Ada, Mich. (August 14, 2025)—Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is delighted to announce that ECPA bestselling author Dani Pettrey has reached a momentous sales milestone. Since her debut novel Submerged released in 2012, she has published over fifteen novels with more than one million copies sold.

Winner of Christian Retailing’s Best of Suspense award, Pettrey has thrilled readers with her heart-pounding adventures across Alaskan landscapes and perilous coasts, all while offering themes of resilience and redemption. Her bestselling series include Jeopardy Falls, Coastal Guardians, and Chesapeake Valor, among others. Her newest novel, Two Seconds Too Late (Bethany House; ISBN 9780764238499; paper; 320 pp; $17.99), released in April 2025.

Dani Pettrey has received extensive recognition for her achievements, including two HOLT Medallion awards, two Carol awards, a Daphne du Maurier Award, the AWSA Golden Scroll, and the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence. Her novels have garnered favorable reviews from Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and Library Journal. She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband.

Jessica Sharpe, Senior Acquisitions Editor, said, “Dani is such an integral part of the Bethany House fiction program, and we are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone achievement with her. It’s clear that readers can’t get enough of her books!”

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 x100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

 

August 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) has contracted with four New Testament scholars for the second edition of one of IVP Academic’s foundational reference books, the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments. Volume editors for the new edition include Shane J. Wood, Madison N. Pierce, Dennis R. Edwards, and Michael F. Bird.

Edwards said, “A new generation of Bible readers needs to become familiar with the growing body of scholarship—particularly from women and other minoritized researchers—that addresses writings and topics distinct from yet in continuity with the Gospels and Pauline literature. An updated edition of the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments will assist pastors, students, scholars, and all interested readers in their quest to better understand the New Testament.” Dennis Edwards is associate professor of New Testament as well as vice president for church relations and dean of North Park Seminary, Chicago.

Originally published in 1997, the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments, was added to what were known affectionately as the “Black Dictionaries” for their cover design. The first edition was edited by Ralph P. Martin and Peter H. Davids and included expert contributors like Darrell Bock, George R. Beasley-Murray, I. Howard Marshall, Ben Witherington III, and James D. G. Dunn. Wide-ranging articles spanned from the books of James and Jude to household codes, from the Roman emperor cult to Gnosticism and Docetism, questions of canon to second-century church leaders like Ignatius and Polycarp.

Rachel Hastings, the project editor for the dictionary, said, “IVP Academic has a rich legacy of publishing reference works that are rigorous in their scholarly approach while being accessible to pastors and students alike. These dictionaries are a key piece of that legacy. We have a stellar team of volume editors who will support this new edition, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside them on the second edition of the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments.”

For decades the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments, along with IVP Academic’s Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels and Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, have presented mature evangelical scholarship—committed to the authority of Scripture, utilizing the best of critical methods, and maintaining a dialogue with contemporary scholarship and the challenges facing the church.

Michael Bird, academic dean and lecturer in New Testament at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia, said, “The Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments was a landmark publication that contained a fantastic compilation of articles on the General Epistles, Revelation, and early Christianity. The ‘Black Dictionaries’ are SHEER GOLD for pastors, professors, and seminary students. I am elated to be part of the team creating a second edition of this dictionary and I know that it will be a vital resource for decades to come.”

Similar to the second edition of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, which released in 2023, this updated dictionary will essentially be a new volume, including revised articles and new articles. The second edition of the Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments is tentatively scheduled to release in Spring 2032.

Madison Pierce, associate lecturer at the University of St Andrews, said, “This valuable resource is the first that many pastors and students pick up when working on Acts, Hebrews through Revelation, or the second century. These are difficult texts, and having a reliable introduction is of the utmost importance. Our hope with the second edition is to build on this foundation by updating some entries and adding new ones that reflect recent developments in scholarship and incorporate a new generation of scholars representing diverse perspectives. We also hope that this resource equips pastors and students for decades to come.”

Designed to bring students, teachers, pastors, and general readers up to date and up to speed, this one-of-a-kind reference volume will once again present more information than any other single work—dealing exclusively with the theology, literature, background, and scholarship of the later New Testament and the apostolic church.

“A new edition of any work assumes a strong foundation, updating and expanding, enriching and unfolding an already formidable legacy,” said Shane Wood, professor of New Testament and Its Origins at Ozark Christian College. “For thirty years, IVP’s Dictionary of the Later New Testament and Its Developments has blessed the church and the academy, shaping sermons, scholarly papers, and the minds of anyone desiring to dive deep into the Word of God and its world. Over that same time, scholarly conversations and insights have deepened in exciting and fresh ways. Our hope with this new edition is to breathe fresh life into this valuable resource to serve pastors and professors for the next generation.”

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

 

Stephanie Ike Okafor, bestselling author of The Power of Your Dreams, signs a three-book deal with WaterBrook, starting with The Power of Your Dreams Guided Journal and Soulution, a book that will guide readers through understanding, healing, nourishing, and aligning the soul with God’s purpose.

A dynamic leader, podcast host, Executive Pastor of ONE LA, and frequent international speaker, Ike Okafor is dedicated to seeing a world-wide generation truly know Jesus. Book one is scheduled for publication in Summer 2026, and book two will release Spring 2027.

Jan Miller at Dupree Miller & Associates represented the author, and world rights were acquired by Estee Zandee, Editor at Waterbrook. For rights inquiries, contact Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com.

Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group includes the imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, Forum, and Ink & Willow and is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Notre Dame, IN—Ave Maria Press is thrilled to announce that Katie Meads has joined the editorial team as our new Acquisitions Editor.

Katie brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm for books and storytelling. She has spent her career immersed in curating compelling narratives for both the page and the screen. Previously, Katie served as an Acquisitions Editor at HarperCollins Publishers, where she conceptualized and pitched new titles, managed projects from acquisition to publication, and worked closely with authors to develop engaging, meaningful works.

Her professional background also includes significant contributions to the entertainment industry. At Entertainment 360, Katie served as a liaison between the film/TV industry and the publishing world, scouting intellectual property and fostering connections. As vice president of development at Bentkey Kids & Family Entertainment, she oversaw story production and cultivated relationships with agents, authors, and other key industry contacts.

Now at Ave Maria Press, Katie is eager to unite her professional expertise with her Catholic faith. “Storytelling in its many forms is a vital tool for softening hearts, enlightening minds, and shaping a culture that honors truth, beauty, and goodness. I’m thrilled to join Ave Maria Press’s mission to create books that edify readers and connect a modern world to the eternal vision of the Church.”

“We are delighted to welcome Katie to Ave Maria Press,” said Josh Noem, editorial director at Ave Maria Press. “She brings excellent editing skills, collaborative and creative instincts, and a drive to create books that bring hope. Her deep love for the Catholic faith will help us continue to lead people to know, love, and serve God.”

Contact Information for Katie Meads:  kmeads@nd.edu

 

 

SPCK Group has appointed Rio Summers as Head of Marketing and Publicity, effective from 1st August 2025.

Rio Summers will spearhead the entire marketing strategy for SPCK Group, overseeing the marketing, publicity, and web teams across all its imprints and divisions. These include SPCK Publishing adult fiction and non-fiction lists, IVP UK and academic imprint Apollos, children’s imprints, and Lion Books formerly known as Lion Hudson.

Summers was previously Marketing Campaign Manager at SPCK Group in a freelance capacity, leading campaigns for a range of titles, including the New York Times bestseller Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer, which is SPCK’s top selling title. She is also a Producer for Premier’s Unbelievable? Podcast and the Ask NT Wright Anything Podcast leading on strategy and content and securing guests such as Ben Shapiro, Alex O’Connor, John Lennox, and John Vervaeke.

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

Summers will report to Rowan Miller, SPCK Group’s Commercial Director. Miller says: “I am absolutely delighted to have Rio Summers as SPCK Group’s new Head of Marketing and Publicity. Rio has been instrumental in transforming our approach to marketing and driving our vision for commercial success, and her superb blend of expertise, leadership skills, market knowledge, creativity and wisdom will drive us into a new era of international growth”.

Summers says: “I’m excited to lead such a talented team at a pivotal moment for SPCK Group. Building on our passion and remarkable portfolio of authors and Bibles, my goal is to see SPCK lead the way in Christian publishing through bold, creative marketing and impactful PR —championing our authors, expanding our reach, and delivering publishing excellence that resonates beyond the Christian market.”

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK Group, says: “We are thrilled to have Rio at the helm as our new Head of Marketing and Publicity. Under her leadership and guidance, SPCK’s Group’s marketing, PR outreach and websites will enter a new dimension of growth and expansion, as we lean into opportunities that are opening up for our books and our authors around the world”.

Summers will work three days per week for SPCK Group, with her time split 70% leading on General division campaigns and 30% as team lead.

Press contact:  Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Themes of hope, grief and mental illness—and their intersection with the Christian life—come into focus in several fall releases from B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources.

The forthcoming titles present authentic representations of what it is to be human and what it means to live in a broken world with broken people. Some feature personal experiences of mental illness and others share about their journey with a loved one or as a counselor. The books guide readers as they experience anxiety, grieve losses and consider how one’s past impacts his or her present. Amid such suffering, the authors describe how one can turn to God and His Word for hope and comfort.

Additionally, these new releases are intended to equip ministers to serve their congregations. According to Lifeway Research, most pastors (54%) say they’ve known at least one church member who’s been diagnosed with a severe mental illness. And 26% of U.S. Protestant pastors say they’ve personally struggled with some type of mental illness.

“At B&H, we believe God’s Word is sufficient for all of life, and that includes the battlefield for the mind,” said Devin Maddox, publisher of B&H Publishing Group. “Our ambition is that God would work through His people to renew every mind according to His Word.”

Hope, Hurt, and Healing by Catherine Renfro, available Sept. 2  

Author Catherine Renfro offers biblical encouragement to those who’ve lost a loved one to suicide in “Hope, Hurt, and Healing.” Renfro, who serves as the national director for women’s evangelism at the North American Mission Board, points to Christ as the one who stayed with her in the grief that followed her brother’s suicide, bringing healing and hope.

 

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Made to Tremble by Blair Linne, available Sept. 16 

In her second book, spoken word artist Blair Linne reframes anxiety not as a purely negative experience but as a spiritual turning point.

The author’s journey through crippling anxiety and panic attacks led her to a new dependence on God. “Sometimes we have been made to tremble in our anxiety so that we might more deeply tremble before God as we enjoy a deeper fellowship with Him,” Linne writes.

 

 

 

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Hopeful Sorrow by Julie Busler, available Oct. 1 

Julie Busler shares her journey through childhood trauma, emotional neglect and grief, that, when undealt with, led her to a place of hospitalization on the international mission field. In “Hopeful Sorrow,” she encourages the practice of lament, looking at the wounds and sorrows, so one might then move forward with hope in God.

“Lament allows us to bring every dark thought and emotion into the presence of a loving Father,” said Busler.

 

 

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Making Friends with Darkness by Nick Hamilton, available Oct. 16 

Nick Hamilton brings his years of experience as a Navy and hospital chaplain to bear in “Making Friends with Darkness.” Anchored in the Psalms and other passages of Scripture, Hamilton offers a scriptural companion to those recovering from trauma and moral injury. This work reflects what Hamilton does in a counseling setting, seeking to help people recover from trauma and remove barriers it causes in their relationship with God.

 

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Additional forthcoming B&H titles that touch on themes of hardship and point to the faithfulness of God and His Word include: “Someone to Believe In” by Courtney Reissig, “Hopeful-ish” by Scarlet Hiltibidal and “Carried Through Cancer” by Kim Harms.

About Lifeway Christian Resources
In operation since 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the leading providers of Christian resources, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, group curriculum, Christian music and movies, Vacation Bible School and church supplies, as well as camps and events for all ages. Lifeway is the world’s largest provider of Spanish Bibles. Based in Brentwood, Tennessee, Lifeway operates as a self-supporting nonprofit. For more information, visit Lifeway.com.

B&H Publishing Group, an imprint of Lifeway Christian Resources, is a team that believes Every Word Matters®. We seek to provide intentional, biblical content that positively impacts the hearts and minds of people, cultivating lifelong relationships with Jesus Christ. We publish (print and digital) in the trade, church and academic markets, as well as the CSB translation. For more information, visit BHPublishingGroup.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Jill Waggoner, jill.waggoner@lifeway.com

 

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by Jill Waggoner, a writer for Lifeway Christian Resources

“Nearly every oligarch on Earth was surrounded by this nervous, eager, nodding flock of yes-men, little men (and a few women) who gained a fortune and lost their souls by telling their bosses what they wanted to hear.”

Brian McLaren’s newest book “The Last Voyage” released from Hodder Faith on July 29.  This first volume in a thrilling new trilogy from Brian McLaren, explores what it means to be human and what would we choose to bring with us or leave behind, if we were to start all over again.

It’s 2056 and international oligarchs have pushed the world to the precipice of ecological, economic, and nuclear catastrophe. But two philanthropists have teamed up to establish a long-term colony on Mars. Could this daring outpost be the next chapter in the story of the human race?

Assembling a crack team of experts including scientists, engineers and ecologists, the colony begins to establish a viable outpost on our nearest planet. But the team quickly runs into problems as they bear the responsibility of creating a new humanity. Can they work out what has gone wrong before it’s too late? And will the passengers of the last voyage from earth bring what’s needed for this fledging community to flourish?

This first volume in a thrilling new trilogy from Brian McLaren, explores what it means to be human and what would we choose to bring with us or leave behind, if we were to start all over again.

Brian McLaren is a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed speaker and outspoken advocate for ‘a new kind of Christianity’. Named one of Time magazine’s 25 most influential Evangelical Christians, McLaren was a pastor for over 20 years. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, and an in-demand blogger on faith and public policy (brianmclaren.net). @brianmclaren

For marketing & press enquiries please contact:
Kaitlyn Shokes – kaitlyn.shokes@johnmurraypress.co.uk

Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group continues to grow, adding Robin Bermel in the new role of Backlist & Brand Director and strengthening the marketing department with the addition of Savana Bishop as Associate Marketing Manager.

Robin Bermel joins PRH Christian as Backlist & Brand Director on August 4, reporting to Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher. A strategic marketer and proven leader, Bermel has more than 20 years of go-to-market publishing experience. Bermel has led brand efforts for Tyndale Alliances partner NavPress Publishing, most recently spearheading their 50^th year celebrations. She has directed marketing for key authors and books including the 20^th Anniversary Edition of Dallas Willard’s Renovation of the Heart, Foster Cline and Jim Fay’s Parenting with Love and Logic, the repackage and re-release of Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, the U.S. release of Pete Greig’s How to Pray, as well as books by Pastor Derwin Gray, Bible study teacher Linda Dillow, and Jay Stringer, author of Unwanted.

Bermel has provided clear direction and innovative multi-channel marketing plans across digital and print platforms that effectively position books and resources for growth.

As PRH Christian’s Backlist & Brand Director, Bermel will take a strategic approach to managing PRH Christian’s backlist, working closely with editorial, sales, marketing, publicity, digital, and creative services to maximize sales opportunities. Bermel will also develop year-round plans for the division’s lead authors and brands including John Mark Comer, Andrew Peterson, Mark Batterson, Jennie Allen, Kay Arthur, Henri Nouwen, Randy Alcorn, Francine Rivers, and others, and will work closely with the frontlist teams to enhance backlist titles simultaneously with authors’ new releases.

Also newly joining PRH Christian is Savana Bishop, Associate Marketing Manager, reporting to Ginia Croker, VP, Marketing Director.

Bishop comes from Portfolio Books, an imprint of the Penguin Publishing Group, where she served as marketing associate. At Portfolio, Bishop spearheaded title-marketing campaigns for frontlist titles, including the #1 New York Times bestseller The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon as well as the instant New York Times bestseller On Character by General Stanley McChrystal. Engaging with a diverse list of authors, she also worked on The Warrior Poet Way by John Lovell and Losing Our Religion by Russell Moore.

Bishop will use her experience to grow PRH Christian’s social platforms and lead marketing campaigns across all PRH Christian imprints.

A graduate of Clemson University, Bishop lives in Greenville, SC. Prior to joining Portfolio, Savana worked seasonally at Barnes & Noble and enjoyed internships at Writers House Literary Agency and Little, Brown.

Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group includes the imprints WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, Forum, and Ink & Willow and is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

From America’s Gerontologist, a practical guide that offers a radical and optimistic approach to longevity

Dr. Kerry Burnight—known to her many followers as “Dr. Kerry”—is sparking a revolution to make older better.  Fed up with the fear driven, anti-aging hysteria, hundreds of thousands of people turn to Dr. Kerry for her practical, effective and uplifting approach to navigating longevity—our parents’ and our own.

In Joyspan, Dr. Kerry shares her popular philosophy and tools in a comprehensive resource that moves readers from fear to peaceful confidence. Dr. Kerry’s insights, along with those of her inspiring 95 year-old mother Betty, are based upon a profound truth: the key to good longevity isn’t the length of your life, it’s the quality of your life. Books that advance lifespan and “healthspan” don’t address the whole picture. Dr. Kerry introduces readers to the critical concept of “joyspan” based on the science of well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, choice, and purpose.

Part manifesto, part how-to guide, Joyspan proves that internal strength is as critical as external fitness.Filled with both perspective-shifting strategies and troubleshooting for the specific challenges of aging—including caregiving, dementia, unexpected diagnoses, isolation, uncoupling via death or divorce, financial concerns, and more— this book is an essential resource for a generation looking for a better way to grow older—and to help our aging parents do the same.

America’s Gerontologist, Dr. Kerry Burnight, is on a mission to make older, better.  Dr. Kerry taught Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology for 18 years at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She is the cofounder of the nation’s first Elder Abuse Forensic Center and the founder of TheGerontologist.com. She was an invited speaker to the U.S. White House at the Elder Justice Summit, and at the U.S. Department of Justice. She has appeared on such T.V. programs as CBS News, NBC News, The Doctors, Money Matters, and The Dr. Phil Show  and has been the keynote speaker at hundreds of conferences. She’s known as “America’s Gerontologist” for optimizing dignity, health, and joy in longevity through research, teaching, podcasts, blogs, Instagram, X, Facebook, and Tiktok.

Ada, Mich. (August 1, 2025)—Ashley Opliger, founder of the national nonprofit Bridget’s Cradles, landed on the USA Today Bestseller list with the release of her debut book, Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven—A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss (available now via Bethany House).

The book solidifies Opliger as a bestselling author just one week after the July 22 release of Cradled in Hope. Opliger also joined previous bestsellers including Mel Robbins, Kristin Hannah, James Patterson, and more across all genres, but hers was the only Christian Living title to make the cut for the sales week ending Sunday, July 27.

Knowing well the overwhelming pain and hopelessness of losing a child after her daughter Bridget was born into heaven at 24 weeks, Ashley walked through a dark valley of grief while questioning God’s goodness. Sharing her story, she provides a safe space for grieving moms to cry, ask why, and bring their sadness, anger, bitterness, loneliness, and shame to One who can hold it all—Jesus. Cradled in Hope offers a tender yet profound guide for navigating pregnancy and infant loss through the lens of faith, showing readers how God cradles grieving moms in hope even as He cradles their babies in Heaven.

“Ashley writes with tenderness, authenticity, and unwavering faith. She poured her heart and experience into Cradled in Hope, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary,” says Jennifer Dukes Lee, Senior Acquisitions Editor for Bethany House. “From the beginning, Ashley wanted this book to be the gold standard for guiding women through the deep, personal grief of infant loss. And it is, indeed, the gold standard. Her vision was always to create a resource that would meet grieving mothers exactly where they are, and now seeing her book reach the USA Today bestseller list is a powerful affirmation that it’s doing just that. So many need this book, and we are honored to walk with Ashley on this publishing journey.”

See full list of the week’s bestsellers at https://www.usatoday.com/booklist.

Cradled in Hope: Trusting Jesus to Heal Your Heart as He Holds Your Baby in Heaven—A Biblical Guide for Grieving Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss by Ashley Opliger
(Bethany House; ISBN 9780764244346; ebook ISBN 9781493450862; $19.99)

Ashley Opliger is the founder and executive director of Bridget’s Cradles, a national nonprofit that provides hope and healing to over 30,000 bereaved families each year. Host of the award-winning podcast Cradled in Hope, she’s been a media guest and contributor to outlets such as Focus on the Family, Live Action, and American Family Association Journal. Ashley is also the leader of Hope Gatherings and Wave of Light, an annual event held on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. She is a sought-after speaker and podcaster. She lives in Wichita, Kansas with her husband and two sons. Learn more at BridgetsCradles.com.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact:  Anne Van Solkema, (616) 676-9185 x152, avansolkema@bakerpublishinggroup.com