Ada, Mich. (February 2, 2026)—Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is thrilled to announce that bestselling author Jody Hedlund has reached a significant sales milestone. Since her debut novel The Preacher’s Bride released in 2010, she has written over twenty-five novels with Bethany House, collectively selling more than one million copies.

Winner of the 2011 Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award and numerous other accolades, Hedlund has delighted readers with her sweet historical romances filled with sizzling chemistry, compelling characters, and richly detailed settings spanning from 1650s England to the American frontier. Her beloved series include the ORPHAN TRAIN series, COLORADO COWBOYS, and A SHANAHAN MATCH, among others. Her newest series, SISTERS OF STONY RIDGE ISLAND, launches in October 2026 with A Marriage by the Sea (Bethany House; ISBN 9780764246333; paper; 336 pp; $18.99).

Jody Hedlund has received extensive recognition for her achievements, including the ACFW Carol Award for Historical Romance, the Inspy Award for Historical Romance, the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, and the Kipp Award. Her novels have garnered favorable reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal. She lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle.

Rochelle Gloege, senior acquisitions editor, said, “We’re delighted to be able to celebrate this exciting milestone with Jody Hedlund! It’s an honor to have been able to partner with Jody these past sixteen years to bring readers the sweet award-winning romances that have given her such a devoted following, and we look forward to launching her newest historical romance series with us, SISTERS OF STONY RIDGE ISLAND, this fall.”

Jody Hedlund said, “I’m so honored and humbled to reach this milestone in sales. I’d like to thank all of my faithful readers for making that possible! Your enthusiasm and excitement over each of my books has been such a gift. I’m also grateful to Bethany House for a wonderful partnership over the years. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without the support of so many dedicated people there. I hope for many more years of writing books that readers will continue to fall in love with!”

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, has been publishing high-quality books for more than 50 years. Recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction, Bethany House publishes over 75 new fiction and nonfiction titles annually. Each Bethany House publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Contact: Karen Steele, 616.676.9185 x 100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., February 2, 2026 — Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce an exciting milestone for the NIV Beautiful Word Bible and NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible: together, these editions have reached 250,000 copies sold as of November 2025.

First released in 2016, the NIV Beautiful Word Bible introduced unique, hand-lettered verses and full-color illustrations into the Bible-reading experience, inviting readers to engage visually and creatively with Scripture. Building on this innovation, the NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible provided an interactive format for readers to engage with God’s Word while enjoying the stress-relieving benefits of coloring.

“The 10-year anniversary of the Beautiful Word collection is a celebration of creativity and Scripture coming together,” said Melinda Bouma, VP and Associate Group Publisher for Bibles at Zondervan. “Passing 250,000 copies sold is a testament to the desire for visually rich, accessible Bibles that invite readers of all ages and backgrounds to encounter God’s Word in fresh ways.”

Both Bibles feature the trusted text of the New International Version (NIV), alongside hundreds of illustrated verses and wide margins for journaling, note-taking, and drawing. The NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible, in particular, has been embraced by readers seeking a meditative, hands-on approach to Scripture engagement—whether in personal study, small groups, or church settings.

Over the past decade, Beautiful Word Bibles have become a beloved resource for families, students, and anyone seeking to deepen their connection to Scripture through creativity. This is especially true for the girls and teens who benefit from special editions of these Bibles, created just for them. The collection’s enduring popularity highlights the growing movement among Bible readers to combine faith, art, and reflection.

“From the beginning, our vision was to create a Bible that would invite readers to interact with God’s Word in meaningful and beautiful ways,” Bouma added. “We’re grateful for the artists, designers, and readers who have made this journey possible, and we look forward to many more years of helping people encounter the beauty and truth of Scripture.”

The NIV Beautiful Word Bible and NIV Beautiful Word Coloring Bible are available in a variety of covers and formats, including hardcover, Leathersoft™, and large print editions. For more information, visit beautifulwordbible.com.

About Zondervan
 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 numerous genres and subject areas; academic and reference works; curriculum resources; and books for children and young adults. Zondervan is based in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit zondervan.com.

About the NIV
 The New International Version (NIV) is the world’s bestselling modern-English Bible translation—accurate, readable, and clear, yet deeply faithful to the detail of the original languages. For over 50 years, the Committee on Bible Translation has overseen the work of scholars from around the world to ensure the NIV remains accessible, relevant, and authoritative. Every NIV purchased helps Biblica translate and distribute Scripture to people around the globe. Learn more at thenivbible.com.

For interviews or review copies, contact:
Serena DeKryger, Manager, Publicity & Reader Engagement
serena.dekryger@harpercollins.com

Shippensburg, PA—January 2026 — Nori Media Group (NMG), a faith-focused publishing and media company and home to imprints including Destiny Image and Harrison House, and Sound Wisdom announced today a new Operating and Distribution Agreement with Bridge-Logos, Inc., effective February 1, 2026.

Under the agreement, NMG will assume responsibility for Bridge-Logos’ operational functions—including sales, marketing, distribution/fulfillment, production, accounting/royalty management, and inventory management—to strengthen operational excellence and expand market reach.

Bridge-Logos will continue to lead acquisitions of new titles and authors and maintain author relationships, while retaining ownership of its intellectual property, trademarks, and publishing assets.

“This agreement represents a meaningful next step in supporting Bridge-Logos’ legacy and future growth,” said Don Nori, CEO of Nori Media Group. “By bringing Bridge-Logos’ operations into NMG’s proven publishing infrastructure, we’re creating a foundation for expanded distribution, stronger execution, and greater long-term impact for authors and readers.”

Suzanne Wooldridge, President of Bridge Logos, added, “Bridge Logos has been publishing Christian books since 1967, and our mission remains the same—publishing content that glorifies and honors God. This new operating and distribution relationship helps us focus our energies on acquiring and developing the right projects while NMG strengthens the operational engine behind our catalog.”

As part of the agreement, NMG will manage Bridge-Logos operational execution across the full lifecycle of publishing—from production to sales, marketing, distribution, and financial reporting—while Bridge-Logos continues to guide acquisitions and author care.

About Nori Media Group
Nori Media Group is a publishing and media company serving faith audiences through mission-driven content and author partnerships. NMG is home to imprints including Destiny Image and Harrison House, delivering books and multi-format resources designed to inspire, equip, and impact readers worldwide.

About Bridge Logos
Bridge Logos is dedicated to publishing content that glorifies and honors God and supports the spiritual needs of people around the world. Bridge Logos has been publishing Christian books since 1967.

Media contact:  customerservice@norimediagroup.com

SPCK Group has signed a new sales and distribution agreement with Baylor University Press

SPCK Group will become the primary agent for sales and distribution for Baylor University Press in the UK, European Union, South Africa, the Far East, Australasia, and Singapore, effective 1 July 2026.

Baylor University Press (BUP), the publishing division of Baylor University, is committed to producing books of the highest academic rigour that advance specialist knowledge, promote cutting-edge research, and foster clarity and wisdom in an age of information overload. BUP’s core academic list focuses on theology, religious studies, biblical studies, and history, producing technical scholarship for researchers, tools for teachers, and textbooks for students. In addition, BUP publishes non-academic books under two imprints: 1845 Books and Big Bear Books. 1845 Books covers topics including ministry, spirituality, pastoral care and biography, and Big Bear Books celebrates the history and people of Baylor University.

BUP joins Crossway, IVP USA, New Growth Press, St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, and Kregel as a US publisher represented by SPCK Group.

Dave Nelson, Director of Baylor University Press said:  We are thrilled to partner with SPCK Group to serve our books in the UK, EU, and beyond. SPCK Group has a sterling reputation for client care, an extensive network of retail and other sales channels, and over three centuries of experience building bridges between authors and readers. We are confident that this partnership will greatly increase the visibility and sales of Baylor University Press books in English-speaking markets around the world.

Rowan Miller, Commercial Director at SPCK Group said:  “The team at SPCK Group are delighted to be partnering with Baylor University Press, the home of both outstanding academic scholarship and transformative titles covering everything from pastoral and ministerial support to spirituality and biography. We at SPCK Group wholeheartedly support the vision of Baylor University Press to publish books that disseminate wisdom and clarity in an age of global overwhelm. As a 300-year-old, award-winning publisher dedicated to the promotion of Christian knowledge, our team of passionate and dedicated professionals will ensure that the books entrusted to us reach a wide audience of new customers. We are so excited to get going and look forward to talking to everyone about Baylor University Press books very soon!”

SPCK Group is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house, as well as the country’s largest Christian publisher, and has been active since 1698. Under CEO Sam Richardson, the company merged with Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.

Media Contact: Emily Beater: ebeater@spck.org.uk 

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 8, 2026)—WaterBrook, the flagship imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong campaign highlighting the imprint’s history, authors, and continued mission to publish books that honor God and help readers deepen their faith.

Founded in 1996 as an autonomous Christian imprint under Bantam Doubleday Dell (a division of Random House), WaterBrook has grown from its Colorado Springs base into one of the leading publishers in the Christian market. The imprint publishes across adult non-fiction categories such as Christian living, spiritual formation, devotionals, personal development, and inspiration, as well as children’s picture books, middle grade and YA fiction.

WaterBrook’s early New York Times bestsellers include Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory, One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook, To Heaven and Back by Dr. Mary Neal, and Fearless by Eric Blehm. More recently, the imprint has published major bestsellers and ECPA Book of the Year winners such as Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, Find Your People by Jennie Allen, Be the Bridge by Latasha Morrison, and Shaken by Tim Tebow. WaterBrook’s broader roster has included many respected voices in Christian publishing, including Kay Arthur, Liz Curtis Higgs, Joanna Weaver, Michael Todd, Andrew Peterson, Rich Villodas, Dr. Sarita Lyons, Lisa Tawn Bergren, and many more.

The anniversary will be marked with a dedicated logo and tagline—Inspiring Faith, Changing Stories, Empowering Lives—and a series of promotional initiatives across social media, retail, and consumer channels. Plans include backlist celebrations, author features, digital storytelling, and anniversary-themed marketing throughout 2026.

“For three decades, WaterBrook’s books have offered readers spiritual guidance, practical insight, and encouragement for following Jesus in the midst of everyday life,” said Campbell Wharton, SVP, Publisher PRH Christian. “It is an honor to steward that mission today, and we are deeply grateful for the authors, retailers, and readers who have joined us in this meaningful work.”

More anniversary programming will be announced in the months ahead. For more information, visit https://sites.prh.com/waterbrook30thanniversary.

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

Contact:  Beverly Rykerd, brykerd@penguinrandomhouse.com

 

 

January 13, 2026 – New York Times bestselling author and host of the That Sounds Fun podcast, with more than 105 million downloads, Annie F. Downs has signed a four-book deal with WaterBrook.

The deal is anchored by Don’t Let That Hold You Back, a trade book that challenges readers to step into the life they can’t stop thinking about by releasing guilt, fear, and pressure and taking bold action toward what matters most. The project will be accompanied by a forthcoming 40-day devotional that is scheduled for publication in Fall 2026.

The deal also includes a second trade book and a Let’s Read the Gospels Bible, inspired by Downs’ popular podcast by the same name, which pairs the complete books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts with simple prompts designed to help busy readers engage more deeply with Scripture and grow in their relationship with Jesus.

World rights were acquired by Susan Tjaden, Vice President and Executive Editor at WaterBrook, from Lisa Jackson of Alive Literary Agency.

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

WaterBrook is an imprint of Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group.

For the Third Consecutive January, Tara-Leigh Cobble’s Podcast Lands in Top Ten Across All Categories

Dallas, Texas (January 19, 2026) — The Bible Recap Podcast, hosted by author and Bible teacher Tara-Leigh Cobble, was ranked in the Top Five most popular Apple podcasts during each week of January 2026. For the third consecutive January, The Bible Recap Podcast is among Apple’s top ten shows, with more than half a billion total downloads since its 2019 debut.

The Bible Recap Podcast helps millions of people worldwide better understand the Bible as they follow a daily plan for reading the entire Bible in one year. In addition to a half a billion downloads, The Bible Recap’s YouTube channel has garnered more than 30 million views. As The Bible Recap Podcast has become one of the most trusted and widely listened-to Bible podcasts worldwide, it consistently ranks at the top of religion and spirituality podcast charts as well as the overall Top Shows chart at Apple Podcasts.

Also in January 2026, The Bible Recap Podcast for Kids (TBR Kids) debuted at #1 spot on Apple podcasts in Kids & Family. TBR Kids is hosted by Emily Pickell—known as “Miss Emily” to the younger listeners—and it’s part of the TBR Podcast Network. TBR Kids is a daily podcast geared toward younger Bible Readers, and follows the same 365-day TBR reading plan, so grownups and the kids in their life can read and recap together.

The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Study Bible (Baker Publishing, September 2) was #1 on Amazon in the Christian Bibles category for the first week of January.

“The continued growth of The Bible Recap Podcast audience reminds us that people are hungry for God’s Word and spiritual growth,” comments show host Tara-Leigh Cobble. “My favorite thing in the world is helping people around the world read, love, and understand the Bible.”

The Bible Recap Podcast launched in 2019 to serve D-Group International, a Christian ministry founded by Tara-Leigh Cobble. At the time, Cobble led an online Bible study for 1,200 people, and she hoped 300 listeners might tune in to the podcast. The show’s reach immediately outstripped expectations, and by January 2024, it had reached the #1 spot on Apple Podcasts across all categories.

In 2020, The Bible Recap Podcast content was adapted and published as a book, which has sold more than one million copies to date and still ranks among the top ten nonfiction titles on Amazon. Tara-Leigh Cobble has published more than a dozen additional Bible study resources, all designed to help people read, love, and understand the Bible. The author and podcaster is also the host of a daily radio program, “The God Shot,” heard on more than a dozen radio stations in the U.S.

Tara-Leigh Cobble (www.TaraLeighCobble.com) lives in Dallas, where she creates content and resources that help people read, understand, and love the Bible. She is the founder of D-Group International, a discipleship network reaching thousands of people around the world. Tara-Leigh is the host of a daily podcast, The Bible Recap Podcast, which has twice reached #1 across all Apple Podcast charts and has surpassed 500 million downloads across all platforms. Her daily radio show, “The God Shot,” airs on more than a dozen radio stations. Tara-Leigh is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author with more than two million books sold in the line of books under The Bible Recap brand. Her most recent project is The Bible Recap 365-Day Chronological Study Bible (September 2025). Tara-Leigh is a popular speaker and Bible teacher who leads multiple tours of the Holy Land each year via Israelux.

Baker Publishing Group (www.BakerPublishingGroup.com) publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers. Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with its library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Media Contact:
Jana Muntsinger, McClure Muntsinger Public Relations
jana@mmpublicrelations.com, 832-247-9308

 

Floyd to oversee curriculum for David C Cook and Group Publishing

Colorado Spring, Colo., Jan. 26, 2026—Christian media company Cook Media Global is pleased to announce industry veteran Chriscynethia Floyd as its new chief curriculum officer. Floyd will oversee all aspects of curriculum publishing—including content development, instructional design, production and distribution—for David C Cook Publishing and Group Publishing within the Cook Media Global family of brands.

With three decades of experience in the publishing industry, Floyd most recently served as the vice president, publisher of Our Daily Bread Ministries, where she led all publishing operations and spearheaded key initiatives that expanded the ministry’s footprint with new audiences.

Prior to Our Daily Bread, Floyd served at Simon and Schuster Publishing as the vice president, deputy publisher of children’s publishing, and vice president of marketing at HarperCollins Christian Publishing. She also previously served at David C Cook as the vice president of sales and marketing/learning resources, managing key curriculum brands including the flagship product, The Action Bible.

“Chriscynethia’s expertise and experience make her the clear choice to lead our curriculum departments at both David C Cook Publishing and Group Publishing,” said Bill Reeves, CEO of Cook Media Global. “She shares our passion for equipping the Church and will be a great asset to our team.”

“I’m honored to return to David C Cook,” said Floyd, “and excited to support Cook Media Global as it continues to grow and expand. Adding a legacy brand like Group Publishing to its family shows Cook Media Global’s dedication to equipping the global Church with resources needed to make a lasting impact.”

Floyd received her master’s degree in business administration from Michigan State, and her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Floyd will partner with Dan Tancik over the coming months as he transitions out of the chief curriculum officer role and into retirement. Tancik has served at Group Publishing for more than 26 years and joined the Cook Media Global family when it acquired Group in 2024.

About Cook Media Global
Founded in 1875 by David Caleb Cook, Cook Media Global is a nonprofit ministry that exists to advance the gospel worldwide through media. With 300+ employees, and offices in Colorado Springs and Loveland, Colo.; Franklin and Brentwood, Tenn.; Elgin, Ill.; and East Sussex, England (UK); the organization includes faith-based publishing companies David C Cook and Group Publishing, as well as Christian record labels Integrity Music and Fair Trade Services. Learn more at CookMediaGlobal.org.

Pre-orders for Voice of the Ashes by T.R.Q.T. Open January 18–27 Ahead of February 2, 2026 Release

Calla Press Publishing is pleased to announce the release of “Voice of the Ashes” by T.R.Q.T on February 2nd, but now available for preorder through January 27, 2026.

Pre-orders for the historical novel Voice of the Ashes by T.R.Q.T. will be available from January 18 through January 27, ahead of its official release on February 2, 2026. Set during the turbulent reign of Queen Mary, this gripping work of historical fiction explores the high cost of faith, truth, and conviction in a time when belief could mean betrayal—or death.

The story follows Laurence, a man whose life is marked by both blessing and hardship as England is torn apart by religious conflict. When the final words of a martyr draw him toward a dangerous truth, Laurence begins a journey that forces him to confront what he truly believes—and what he stands to lose. His newfound faith brings devastating consequences, leaving him isolated in a city increasingly hostile to those labeled “heretics.”

As London fills with the bishop’s soldiers, familiar faces become potential threats. Friends and loved ones turn away, while new alliances offer no guarantees of safety. Laurence must navigate a world where loyalty is fragile and trust may prove fatal, all while wrestling with the fear of standing alone.

Voice of the Ashes asks a timeless and haunting question: will one stand for truth when the cost is everything? With mounting tension and moral weight, T.R.Q.T. delivers a powerful novel about courage, conscience, and the quiet strength required to remain faithful when the world demands surrender.

Orders can be placed at www.callapresspublishing.com.

For bulk orders, please email callapresspublishing@gmail.com

Calla Press Publishing is pleased to announce the release of Roots and Fruit: An Introduction to the Christian Faith by acclaimed poet and scholar Timothy E. G. Bartel, made available January 24, 2026. Already garnering strong interest, Roots and Fruit offers readers a lyrical and accessible entry point into the foundations of Christianity through poetry.

Written for seekers and the curious alike, Roots and Fruit presents the core narratives of the Christian faith in poetic form. Readers will encounter essential biblical stories, including God’s creation of the world, the fall of humanity, the deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Along the way, the poems introduce central figures of Scripture—Joseph, Moses, Mary, John, and others—whose lives continue to shape Christian belief and imagination.

Running parallel to these biblical narratives are thoughtful explanations of how these stories inform Christian doctrine and practice. Bartel gently guides readers through key theological concepts such as the Trinity and the incarnation, while also illuminating lived expressions of faith including prayer and communion. The result is a work that bridges story, belief, and practice with clarity and reverence.

Timothy E. G. Bartel brings a distinguished literary and academic voice to this project. A poet and professor from California, his poems, translations, and essays have appeared in Christianity and Literature, First Things, The Hopkins Review, Modern Age, and other notable publications. He is the author of four collections of poetry and three volumes of essays, most recently The Poets and the Fathers: Theology and Poetry from Gregory Nazianzus to Scott Cairns.

Bartel currently lives in Houston with his family, where he serves as Professor of Great Texts and Theology at Saint Constantine College. With Roots and Fruit: An Introduction to the Christian Faith, Calla Press Publishing is proud to offer a beautifully written work that invites readers to explore Christianity’s deepest roots and the fruit it bears in belief and life.

Orders can be placed at www.callapresspublishing.com.

For bulk orders, please email callapresspublishing@gmail.com.