious ways. Who knew that, twenty years ago, when I was right out of college, I would spend a month in South Africa and the trip would have a huge influence on my life —seeing the beauty of South Africa despite all of the loss and injustice. I hope this book will be a beacon of light and a call to bring our world together. As Saint Francis said, ‘It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.’”

Author and anti-apartheid activist Alan Paton drew upon the Prayer of Saint Francis to write Instrument of Peace (originally titled Instrument of Thy Peace) while his wife Dorrie lay dying of emphysema. Paton said he wrote this book for those:

• Who wish with all their hearts to be better, purer, less selfish, more useful
• Who do not wish to be cold in love, and who know that being cold in love is perhaps the worst sin of all
• Who wish to keep their faith bright and burning in a dark and faithless world
• Who seek not so much to lean on God as to be the active instrument of His peace

“Sometimes we cannot pray because we are fallen into a melancholy and therefore have for the time lost our hope and our faith and have no one to pray to,” Paton wrote. “I am in unrepayable debt to Francis of Assisi, for when I pray his prayer, or even remember it, my melancholy is dispelled, my self-pity comes to an end, my faith is restored, because of this majestic conception of what the work of a disciple should be.”

As to acquiring the Spanish language rights to Cry, the Beloved Country, Christine regards it, “An absolute privilege, as this book has sold 15 million copies and is a worldwide known classic in literature.” Whitaker Español will release the Spanish edition in 2026.

Instrument of Peace released May 13, 2025.

 

Kristen Wetherell and Sarah Walton, award-winning authors and Bible teachers, bring a timely word about suffering, faith, and perseverance to Multnomah with He Knows Our Frame: Biblical Reflections on the Nearness of Jesus.

Drawing vulnerably from their own struggles with chronic illness, Wetherell and Walton offer a compelling reminder that Jesus doesn’t stand apart from human weakness—he steps into it with us.

Through thirty reflective readings, they trace how the life of Jesus reveals the tender heart of God for hurting, doubting, and weary people.

The book is scheduled for publication in Summer 2026. World rights were acquired by Will Anderson, Senior Editor at Multnomah, from Don Gates at The Gates Group.

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

Multnomah is an imprint of PRH Christian, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

 

CHARLOTTE, NC– The Good Book Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacob Iverson as Head of Marketing, joining the global team under the leadership of James Burstow, President and Chief Commercial Officer.

Previously serving as Book Marketing Manager at Moody Publishers, Iverson brings a wealth of industry experience in collaborating across teams and with a diverse range of authors to craft and execute effective marketing strategies. His strengths in project management, clear communication, and results-driven leadership make him well-equipped to advance The Good Book Company’s brand and lead its innovative marketing initiatives into the future.

He steps into the role following a transition by previous team leader, Bethany McIlrath, who requested a different position to adjust her schedule and allow a sharper focus on specific areas of her work.

Commenting on the appointment, James Burstow said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob to the team. His passion for gospel-centered publishing and his proven expertise in marketing make him an excellent fit for this role. I’m excited to see how he will lead and develop our outstanding marketing team as we continue to serve readers all around the world with books and resources that will help them grow in their knowledge and love of the Lord Jesus.”

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.

Nashville, Tenn. (June 2, 2025) — Zondervan Gift, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, today announced the acquisition of New York Times bestselling author and actress Candace Cameron Bure’s backlist catalogue, which includes 16 previously published titles, along with the release of two new devotionals.

This expanded partnership marks a shared commitment to amplifying Bure’s voice of encouragement, faith, and authenticity—one that has inspired millions over the past two decades. Through this collaboration, Zondervan Gift aims to introduce her uplifting messages to a new generation of readers and reignite interest among longtime fans.

“Candace’s writing is warm, relatable, and deeply rooted in biblical truth—qualities that align beautifully with our mission,” said Laura Minchew, SVP Children’s and Gift Group Publisher. “We’re thrilled to bring her beloved backlist into our publishing family and to walk alongside her as she continues to pour faith and hope into the lives of readers through her new devotionals.”

The first release under this renewed partnership will be a newly repackaged edition of 100 Days of Joy and Strength, available at the end of June 2025. This refreshed version preserves the beloved devotional’s uplifting Scripture and heartfelt reflections while introducing a modern design and refreshed packaging created to captivate a new generation of readers.

Following in fall 2025, Bure will debut a brand-new devotional titled Rise and Renew: One Step Closer. This 30-day journey offers readers a spiritual reset—an invitation to embrace daily renewal through Scripture, guided reflection, and practical action steps.

“I’m incredibly thankful for this partnership with Zondervan,” said Candace Cameron Bure. “Their heart for meaningful, Christ-centered content makes them the perfect home for my books. Whether someone is picking up one of my devotionals for the first time or returning to them in a new season, my prayer is that these messages continue to speak life, joy, and hope into their everyday faith journey.”

Candace Cameron Bure is a New York Times bestselling author, producer, entrepreneur, and beloved television personality known for her decades-long career in family entertainment. She is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith and continues to flourish in the entertainment industry as a role model to women of all ages.

Laura Minchew, SVP Children’s and Gift Group Publisher, acquired the books. Candace Cameron Bure represented by Redrock Entertainment Development.

Candace Cameron Bure is an actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author beloved by millions worldwide as everyone’s big sister, D.J. Tanner, from the iconic television shows Full House and Fuller House, has starred in more than 50 Christmas and cozy mystery movies, and is a former cohost of The View. She is CEO of CandyRock Entertainment and host of her self-titled podcast. Candace is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith and continues to flourish in the entertainment industry as a role model to women of all ages. https://candacecbure.com/  IG: candacecbure FB: Candace Cameron Bure

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is based in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact:  Chasity Edwards, Zondervan Gift, chasity.edwards@harpercollins.com

May 2025 | LISLE, IL—Dr. Kevin Chapman has signed a contract with InterVarsity Press (IVP) for a follow-up to his first book, Mastering Our Emotions: Biblical Principles for Emotional Health. His second book will release in Spring 2027 and is tentatively titled Activating Joy.

While Mastering Our Emotions focused on addressing the downward spiral of negative thinking and feelings, Activating Joy will focus on understanding and intentionally strengthening our God-given capacity for an upward spiral.

“Activating Joy will follow a similar format as Mastering Our Emotions but will focus on ways to enhance positive emotionality with intentionality. This book will consider practical ways we as believers can ‘activate’ joy as opposed to trying to ‘find’ joy,” Chapman said.

Kelli Trujillo, the acquiring editor for both of Chapman’s books, said, “We all know from experience that willpower alone is not sufficient to the task. In his forthcoming second book with IVP, Activating Joy, Dr. Kevin Chapman will build upon the powerful impact of Mastering Our Emotions to help Christians more deeply understand our God-given capacity for joy. Dr. Chapman is a trusted voice whose deep faith integrates naturally with the therapeutic insights he offers. Drawing upon his expertise as a licensed clinical psychologist, in Activating Joy, Dr. Chapman will weave together insights from psychology with truth from Scripture to help Christians better understand their emotions and thoughts in order to truly live into God’s gift of deep and enduring joy.”

Dr. Kevin Chapman is a licensed clinical psychologist with a specialty in cognitive behavioral therapy. He is the founder and director of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders and has appeared on TLC as well as in USA Today, The Huffington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. Chapman leads Sound Mind Ministries and hosts The Sound Mind Show (YouTube), which focuses on managing emotions from a biblical perspective.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

 

Nashville, TN (May 23, 2025) Worthy Publishing announced today it will publish a memoir from Laura Quick, Founder and CEO of southern magazine Good Grit and co-host of the Before You Cut Bangs podcast. Quick’s poignant memoir about growing up with an absentee mother offers a sharp, smart commentary on poverty, faith, and motherhood in the South.

“Laura is a gorgeous writer, and we are so proud to be publishing this beautiful book,” said Worthy Publishing Editorial Director Beth Adams.

Quick’s riveting story illuminates the impact of absent, abusive, neglectful, unhealed mothers and the enduring legacies they pass on to their children. It offers a powerful portrait of the circumstances and attitudes that make it difficult to break crippling generational cycles.

The book is slated for publication in Fall 2026. World rights were acquired by Beth Adams, Worthy Publishing Editorial Director, from Georgia Bodnar at Noyan Literary.

Laura Quick is the founder and CEO of Good Grit , a quarterly magazine focusing on southern culture that she launched in 2014, and its subsidiary, Good Grit Agency, a creative agency she founded in 2019. Additionally, Laura cohosts the mental health podcast Before You Cut Bangs alongside licensed therapist and longtime friend Claire Fierman. Laura co-founded her second company, Hatch Strategies, a digital marketing tech firm, in 2020. She also established local nonprofit initiatives, including the Dream Different Project, which provides beds for children in need, and the women’s empowerment group Les Dames of Cullman.

Worthy Publishing is an imprint of Hachette Nashville, a Division of Hachette Book Group.

Hachette Book Group  (HBG) is a leading US general-interest book publisher made up of dozens of esteemed imprints within the publishing groups Basic Books Group; Grand Central Publishing Group; Hachette Audio; Little, Brown and Company; Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Orbit; and Workman Running Press Group. We also provide custom distribution, fulfillment, and sales services to other publishing companies. Our books and authors have received the Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, Booker Prize, Nobel Peace Prize and other major honors.  We are committed to diversity in our company and our publishing programs, and to fostering a culture of inclusion for all our employees and authors. We are proud to be part of Hachette Livre, the world’s third-largest trade and educational publisher. Visit hachettebookgroup.com to learn more about HBG imprints.
For updated news follow HBG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, TikTok, X.com, Pinterest, and YouTube.

Media Contact:  Katie Robison, Sr. Dir. of Publicity, Hachette Nashville, Katie.robison@hbgusa.com

Illumination Book Awards and the Selah Book Awards honors multiple End Game Press titles with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals

MEMPHIS, TN, May 2025— End Game Press, a traditional publishing house releasing family-friendly books in the general trade and Christian markets, is celebrating multiple prestigious wins in the book industry. Leveraging all resources to make the greatest positive impact possible, End Game Press holds a high standard for the books it publishes in both quality and design, so it’s rewarding when industry contests such as the Illumination Book Awards and the Selah Book Awards reward those efforts.

The Illumination Awards annually recognize the best Christian books in 22 different categories. These winners come from well-known publishers as well as independent publishers with a passion for the Word. Their works challenge, comfort, enlighten, and engage, truly offering illumination to readers.

This year’s Keepsake/Gift/Specialty Category was a complete sweep by a trio of beautiful books:

• Eat Like a Heroine (End Game Press, August 2024) by Lorilee Craker and Jenny Williams with Gold,
• The Compassion Storybook Bible (End Game Press, November 2024) by Crystal Bowman and Sue Schlesman with Silver, and
• I Love You, Dad! (End Game Press, June, 2024) by Blythe Daniel, William Daniel and Helen McIntosh with Bronze.

Other Gold medal recipients include Discipling World Changers (End Game Press, February 2024) by Melissa MacDonald, Ministry/Mission, and Love Connects Us All by Michelle Medlock Adams, Enduring Light, Christian Children’s Book.

Silver and Bronze winners include A Gingerbread House (End Game Press, October 2024) by Julie Lavender, Holiday, The Dance of Easter (Wren and Bear Books, an imprint of End Game Press, March 2024) by Sally Cressman, Holiday, Baseball Family (End Game Press, April, 2024) by Billie Jauss, Family/Parenting, A Tale of Two Seasons (Fusion/ACU Press, October 2024) by Paul Westphal, Biography/Memoir, and A Fifth of the Story (End Game Press, February 2024) by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Mystery/Thriller.

“I am grateful to have our books and authors honored in this way” shared Founder and Owner of End Game Press, Victoria Duerstock. “We are incredibly honored to be chosen for these awards from among many worthy entries and finalists.”

Additionally the winners for this year’s Selah Book Awards were named at an in-person awards event on May 29, 2025. The Selah Awards is an industry-wide award contest for published Christian authors within 32 categories, published within the last calendar year. The awards were designed to support the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference scholarship fund.

End Game Press is thrilled to have seven titles among those named winners out of ten previously announced finalists for the Selah Awards. They include Gold medalists Her Battle Strength (Fusion Hybrid Publishing, an imprint of End Game Press, August, 2024) by Deanne Reid, Christian Living, and Eat Like a Heroine (End Game Press, August 2024) by Lorilee Craker and Jenny Williams, Inspiration & Gift.

Silver medalists include The Dance of Easter (Wren and Bear Books, an imprint of End Game Press, March 2024) by Sally Cressman, Children’s Picture Books and The Compassion Storybook Bible (End Game Press, November 2024) by Crystal Bowman and Sue Schlesman, Children’s Literature. Bronze medalists include Heart-Shaped Hope (Fusion Hybrid Publishing an imprint of End Game Press, May 2024), I Love You, Dad! (End Game Press, June, 2024) By Blythe Daniel, William Daniel and Helen McIntosh, and The Desert Between Us (End Game Press, April 2024) by James C. Magruder, General Fiction.

About End Game Press
Launched by multi-award-winning author Victoria Duerstock in 2021, End Game Press is a traditional publishing house where ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things. End Game Press puts authors first, educating them on the entirety of the publishing process and providing them with the needed training to be successful. With a goal to create beauty and cultivate community, End Game Press publishes fiction, nonfiction, and children’s titles into both general and Christian markets. Learn more at www.endgamepress.com online.

Media Contact:  Emma Duerstock, PR@endgamepress.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) June 2, 2025 – Nelson Books is delighted to announce that Woodley Auguste has joined their team as Marketing Director.

Auguste brings more than 15 years of publishing and marketing experience, spanning public relations, consumer engagement, and brand strategy. Throughout his career, he has led the marketing and publicity efforts behind 12 New York Times best-sellers, including The Harbinger and other million-copy-selling books that have impacted lives worldwide.

Prior to Nelson Books, Auguste worked at Universal Orlando Resort, a division of NBCUniversal, where he oversaw segmented consumer strategies and helped shape high-profile campaigns. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stetson University and brings both strategic insight and creative vision to his work.

“Returning to Christian publishing feels like coming home,” said Auguste. “Nothing is more fulfilling than using your gifts to advance the kingdom of God through the message of hope, healing, and faith. I’m deeply grateful to be part of a team committed to elevating voices that point people to truth and transformation.”

Auguste has already made significant contributions and is leading campaigns for major authors such as Tim Tebow and Jason Wilson. His infectious enthusiasm, relational warmth, and can-do attitude have brought fresh energy to our team.

“Woodley brings an impressive combination of experience, drive, and spiritual depth to our team,” said Chris Sigfrids, VP of Marketing at Nelson Books. “His strategic approach and passion for meaningful content make him an incredible asset as we continue to elevate our authors and expand our reach.”

About Nelson Books
Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is a leader in the Christian nonfiction publishing realm. Nelson Books is dedicated to acquiring, developing, and promoting authors whose content inspires, informs, and invokes real change. The imprint publishes dozens of new titles each year in the areas of spiritual growth, inspiration, and practical living with select memoirs, biography, history, and culture releases. The Nelson Books roster of best-selling authors includes Max Lucado, Lysa TerKeurst, Bob Goff, John Eldredge, Dr. Anita Phillips, and Jefferson Bethke.

Contact: 
Lisa Beech, Senior Director of Publicity, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403