Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. authors took home five awards from the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) Golden Scroll and Christian Market Book Awards August 15, 2021.

Christian Market Book Awards were given to Billie Fulton for One Moment in Time (third place—Christian Novel of the Year) and to Michele McCarthy for Aunt Ida Clare (tied for second–Christian Children’s Fiction Book of the Year).

Golden Scroll Awards were given to Rebecca Price Janney for Easton at the Pass, Historical Novel of the Year (first), Michele McCarthy for Aunt Ida Clare, Children’s Fiction Book of the Year (first), and Kathy Collard Miller and Larry Miller for God’s Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus’s Nature (tied for second).

The Christian Market Book Awards are open to anyone who has published a book for the Christian market in the past year. Golden Scroll Awards are only for members of AWSA.

Elk Lake Publishing is a Christian publisher headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Publisher Deb Haggerty said, “We are extremely proud of our authors and their dedication to publishing positive books that point people of all ages to Jesus Christ through both fiction and nonfiction.”

(Nashville, Tenn.)—W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced that Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life by Sarah Jakes Roberts surpassed 100,000 copies sold in print, digital and audio formats. The book was an instant success and appeared bestseller lists including New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. The book debuted as #1 on the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association’s Top 50 bestsellers list for May 2021.

In Woman Evolve, Roberts explores how Eve became the first woman to deal with rebuilding her life in the aftermath of her past in the Garden of Eden. Roberts helps readers grapple with their own past mistakes and focus not on who they were but rather the pursuit of who they can become. Woman Evolve is her fifth book release.

Roberts is an entrepreneur, media personality and author. She is the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Mrs. Serita Jakes and co-pastors a dynamic community of artists and professionals in Hollywood alongside her husband, Touré Roberts.

“I’m so grateful to see this book positively impacting lives,” said Roberts. “I look forward to continuing the momentum and infiltrating communities across the world with this message. We’ll continue to leave no woman behind.”

“It is such an honor to publish this powerful book in partnership with Sarah,” said Damon Reiss, v-p and publisher, W Publishing Group. “May this book encourage, strengthen, and free many readers. May they evolve into what God has for them. This isn’t just about publishing books—it’s about transforming lives.

Roberts is represented by Jan Miller of Dupree Miller & Associates.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Allison Carter, Director of Publicity, W Publishing, Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com

A tribute to his wife and daughters, new children’s book hits shelves August 24.  Pre-order available now.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 3, 2021) – Multi-Platinum entertainer Brett Young transforms his touching GOLD-certified, No. 1 hit single “Lady” into a new children’s picture book, “Love You, Little Lady” which goes on sale August 24 everywhere books are sold.

Dedicated to his wife and baby girls, “Love You Little Lady” reflects the boundless love parents have watching their baby daughter grow into a “little lady.” Through stirring rhymes and warm, sweet illustrations, Young takes readers through the wonder of hearing a baby girl’s first heartbeat, holding her for the very first time, counting her fingers and toes, guiding her first steps, and watching her grow.

“‘Lady’ is easily one of the most special songs I’ve ever written,” said Young. “Becoming a dad has changed everything for me…I’ve heard from so many families saying how much the song has meant to them as well, which is the dream as a songwriter. When we were given the opportunity to transform ‘Lady’ into a children’s book, it was such an easy ‘yes.’ Taylor and I feel so blessed to have this book as a keepsake and to read to our girls as they grow up.”

“Love You, Little Lady” is a joyful read and gift celebrating the moments of now and the moments to come — from the meeting one’s newborn daughter, to the years of growing, learning, and sharing that the future brings to families.

Young is an award-winning country music singer-songwriter, whose love for his family inspired him to write the hit single “Lady.” The California-born singer has captured the hearts of fans everywhere with his heartfelt lyrics and West Coast-meets-Southern sound. He recently released an 8-song collection, WEEKENDS LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THESE DAYS, this summer and returns to the road with his THE WEEKENDS TOUR kicking off in September.

“Love You, Little Lady” (ISBN# 9781400225071) is ideal for ages 4-8 and will be released on August 24, 2021 and now is available for pre-order everywhere books are sold.

About the Author, Brett Young
Brett Young has garnered seven consecutive No. 1 singles. His new collection WEEKENDS LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THESE DAYS (BMLG Records) follows his GOLD-certified sophomore effort, TICKET TO L.A, which debuted atop the Billboard Country Albums chart. His PLATINUM self-titled debut dominated the Top 20 on the Country Albums chart for 37 weeks and contributed to 5.5 billion streams globally. He is an ACM Award winner with additional nominations from CMA, Billboard, Teen Choice, iHeartRadio, and CMT Music Awards.  Brett lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Taylor, and their two daughters.

About the Illustrator, Katy Hudson
Katy Hudson started her illustration career as a small child drawing on walls around the house. Her parents quickly dissuaded this medium and encouraged pencil and paper instead. The idea stuck, and Katy went on to pursue and study art, earning her degree in illustration. She currently works as a freelance illustrator living and working in South London with her husband and daughter.

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.

Media contact:  Natividad Lewis, Publicist, 931.698.9620, natividad.lewis@harpercollins.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (August 4, 2021) — Tyndale House Publishers (@tyndalehouse) will release board book versions of Big Thoughts for Little People ABC by Kenneth N. Taylor and I Couldn’t Love You More by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt on October 5.

A children’s favorite for decades, Taylor’s best-selling book is now updated with all-new bright and colorful illustrations in a durable board book format. Using the alphabet as a learning tool, the book connects Bible themes and verses with engaging illustrations to teach even the youngest children important morals and values. Big Thoughts for Little People has sold almost 600,000 units since it initially released.

I Couldn’t Love You More features beautiful illustrations of adorable animals paired with song lyrics to express the sweet, loving, yet powerful message from a parent to their child: I couldn’t love you more, but there is Someone who does. Hammitt was the lead singer for Sanctus Real, a Grammy-nominated Christian rock band, for 20 years. First released in 2012, I Couldn’t Love You More was inspired by Matt and Sarah Hammitt’s son Bowen, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a rare congenital defect. A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to the foundation the Hammitts started to help parents with children who have this heart condition. Bowen continues to beat the odds as he recently celebrated his tenth birthday.

 

• Big Thoughts for Little People ABC by Kenneth N. Taylor | ISBN: 978-1-4964-5106-4 | Board Book: $7.99
• I Couldn’t Love You More by Jason Ingram and Matt Hammitt | ISBN: 978-1-4964-5111-8 | Board Book: $7.99 

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 9, 2021) – NavPress is pleased to announce Deborah Gonzalez as associate acquisitions editor. “Deb is a strong addition to our team,” said NavPress publisher David Zimmerman. “I’ve known her for more than a decade, and I was impressed by her from the first minute. We’re excited to have her on board.”

Gonzalez is an eleven-year veteran of the publishing industry with experience in editing, marketing, publicity, and brand management. She served with InterVarsity Press for more than eight years; more recently she has worked in a freelance capacity as an editor, ghost writer, and author coach. Alejandro Mandes, author of Embracing the New Samaria (NavPress, 2021), said that working with Gonzalez “was like someone knowing you so well they finish your thoughts. I couldn’t have picked a better collaborator.”

The book-publishing arm of The Navigators, NavPress releases a highly selective list of books and ministry resources every year, with a focus on discipleship and disciplemaking as well as publishing the bestselling The Message version of the Bible. Gonzalez will join acquisitions editor Caitlyn Carlson to extend NavPress’s robust catalog of resources.

“We’re deeply committed to the formation and transformation of God’s people—knowing Christ, making Him known, and helping others do the same,” said Caitlyn Carlson. “Deb’s excellent instincts and breadth of experience will serve our authors well as we equip disciplemakers together.”

“I am thrilled to be joining the NavPress team,” said Gonzalez. “My values and vision are closely aligned with the NavPress ethos, and I look forward to working with the team to acquire and develop resources that will have an impact on the church and the world.”

The NavPress mission 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 peoples’ 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.

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, Director of Public Relations, katiedodillet@tyndale.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In 2017, Ashley Huffstutler, at 29 years old, received news she had terminal brain cancer. Having just given birth to her second child, all she wanted to do was hold her two girls for as long as she could. But Huffstutler sensed God nudging her, telling her there was more to do. She felt God saying, “In this more, others will see my glory.”

This prompting led to the conception of the children’s book “When I Hold You” from B&H Publishing, a division of Lifeway Christian Resources. For Huffstutler, writing this book was a long, arduous process as the growing brain tumor affected her reading and writing. But God held her hand through it all. At first, Huffstutler thought the book would simply be a great keepsake for her girls, but God showed her it was also for others to come to know Him more dearly and deeply.

The 24-page children’s book describes the love of a mother to her child and how that reminds her of the love of God the Father. Each turn of the page also reveals a Bible verse, so readers can reflect on Scripture and God’s love for them. Airin O’Callaghan beautifully illustrated mothers of varying skin tones and hair colors, ending with a depiction of Huffstutler and her two girls with their red hair.

“I had never read a book comparing a mother’s love to God’s nurturing, tender care for us—but after I read this manuscript, I knew immediately this book had to exist in the world,” said Anna Sargeant, acquisitions editor for B&H Publishing. “This reminder of God’s tenderness is important in our day and age.”

Ashley Huffstutler and her husband David update a blog about their journey entitled “Ever Singing for Joy.” It documents their ups and downs through cancer, always pointing to Christ as their strength. David wrote early on in 2017 that Ashley’s heart was always evangelistic. “Ashley’s words to me were, ‘When I can’t proclaim the gospel and can’t preach Jesus for myself, it will all fall to you. Take up that mantle and run with it. Boldly proclaim Jesus for me.’”

Writing and publishing “When I Hold You” is one way Huffstutler is doing that while still here on earth.

“‘When I Hold You’ took on a whole new meaning when I finally got to read it to my baby girl for whom my husband and I waited for several years,” said Amanda Mae Steele, marketing specialist for the book. “When I finally got to hold my child and read the words God gave to Huffstutler, it was as if I was experiencing His overwhelming love for me as His own child, too, for the very first time.”

Huffstutler’s health is still declining even as she continues chemotherapy. The cancer has weakened her memory retention and her ability to do everyday activities. As a family, the Huffstutlers expect difficult days ahead and covet readers’ prayers. Still, as the title of their personal blog suggests, the Huffstutlers remain committed to declaring their joy in the Lord through all seasons of life.

More information about “When I Hold You” can be found at Lifeway.com.

 

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Written by Y Bonesteele, Lifeway Christian Resources

Enclave Publishing authors won six awards at the recent Realm Makers event in St. Louis, the only writing conference for authors of faith who specialize in science fiction, fantasy, and other speculative genres.

Apprentice by Kristen Young was announced the Book of the Year and winner in the Science Fiction category.  Dust by Kara Swanson won the Reader’s Choice Award, the Fantasy category, and Best Cover Design.  The Audio award went to Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin.

• BOOK OF THE YEAR: Apprentice by Kristen Young
• FANTASY: Dust by Kara Swanson
• SCIENCE FICTION: Apprentice by Kristen Young
• AUDIO: Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin (Oasis Audio)
• BEST COVER DESIGN: Dust by Kara Swanson, designed by Kirk DouPonce (DogEared Design)
• READER’S CHOICE AWARD: Dust by Kara Swanson

Enclave Publishing is a leading publisher of Speculative fiction written from a Christian worldview.  www.enclavepublishing.com

Media Contact: trissina@enclavepublishing.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) July 28, 2021—HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced Jennifer Gott as vice president and publisher for its Gift division, which operates Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift. In this role, Gott will oversee the Gift division’s product pipeline, which includes acquisition, title development, and overall strategy for beautiful, high-design products in the areas of devotionals, lifestyle, guided journals, poetry, and seasonal books.

Gott has over 20 years of publishing experience developing Christian and inspirational gift books, children’s books, and trade books. Most recently she served as the associate publisher for the HCCP Children’s and Gift division where she worked with bestselling authors including Sarah Young, Emily Ley, Rob Morgan, Sadie Robertson, Kel Mitchell, Ann Voskamp, and Louie Giglio.

“Jen is incredibly talented in creating meaningful and beautiful gift books,” said Laura Minchew, senior vice president, group publisher for HCCP Children’s and Gift division. “She has a great understanding of how to meet consumer needs by offering encouraging, inspiring messages of faith which are perfect as gifts for any occasion. I’m excited to see Jen lead our Gift team forward.”

Gott remarked, “working on the HCCP Gift team has been the joy of my career, and I’m thrilled to be stepping into this new role and working strategically with our talented team to create innovative, market-leading, high-design books that will impact lives for years to come.”

HarperCollins Christian Publishing’s Gift division is the industry’s leading publisher of bestselling gift books featuring meaningful messages for a special person or a special occasion. The award-winning Gift division focuses on strong author relationships, relevant messages, and visually striking design in both the interior and exterior packaging.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprint, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.​

Contact:
Chelsea Taff, Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137, Chelsea.Taff@harpercollins.com

JESUS CALLING® BRAND TAKES NEW DIRECTION WITH JESUS LISTENS, FEATURES PRAYERS WRITTEN BY SARAH YOUNG

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 26, 2021) Thomas Nelson announces a first printing of one million units for New York Times bestselling author Sarah Young’s new book, Jesus Listens: Daily Devotional Prayers of Peace, Joy, and Hope (October 5, 2021).

Jesus Listens is the first devotional in the Jesus Calling® product line to feature prayers written by Sarah Young from the reader’s perspective to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. With an emphasis on praying God’s Word, Jesus Listens offers readers a prayer for each day of the year, followed by related scripture. The book features a fresh color palette, padded hardcover binding, two-color interior and a ribbon marker.

“The devotional prayers in Jesus Listens are designed to draw readers into deeper, richer communication with God,” Sarah Young explains. “My hope is that readers will not only read these devotions but make them their own. The prayers in Jesus Listens are meant to be a starting point for other prayers—helping readers bring all their concerns to Jesus and enjoy spending time with Him.”

“A first printing of one million copies for Jesus Listens reflects anticipated reader demand,” says Michael Aulisio, Vice President & Publisher of the Jesus Calling Brand. “It’s our honor and responsibility to find innovative ways to engage established readers even as we introduce new audiences to these daily messages of peace and comfort.”

Jesus Calling was published in 2004 and has become one of the most successful devotionals of all time. Over the past 17 years, the Jesus Calling product line has sold more than 35 million units across more than 30 languages. The Jesus Calling brand has expanded to include children’s devotionals, Bible storybooks, journals, seasonal books as well as licensed products such as calendars and greeting cards.

Readers can also enjoy devotional content via the Jesus Calling Podcast with over 8 million downloads, the “Jesus Calling: Stories of Faith” television program (Circle Network – reaching a monthly audience of nearly 150 million), the Jesus Calling print and digital quarterly magazine, and the Jesus Calling app (for Apple and Android). More at www.jesuscalling.com.

About Sarah Young:  Sarah Young’s devotional writings are personal reflections from her daily quiet time of Bible reading, praying, and writing in prayer journals. With sales of more than 35 million books worldwide, Jesus Calling has appeared on all major bestseller lists. Sarah’s writings include Jesus Calling®, Jesus Listens, Jesus Today®, Jesus Always, Jesus LivesTM, Dear Jesus, Jesus Calling® for Little Ones, Jesus Calling® Bible Storybook, Jesus Calling®: 365 Devotions for Kids, and Peace in His Presence – each encouraging readers in their journey toward intimacy with Christ. Sarah and her husband were missionaries in Japan and Australia for many years. They currently live in the United States.

About Thomas Nelson:  Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. www.thomasnelson.com

Contact: Pamela McClure, 615-294-5073 pamela@mmpublicrelations.com

 

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Jesus Listens: Daily Devotional Prayers of Peace, Joy, and Hope
By Sarah Young
www.JesusCalling.com

Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: October 5, 2021
Category: Religion / Christian Living
Price: U.S. $19.99
Format: Padded hardcover
Pages: 400

Media inquiries and review copy requests:
Pamela McClure, McClure Muntsinger Public Relations, pamela@mmpublicrelations.com 615-294-5073

(Nashville, Tenn.) — W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced Praying Through Cancer: A 90-Day Devotional for Women, by Susan Sorensen and the late Laura Geist, has sold more than 100,000 copies in print and digital formats. On August 10, the book—which debuted in 2006—will release again, honoring the memory of Geist who passed in 2012, and introducing the time-honored content to a new generation of readers. The renewed edition is beautifully packaged with a foil-embossed cover.

Praying Through Cancer is written specifically for cancer patients by cancer patients with insight, wisdom, and clarity found only through personal trial. Along with the authors’ stories of their own journeys through cancer, the book includes the experiences of women who faced cancer and with triumphant spirits, found comfort and sometimes even joy in the midst of it. Contributors include Kay Warren, Pat Palau, Barbara Johnson, Joyce Wright, and many more.

A mix of Scripture verses and prayers, inspirational stories, and tips of the day, the devotional has become a mainstay for both those who are enduring cancer as well as their loving support systems.

“Through the years, we have been so grateful that God has used His truths throughout the devotionals and prayers in Praying Through Cancer to set hearts free from fear in this difficult journey of cancer,” said Sorensen. “We are delighted to see our little pink book get a new beautiful cover that we hope and pray will encourage even more women in the years to come!”

“Laura would be so gratified to see how this little book has blessed so many lives,” said Gordon Geist, husband of the late Geist. “She felt that she had received a direct message from the Lord and that she should write it with Susan. He seems to have confirmed her vision.”

“When this devotional was originally released, many readers who were newly diagnosed or undergoing cancer treatments expressed their gratefulness to have this tool as a sort of ‘companion’ to strengthen their faith,” said Damon Reiss, v-p and publisher, W Publishing Group. “That this this book continues to provide comfort 15 years later is such a testament to the authors and the brave women who shared their stories in this book. We are honored to present this beautified new edition and pray it continues to uplift those coping with cancer.”

Susan Sorensen journeyed through thyroid cancer at age nineteen and breast cancer at forty-one. A speaker and author of books and Bible studies, she continues to point others on the cancer journey to a God who can set hearts free from fear. Susan serves on the staff of her church overseeing women’s ministry and leading the adult ministry team. She lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband of thirty-three years. They are the parents of two adult sons.

Laura Geist was diagnosed with breast cancer at forty and courageously battled it for ten years before going to be with the Lord in 2012. With a master’s degree in journalism, she was a freelance writer for many publications including Automotive News, the Chicago Tribune, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Based in Michigan with her husband and two adult children, Laura spoke often to women’s groups about finding hope in Jesus amidst the pain of cancer.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Allison Carter, Director of Publicity, W Publishing, Allison.Carter@harpercollins.com