Iron Stream Media and its imprints stole the show at the 2020 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in November with an outstanding 15 prestigious Selah Awards, including two books tied for Book of the Year – Fiction and three Directors’ Choice Awards. Check out all the winners below.

Selah Book of the Year – Fiction (tie)

Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards

Sand Creek Serenade by Jennifer Uhlarik

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Directors’ Choice Awards

THE 2020 DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – Christian Living

SoulSpeak by Susan Schlesman

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THE 2020 DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – Fiction

The Bridge Between by Lindsey Brackett

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THE 2020 DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARDS – Nonfiction/Devos, Journals, Bible Studies

Beautiful Warrior by Tina Yeager

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Bible Study Category

1st Place: Pursuing Prayer by Penny Cooke

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Christian Life Category

2nd Place:  The Restored Man by Randy Hemphill

3rd Place:  SoulSpeak by Susan Schlesman

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Devotional Category

1st Place: First Down Devotions by Del Duduit

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First Novel Category

3rd Place: The Secret of Willow Inn by Pat Nichols

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General Nonfiction Category

1st Place: I am Cyrus by Dr. Craig von Buseck

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Historical Romance Category

1st Place: Sand Creek Serenade by Jennifer Uhlarik

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Mystery/Suspense Fiction Category

1st Place: Murder in the Family by Ramona Richards

3rd Place: Hush by Leanne Sain

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Women’s Contemporary Fiction Category

2nd Place: The Bridge Between by Lindsey Brackett

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YA Literature Category

3rd Place: The Zenia Wood by Carrie Looper Stephens

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The Selah Awards recognize excellence within Christian publishing. Books are judged by industry professionals and winners are announced at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference each year.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”  This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, LPC Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

To book any of these authors for an interview, speaking engagement, or book signing, please contact Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com.

To order, please contact your distributor or call (888) 811-9934.

B&H gets 4 other honorable mentions

[NASHVILLE, TENN.,  December 2, 2020—] Trevin Wax’s latest book “Rethink Your Self: The Power of Looking Up Before Looking In” (October 2020, B&H Publishing) was recently honored with the Evangelism & Apologetics Award (tie) in the The Gospel Coalition 2020 Book Awards, announced Nov. 30.

“It’s a joy to see our colleague Trevin Wax being recognized for a valuable contribution to the Christian discourse,” said Devin Maddox, V.P. of Trade Book Publishing. “We live in a complex world, and trustworthy guides like Trevin provide a great service as we all strive to sort through a vast array of issues.”

In addition, four other B&H titles were named “Honorable Mentions” in their respective categories:

• Public Theology & Current Events: “The Courage to Stand: Facing Your Fear without Losing Your Soul” (October 2020, B&H Publishing) by Russell Moore
• First-Time Author: “Deep Discipleship: How the Church Can Make Whole Disciples of Jesus” by J.T. English (September 2020, B&H Publishing)
• Academic Theology: “The Holy Spirit, Theology for the People of God” by Gregg Allison and Andreas Köstenberger (June 2020, B&H Academic)
• Children’s: “Where Is Wisdom? A Treasure Hunt Through God’s Wondrous World, Inspired by Job 28” by Scott James (March 2020, B&H Kids)

Wax’s book tied with Rebecca Manley Pippert’s book “Stay Salt: The World Has Changed: Our Message Must Not” (The Good Book Company). The judges for the Evangelism & Apologetics category were Hunter Beaumont, Jen Pollock Michel, Doug Logan and J.T. English. Their comments about “Rethink Your Self” were as follows:

“Trevin Wax steps further back and examines one dominant theme in the modern zeitgeist that is obscuring the gospel: how we construct a sense of self. In ‘Rethink Your Self,’ he observes that 91 percent of Americans agree with the statement, ‘The best way to find yourself is by looking within yourself.’

In common discourse this shows up in all kinds of pop proverbs—’follow your heart,’ ‘you are enough,’ ‘you do you,’ ‘be true to yourself.’ Jesus’s teaching, however, can’t be squeezed into this container. In fact, his call to repent is a radical challenge to it. Wax unpacks Jesus’s countercultural message in a voice that is provocative, smart, and inviting, showing that our new self in Christ is truer and better.”

The full list of awards can be found here. 

CAROL STREAM, Ill. (November 30, 2020)— Tyndale House Publishers has acquired Jerusalem Rising: The City of Peace Reawakens, the second installment in The Ancient Prophecy / Modern Lens series by Doug Hershey, featuring photography by Edden Ram. This title, a unique visual story of Jerusalem’s miraculous journey from a desolate city to a thriving seat of power in the Middle East, will release on August 3, 2021.

In Jerusalem Rising: The City of Peace Reawakens, the highly anticipated second volume of the series, author Doug Hershey offers some compelling answers to why the world is fascinated by the modern, yet ancient, city of Jerusalem. “Jerusalem is the only city on earth that has had its history prophesied thousands of years ahead of time—from its inception to its destruction, from a barely inhabitable wasteland to its revival as a formidable power on the world stage,” Hershey says. “Even during its centuries of desolation, the city has continued to arrest people’s hearts, regardless of their background, ruling empire, or religious beliefs.”

Written by Hershey and embellished with more than 153 images, Jerusalem Rising features rarely seen photographs taken between the 1840s and mid-1900s juxtaposed against contemporary photos of the same locations, taken by world-renowned travel and adventure photographer Edden Ram. These side by side photos illustrate the region’s biblical history and make a compelling case about the truth of Bible prophecy.

Jerusalem—and its alternative Hebrew name, Zion—appears more than 950 times in the Bible. The Old Testament book of 1 Kings refers to Jerusalem as the city where God chose to put his name. An ancient prophecy found in Zechariah 8 speaks to this destroyed city and its people about what is coming: a time when the city will again be teeming with Jewish life. According to Hershey, Zechariah’s 2,500-year-old prophecy appears to be unfolding before our eyes today.

“‘God will return to live in Jerusalem with His people!’ This statement alone makes Jerusalem the most unique location on the earth,” Hershey declares. “No other people group, city, or nation can make such a claim. In Jerusalem Rising, you will see for yourself through multiple ‘Then and Now’ photos why people throughout the ages have been drawn to this city, and thus drawn to Adonai, the Creator of the universe.”

“The side by side ‘Then and Now’ photo comparisons in the book are simply awe inspiring,” Hershey continues. “I believe they provide photographic evidence that the Zechariah 8 prophecy is coming to pass exactly as it was foretold.”

Jerusalem Rising details how this city has captured hearts for centuries, even while it lay in silent desolation. It includes quotes from religious leaders though the ages and historical personalities who had Jerusalem in mind as their ultimate prize.

In addition to Jerusalem Rising, Tyndale recently acquired the rights to publish Hershey’s previous book, Israel Rising: The Land of Israel Reawakens, which is available in stores now. Tyndale will relaunch this book upon the release of Jerusalem Rising: The City of Peace Reawakens.

Hershey’s Israel Rising came together while he was building his boutique travel company, Ezra Adventures, a unique international touring experience that specializes in highly personalized, small group travel for people who want to explore Israel but also want to venture off the beaten path rather than share a bus with a crowd. “I wanted to put together a comparison of old and new photos of the same sites in Israel for people who may never get a chance to travel there, while also working to promote my company, Ezra Adventures,” Hershey explains.

Israel Rising quickly secured the number one spot on seven separate Amazon sales charts, including General Israel Travel Guides, Christian Prophecy, Israel General, Women and Judaism, Judaism, History of Judaism, and Torah. As the intriguing book captured the imagination of countless readers, it also propelled its author into the limelight, and Hershey soon found himself an in-demand guest on multiple media outlets and broadcast programs.

Doug Hershey is represented by Yochanan Marcellino, City of Peace Media (yochanan@cityofpeace.com).

Jerusalem Rising: The City of Peace Reawakens
(ISBN 978-1-4964-5390-7, hardcover with dust jacket, $34.99)
The Ancient Prophecy / Modern Lens series
By Doug Hershey | Photography by Edden Ram
Book Trailer

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Israel Rising: The Land of Israel Reawakens
(ISBN 978-1-4964-5774-5, hardcover with dust jacket, $34.95)
The Ancient Prophecy / Modern Lens series
By Doug Hershey | Photography by Elise Theriault
Book Trailer

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 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 its 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.

For media inquiries, please contact Katie Dodillet at katiedodillet@tyndale.com.

WESTMONT, IL—The Gospel Coalition has announced that three IVP titles were recipients of 2020 TGC Book Awards. The winning books include Exodus Old and New, Companions in Suffering and Analog Church. Two additional IVP books—Reading While Black and The Beautiful Community–were named Honorable Mention titles.

TGC editor Ivan Mesa wrote, “For some, with increased pressures at home and at work and perhaps even facing sickness and the death of others, [reading] seems fanciful. For others, reading has been a lifeline. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, at the end of 2020 it’s good to take stock of the year’s Christian titles and select the most helpful, edifying, and truth-filled books.”

TGC editors and contributors selected this year’s best titles based on the following criteria:

• offers gospel-centered argument and application;
• includes faithful and foundational use of Scripture, both Old Testament and New Testament;
• fosters spiritual discernment of contemporary trials and trends; and
• encourages efforts to unite and renew the church.

Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption by L. Michael Morales was the title that best fit these criteria in the Academic Theology category of the TGC Book Awards. “In this extraordinary book, Morales examines the redemptive-historical theme of exodus, a pattern with deep theological roots in Scripture that finds its apex in the resurrection of Jesus,” the judges wrote. “This volume is a pleasure to read. Every sentence is a victory, every paragraph a triumph, as Morales not only imparts theology but also inspires worship of the God who delivers his people.” Exodus Old and New is a volume in the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology series.

Companions in Suffering: Comfort for Times of Loss and Loneliness by Wendy Alsup received the 2020 TGC Book Award in the Christian Living category. The judges wrote: “This book is perfectly timed to help suffering Christians love one another well. The past year unexpectedly plunged many of us into isolation and compounded our preexisting trials, but Alsup provides a beautiful picture of how to suffer in community, how to serve fellow sufferers, and how God meets us through the body of Christ. Vulnerably disclosing her own hard experiences, she not only sympathizes with our common experience of human suffering but also points us to authentic faith in Christ amid trouble. In the pages of this accessible book, Alsup draws on psychological best practices while grounding her counsel in a rich exploration of Scripture and an emphasis on the importance of the local church. It would be a beautiful book for any season, but 2020 has made it essential reading.”

Jay Kim received the TGC First-Time Author Award for his book Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age. “You might think the pandemic has rendered Jay Kim’s debut work obsolete,” the judges wrote. “What good is a book extolling the virtues of face-to-face life in the church when our faces spread sickness and death? On the contrary, nothing could better show ‘why we need real people, places, and things in the digital age.’ Many church leaders may wonder if they should embrace our digital future by moving more and more community online, even when ‘normal’ returns. This Bay Area pastor’s timely work will help them understand why this move will not make the body of Christ healthier. We need each other, face to face, as soon as possible. Read and ponder this book proleptically—you can’t put it into practice now, but you’ll need it to convince church members to opt back in and renew the habits of body life we lost in 2020.”

Irwyn Ince was also recognized in the First-Time Author category. His book, The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best, was listed as an Honorable Mention title. Jarvis J. Williams, associate professor of New Testament interpretation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, commented, “Dr. Ince provides all Christians in the American context, and the churches in which they serve, an accessible and clear biblical and theological vision to help them work toward the unification of all things and all people in Christ. The book is grounded in a succinct and accessible biblical, theological, and historical vision for the ‘beautiful community’ and written with the prose of a concerned pastor who longs to see the people of God reach their redemptive potential in matters related to ethnic unity and racial conciliation.”

Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope by Esau McCaulley was an Honorable Mention title in the Popular Theology category. Reading While Black is a personal and scholarly testament to the power and hope of Black biblical interpretation. At a time in which some within the African American community are questioning the place of the Christian faith in the struggle for justice, New Testament scholar McCaulley argues that reading Scripture from the perspective of Black church tradition is invaluable for connecting with a rich faith history and addressing the urgent issues of our times. N.T. Wright, professor of New Testament at the University of St Andrews, said, “Esau McCaulley’s voice is one we urgently need to hear. This book is prophetic, biblical, measured, wise, friendly, and well-reasoned—and thus all the more hard-hitting.”

For a complete list of IVP award winners visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Iron Stream Media is proud to announce two winners of the 2020 Christian Authors Network (CAN) Crown Awards. Laine Lawson Craft won Silver for Enjoy Today, Own Tomorrow in the Outstanding Visual Media Campaign category. Dr. Craig von Buseck won Bronze for I Am Cyrus in the Outstanding Broadcasting Campaign category.

The CAN Crown Awards recognize excellence in marketing and promotion of Christian authors. Each year CAN recognizes authors who have done an exemplary job promoting their books in one of three categories:

• Visual campaign, including social media and print materials
• Broadcasting, including radio, podcasts, and television
• Web Presence, including website, blog, and newsletters

The awards provide outstanding examples to fellow Christian authors, in order to educate and develop marketing and promotion skills.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one to another. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of New Hope Publishers, Iron Stream Books, Ascender Books, LPC Books, and New Hope Kidz. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Contact: Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com to book Laine Lawson Craft or Dr. Craig von Buseck as a guest speaker.

Ada, Mich. (November 9, 2020)—Baker Publishing Group has announced that Marilyn Gordon, director of rights and permissions, will be retiring on January 29, 2021. Marilyn has served the company for thirty years, and Baker is grateful for her contributions. She has worked closely with many Baker colleagues and business associates around the world. The professionalism and knowledge she has shared are invaluable. We are excited for her to begin this next chapter in her life.

Dwight Baker, president and CEO of Baker Publishing Group, stated, “During her many years of service and in multiple roles, Marilyn always envisioned Baker Publishing Group as a better company. She pressed us steadily toward that goal, and she has been a mentor to me during every year of that process. To our business partners across the world, Marilyn is a passionate advocate of our company mission. Joining with her friends on every continent, we celebrate Marilyn’s successful career in extending the reach of Christian literature.”

As Marilyn looks toward the future, she says, “While I look forward to enjoying my retirement, I will miss being part of the Baker team. I am truly appreciative and grateful for the many professional opportunities and the friendships developed over the last thirty years. Working at Baker has been a great pleasure. However, I am very much anticipating the freedom of retirement, which will include more time with my grandchildren, adventures with family and friends, relentless reading, and enjoyment of art.”

Baker Publishing Group (Bethany House, Revell, Baker Books, Chosen, Brazos Press, and Baker Academic) is a leading producer of Christian resources that give insight and inspiration to readers worldwide. Our divisions reflect the broadest scope of topics, which includes fiction, self-help, inspiration, professional books, Christian living, and academic titles.

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

William B. Eerdmans Jr., who led the Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for more than fifty years, died on Friday, November 13. He was 97.

Eerdmans was born in 1923 and started work at the company when he was thirteen. He became president of the Eerdmans Publishing Co. in 1963, taking over from his father, Bill Eerdmans Sr., who founded the company in 1911. Bill is remembered both as a friend to all and as a trailblazing publisher who broadened the company’s list beyond its Reformed Protestant roots to comprise books on ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and on race, gender, and other social issues while continuing to publish the scholarly titles for which the company has long been well-known.

“Not for Bill the idea that publishing should cater to the latest trends. The point was to lead, not follow,” said longtime Eerdmans editor-in-chief Jon Pott. “Bill’s command of his field was impressive and his singular publishing achievements were many and great. . . . But it was Bill the deeply committed but high-spirited publishing personality who somehow counted for most, in the books and authors he directly pursued and in the heady oxygen he provided for the rest of us. He knew his work, but he also thoroughly relished it, from restaurant idea to finished book, from dizzying first authorial encounter to plunk of the final product on his overburdened desk.”

Eerdmans’s wife, Anita, who took over as president and publisher of the company in 2014, said: “Bill loved joking around, and sometimes you could almost see the wheels turning in his head as he tried to come up with the perfect clever phrase for the moment. Yet he also took his work very seriously. Until the last few years, most evenings would find him with an Eerdmans book or a potential Eerdmans book in his lap, even on vacations! He was responsible for some very important books and series that we published over the years, and our longtime interest in religious perspectives on important political and cultural issues grew out of his own personal concern about those issues.”

There was be a private family graveside service last week with a public memorial service to be planned when large gatherings are safe.

WESTMONT, IL—InterVarsity Press has signed a contract with Nancy Beach and her daughter, Samantha Beach Kiley, for the spring 2022 release of their coauthored book tentatively titled Next Sunday: A Mother/Daughter Dialogue on the Future of the Church.

Ethan McCarthy, associate editor for IVP said, “Nancy and Samantha’s book promises to be a fascinating look at American evangelicalism from a multigenerational perspective. At IVP, we’re committed not only to the continual reassessment of where the church has come from, but also to looking together in hope to where it’s going. Next Sunday promises to do both.” 

Next Sunday will provide a window into the perspectives of a Baby Boomer mother and her Millennial daughter as they examine what elements will be required for churches to thrive going forward. Nancy, a Boomer, was a key player in the megachurch movement that revolutionized global ministry during the eighties and nineties, while Samantha, a Millennial, is willing to abandon those massive buildings and celebrity cultures to see if the foundation holds. The goal of Next Sunday is to spark further dialogue and offer hope to men and women who care deeply about the church but are anxious about its future.

Nancy Beach has long been a champion for artists and leaders in the local church. As a part of launching the youth group of Willow Creek Community Church in suburban Chicago, Nancy served as the programming director, building a community of artists who sought to create transformational moments in Sunday morning services. She was also a pioneer, serving as the first woman leader on the church’s management team and as the first female teaching pastor. With a front row seat and as a contributing voice for designing church with the “unchurched” in mind, Nancy became a global influencer, speaker, and author as other church leaders sought to learn from Willow Creek’s experience.

Nancy currently serves as a leadership coach with the Slingshot Group, helping church leaders and teams flourish in life and ministry. She also continues to teach at conferences and workshops for both artists and women in leadership and serves on the teaching team at Soul City Church in downtown Chicago. She is the author of An Hour on Sunday: Creating Moments of Transformation and Wonder (Zondervan, 2004) and Gifted to Lead: The Art of Leading as a Woman in the Church (Zondervan, 2008).

“Although I’ve known of Nancy Beach’s pastoral and literary work for many years, it was in the fall of 2019, when I heard her speak at a publishing conference on the future of the church, that I took notice in a new, earnest way,” Jeff Crosby, IVP’s publisher, said. “I came away from hearing that message not with a sense of despair but, rather, with a renewed hope and a vision for the questions not only those in church leadership but all of us who care about the church need to ask ourselves, reflect on, and respond to. Adding Samantha Beach Kiley’s voice through the mother/daughter, multigenerational dialogue was icing on the cake. Two wise and winsome people coming together to craft an important message for our day. I’m genuinely delighted and honored to be publishing this important work in the days ahead.”

Samantha Beach Kiley is an Austin-based writer and performer working at the intersection of art and faith. Samantha’s acting experience includes theater, voice-over, spoken word performance, and television. As a teaching artist, Sam works to encourage creativity, promote collaboration, and instill confidence in young people. She has taught at Northwestern’s National High School Institute and Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre, where she is the codirector of education. Currently, she works as a storytelling consultant for churches and nonprofits and is the creative arts pastor at Austin New Church.

Samantha’s plays have been produced in professional and educational settings and, most recently, in family rooms and children’s hospitals with the national tour of her miniature show, We the W(h)ee. Her YouTube video “Psalm 23 & Me” was shared widely and garnered tens of thousands of views on social media and youtube.com in early 2020. Samantha is writing a new musical and is a creative freelance writer serving a variety of churches. Her plays include The Snare, Thing 100, We the W(h)ee, and Mill Girls.

Thomas Nelson congratulates winner, Kristy Cambron, and three finalists

(Nashville, Tenn.) November 18, 2020 — Thomas Nelson today announced The Painted Castle by Kristy Cambron is a Christy Award winner in the Historical Fiction category. The company also recognized three additional finalists. The Christy Awards, which honor fiction authors in nine categories, were presented by the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association (ECPA) through a live webcast on November 12, 2020.

The three additional Thomas Nelson titles that were recognized as finalists in various categories are:

• The Bright Unknown by Elizabeth Byler Younts in Historical
• Smoke Screen by Terri Blackstock in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
• The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson in Young Adult

“The Christy Awards are a marker of excellence in Christian fiction, and I am thrilled to see our authors recognized for their work,” said Amanda Bostic, v-p and publisher for Thomas Nelson fiction. “We’ve had the honor of publishing Kristy Cambron since her debut novel released in 2014. It is a joy to see her talent and passion for storytelling honored with a Christy Award.”

To learn more about the Christy Awards, please visit www.christyawards.com.

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, 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: Chelsea Taff, Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications, 615.902.2137
Chelsea.Taff@HarperCollins.com