Adoption—a Beautiful Reflection of Divine Grace

BIRMINGHAM, AL — With warmth, candor, and 35 years of experience as an adoption attorney, Alice H. Murray invites readers into the heart of adoption in her powerful new book, God Adopted Us First. This unique devotional pairs poignant, true adoption stories with scripture, reflective questions, and practical steps for spiritual growth.

From laughter to tears, readers will discover how God’s fingerprints are all over the process of uniting families—and how adoption is a profound reflection of His divine love.

“Not only does Alice Murray give us a fascinating glimpse into the world of an adoption attorney, she speaks to the very heart of what it means to be adopted into the family of God,” says Annette Marie Griffin, adoptive mother and award-winning author.

Acclaimed author Lenora Worth adds, “I laughed and cried through most of these amazing stories that show us God is always in the details.”

God Adopted Us First is more than a book on adoption—it’s an invitation to see God’s grace in every chapter of life.

To book Alice H. Murray for an interview or to request a review copy, please email kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com. Limited supply of giveaway copies available for special events and interviews. Orders may be placed by calling 888-811-9934 or emailing orders@ironstreammedia.com.

ISBN-13:  978-1-56309-781-2
Release Date:  October 7, 2025
Availability Date:  September 9, 2025

An intimate, vulnerable and, compassionate conversation about the pain of rejection, filled with practical, biblical guidance to heal and move on with personal stories from beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer, Ginger Stache, and other women who have risen from the ashes of loss.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2025–In this era of epidemic loneliness, widely beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer and her partner in ministry Ginger Stache offer a vulnerable, intimate, and compassionate conversation about the shame and the pain of rejection and the pathway to healing.

We live in a time of overwhelming loneliness and disconnection. At least one in four Americans today are living in estrangement from a family member, and over 50% of us experience periods of disconnection from close relatives. No matter who we are, the sting of rejection touches us. As a child, you may have experienced bullying or even a parent or sibling who failed to acknowledge your value and love you as you needed to be loved. As we grow older, the rejections we experience pile upon one another—a boss who offers constant criticism, a spouse who walks away and leaves us devastated, a friend who ditches us when life gets tough.

Rejection is a common denominator of the human experience, and many of us develop into people who view the world through the lens of rejection as our pain causes us to burrow further into isolation, disappointment, and sadness. Here, through Joyce’s personal story of abuse and abandonment and Ginger’s journey of shock and betrayal in marriage, you will find community in the fact that you are not alone, as well as hope for the dawning of new possibilities.

In this book, Joyce Meyer and Ginger Stache are determined to banish the stigma of rejection by leading readers to the healing balm of God’s unconditional love. Through facing our pain head-on, learning to embrace the truth of our absolute acceptance in Christ, and understanding how others may react to us and to the world out of their own lens of rejection, we can grow in confidence, develop healthy relationships, and find lasting acceptance.

This book also contains study questions with each chapter, perfect for group study or individual reflection.

Joyce Meyer is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading Bible teachers. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches practically and candidly, openly sharing her experiences and helping millions of people to apply biblical principles to their situations and ultimately find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Her book Battlefield of the Mind has been a perennial bestseller, teaching people how to win the war in their minds and “think about what they think about.” Joyce holds conferences across the United States, and her Enjoying Everyday Life program is broadcast on TV, radio and online to millions in 110 languages. She has also authored over 140 books, which have been translated into over 160 combined languages. Joyce’s passion to help people who are hurting is the foundation of Hand of Hope, the missions arm of Joyce Meyer Ministries, which provides humanitarian relief through its hundreds of global outreaches.

Ginger Stache is an Emmy Award–winning television producer, author, and the chief creative officer of Joyce Meyer Ministries, leading the ministry’s media areas including broadcast and print. She has traveled the world sharing stories of extraordinary individuals who have triumphed over immense challenges and encouraging others that they can do the same. You can see her on Joyce’s Enjoying Everyday Life program and the Talk it Out podcast. She is a wife, mother, and Gigi, roles that she holds dear. She and her husband, Tim, live in Missouri.

 

Ada, Mich. (September 5, 2025)—Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that Kate Strickler has achieved New York Times bestseller status with her new book,  I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen. Strickler also made her debut on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list the same week.

No. 3 on the Advice, How-To & Misc. list, Strickler joins other top authors like Mel Robbins, James Clear, and John Mark Comer. The book also appears on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction and Top 10 lists.

In I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen, the Naptime Kitchen founder and social media influencer acknowledges how it’s all too easy to see the shiny lives of others on the other side of our screens and find our own less than lustrous. Setting out to fight the lie that what she had wasn’t enough, Kate shares simple mindset shifts to love the life you’re already living. Known for her practical wisdom, Kate helps you identify and dismantle 10 lies about relationships, money, time, and home life, sharing practical changes we each can make that add up to a whole new outlook on life. As you discover how to live and mother in ways that work for you and your family, you’ll stop “just wishing” your life away—and begin to truly enjoy the one you already have.

I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy
(Bethany House, Hardcover ISBN 9780764243783, $26.99, Ebook ISBN 9781493449644)

“We are absolutely thrilled to see I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen on the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists,” says Jennifer Dukes Lee, senior acquisitions editor for Bethany House. “Kate Strickler has long been beloved by her readers for her warmth, humor, and authenticity. She feels like the friend you’d want to live next door. Now all of that relatability and real-life wisdom are bound up in this book. It’s no surprise to us that her message has resonated so widely. This is a book that helps us stop wishing our lives were different and start fully enjoying the beautiful lives we already have. We look forward to celebrating Kate’s continued success as her message reaches even more readers.”

See full list of the week’s bestsellers at https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/advice-how-to-and-miscellaneous/.

Kate Strickler is the creator behind the extremely popular blog and Instagram account Naptime Kitchen. Known for her down-to-earth practicality and helpful household hacks, she’s been featured by Good Morning America, Southern Living, The Lazy Genius Podcast, and more. When she isn’t wrangling the kids or working, you can find her in her happy place: experimenting in the kitchen. Kate lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and their four children. Learn more at NaptimeKitchen.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

 

SEPTEMBER 5, 2025–Marcus Stanley, inspirational internet prayer advocate who reaches over 100 million people each month, will release PRAYING LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT, sharing his experiences of suffering and trauma after being shot eight times and pointing readers to healing, connection, and the redemptive love of God for publication in 2027, and an untitled 365-day prayer book in 2028.

Deal confirmed to Susan Tjaden at WaterBrook, at auction, in a two-book deal, by Trinity McFadden at The Bindery (world).

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

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025–Flagler Law Group proudly welcomes veteran intellectual property attorney Craig Gipson as the firm’s newest equity partner. Craig combines deep publishing and IP experience with forward‑looking insight into how emerging technologies—especially artificial intelligence—continue to reshape the legal landscape for publishers and content creators. In particular, he brings clarity to the legal risks and opportunities presented by generative AI, speaking regularly on developments in this fast-changing area. Craig’s expertise enables clients to anticipate and navigate novel legal challenges with confidence and strategic foresight.

“Craig is a truly exceptional lawyer and an even better person,” said Brian Flagler, founding partner of the firm. “Craig’s knowledge of the laws applicable to publishers and content ministries sets a very high bar, and he has a unique ability to boil down complex concepts into accessible and practical guidance for clients. I could not be more pleased to pursue the years ahead as partners.”

As Partner, Craig will continue to expand his copyright, trademark, dispute resolution, and privacy practice, counsel publishers and other rights organizations, and manage the firm’s West Coast office. Craig’s new role bolsters Flagler Law Group to continue to provide solution-oriented and cost-effective counsel to Christian publishers, ministries, churches, seminaries, and other content organizations, today and in the years to come.

About Flagler Law Group:
We provide trusted counsel to organizations that equip and educate the church, publish books and curriculum, license music and other rights, and distribute Christian products in all media formats around the world. FlaglerLawGroup.com

Contact:  Brian D. Flagler, (541) 549-8401

 

AUGUST 26, 2025–SPCK Group has appointed Rochelle Owusu-Antwi as Marketing Campaigns Manager, with a focus on titles for Inter-Varsity Press UK (IVP Books UK) – SPCK’s evangelical publishing wing.

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 Books UK) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.

Owusu-Antwi will spearhead the marketing campaigns for IVP Books UK’s entire list, effective from 24th February 2025. Owusu-Antwi was previously Head of Communications at First Love Church. Prior to this, she was Communications Manager for the Leaders of Worship and Preachers Trust (LWPT).

Rochelle Owusu-Antwi says “I am absolutely thrilled to be joining SPCK Group as Marketing Campaigns Manager for IVP Books UK, and IVP UK’s academic imprint, Apollos. IVP Books UK has a rich legacy of publishing insightful, thought-provoking, and transformative Christian books that both inspire and challenge readers in their faith and academic journeys. It’s a privilege to be part of a team so deeply committed to making these books accessible to a wider audience”.

Owusu-Antwi will report to Rio Summers, Head of Marketing and Publicity at SPCK Group.

Summers says: “We are so excited to have Rochelle on board, as we work to take IVP Books UK and Apollos to new heights of publishing excellence, both in the UK and internationally. Rochelle brings 12 years of superb experience in communications and campaign management, and we’re excited to see her supercharge the IVP imprint while connecting our work to new audiences around the world.”

Thomas Creedy, Publishing Director for IVP Books UK says: “I’m delighted that ten years on, the SPCK Group’s commitment to IVP Books UK is as strong as ever. Rochelle’s appointment and expertise are invaluable to IVP Books UK’s mission to publish biblically faithful, evangelical books that serve the global church. As a team, we are excited to shape IVP Books UK’s legacy as we head towards our centenary in 2028, publishing deliberately into areas such as mental health and wellbeing, and working to remain culturally engaged, relevant and biblically rooted”.

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

For social posts, please use the following handles:
IVP Books UK social handles:

• Twitter – @IVPbookcentre
• Instagram – @ivpbooks
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ivpbooks/

SPCK social handles:

• Twitter – @SPCKPublishing
• Instagram – @spck_publishing
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/SPCKPublishing/

 

London/Charlotte, September 1, 2025–From September 2025, The Good Book Company will become fully employee-owned, giving staff a collective voice in the company’s direction and ensuring that the ministry’s mission, values, and commitment to high-quality Christian resources will be preserved for generations to come.

Founders Tim and Kathy Thornborough and the three other shareholding directors will transfer 100% ownership to an independent Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), which will ensure that the company continues to operate in line with its founding values and mission and will provide accountability from a trustee board made up of staff members and independent trustees.

For Tim, who started the ministry in 1991, this transition follows careful succession planning and reflects his desire to see TGBC’s mission outlast his own tenure:

“This is about stewardship. Our goal has always been to serve the church with faithful, accessible resources, and the Lord has entrusted us with a ministry we love. He’s also blessed us with a talented and committed team who share the founding vision, theological convictions, and ministry goals that underpin our mission. So, by placing the company in their hands, we’re safeguarding that mission for decades to come and keeping Christ at the heart of everything we do.”

The directors are handing the company over in a strong financial position: it carries no debt, is consistently profitable, and has grown remarkably since its humble beginnings. Over the years, it has navigated the shifting publishing landscape with a focus on quality content, strong partnerships, and a commitment to biblical truth.

Day-to-day leadership will now lie with James Burstow and Carl Laferton, who become joint CEOs, having previously been part of the senior leadership at TGBC. Tim and Kathy will remain involved in the Finance and Rights teams, and Tim will chair the trustee board.

Independent Trustee Matthew Dalton, who previously worked for John Lewis, the UK’s best-known employee-owned company, said:  “Safeguarding the mission of Christian organisations is vital work. It’s great to see the transition to a structure that will keep the business agile and creative, while giving powerful checks and balances to maintain the founding values and company direction.”

US Customer Service Manager Calista Doty added:  “I am deeply honored to be the first Employee Trustee representing our rapidly growing US team. This transition will further strengthen the warm and productive transatlantic bonds that we already enjoy, as well as reinforcing our sense of purpose and investment in a ministry that we care so passionately about.”

“We’re excited about the future,” said Tim. “This move ensures that the ministry of The Good Book Company will remain true to our founding principles—not only in what we publish, but also in how we go about our ministry. At the same time, it will enable us to continue our growth and serve even more people around the world with great gospel resources that magnify and proclaim the Lord Jesus.”

The Good Book Company joins other notable employee-owned companies including John Lewis, The Entertainer toy shop chain, Richer Sounds, and Aardman Animations (the creators of Wallace and Gromit) in the UK—and in the US, Taylor Guitars, Bob’s Red Mill, Barbour Christian Publishing, W.L. Gore (creators of Gore-Tex), and Publix Grocery Stores.

The Good Book Company
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company is a Christian publisher dedicated to producing accessible, biblically faithful resources for all ages. With offices in Charlotte, NC and London, UK, the company serves churches and individuals around the world, currently employing over 50 people worldwide and with an active list of over 800 titles. It publishes around 50 new titles a year, and its Rights Team has enabled more than 750 translations in 60+ languages.

For more information contact:
Lauren Holley, Press and Publicity, The Good Book Company, publicity@thegoodbook.co.uk, +1 866 244 2165 (Office hours)
Tim Thornborough, Chair of TGBC Trust, The Good Book Company, tim.thornborough@thegoodbook.co.uk, +44 780 800 3349 (Mobile)

NEW KENSINGTON, Penn., Aug. 28, 2025— It Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard: How We Are Transformed by the Holy Spirit is the newest book by best-selling author and award-winning theologian, Mike Nappa. This is the fascinating culmination of Nappa’s deep-dive study into all 246 direct references to the Holy Spirit in the New Testament.

It Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard releases from Whitaker House on October 28, 2025, in multiple formats (paperback, audiobook, e-book, and a Spanish language edition).

According to the 2025 American Worldview Inventory research study:

• A supermajority of American Christians (70%) say they do not “believe in the living presence and power of the Holy Spirit.”
• Additionally, two-thirds (67%) do not believe “the God of the Bible provides them with power or guidance.”

Mike Nappa speaks directly into this situation by asking the question, “What does the Holy Spirit actually DO?” Warm, biblically-grounded, and superbly-written, Nappa’s answer may surprise you.

Digital PDF Review copies of It Doesn’t Have to Be This Hard are now available. To access all Media Pro resources for this book (including high-resolution images, full media kit, author credentials, and more) Visit: Nappaland.com/mediapros

Media Professionals, find more at: Nappaland.com/mediapros

CONTACT: 
Alec Smart, alecsmart@nappaland.com;
Amy Bartlett, amy.bartlett@whitakerhouse.com

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Aug. 25, 2025—WaterBrook’s Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become Like Him. Do as He Did by best-selling, award-winning author John Mark Comer has sold more than 500,000 copies across all formats, a milestone that reflects the book’s wide impact on readers seeking deeper spiritual formation.

Since its release in January 2024, Practicing the Way has spent 25 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list, remained a mainstay on the ECPA best-seller list, and was named the 2025 ECPA Book of the Year. In recognition of surpassing half-a-million copies sold, Practicing the Way has also received the ECPA Sales Milestone Gold Award. The book has been translated into 14 languages, further expanding its reach to a global readership.

In Practicing the Way, Comer calls readers to live with greater intentionality in their apprenticeship to Jesus. He encourages Christ followers to adopt a “Rule of Life” — a set of practices and relational rhythms that slow daily life, create space for God’s presence, and open the door to deep spiritual transformation.

“We are thrilled to see Practicing the Way reach this milestone,” said Campbell Wharton, Senior Vice President and Publisher at PRH Christian. “The response from readers has been extraordinary, and it’s deeply moving to witness how John Mark Comer’s message is impacting lives across cultures and languages. This book is helping people slow down, center their lives on Jesus, and live with greater spiritual intention — and we couldn’t be more excited about its ongoing reach.”

John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of Practicing the Way, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry, Live No Lies, and four previous books. He’s also the Founder and Teacher of Practicing the Way, a simple, beautiful way to integrate spiritual formation into your life and community. Prior to starting Practicing the Way, he spent almost 20 years pastoring Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and working out apprenticeship to Jesus in the post-Christian West. He lives in Los Angeles.

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

From a licensed marriage and family therapist, this empathetic book is the key to achieving secure relationships with your loved ones and breaking away from painful patterns.

AUGUST 29, 2025–Our individual attachment style is a key indicator of the health of every one of our relationships. Yet few people know what their style is, much less what steps they need to take to move out of a harmful style and into one that is creates safer, healthier, and mutually beneficial relationships. Thankfully, the concept of “attachment” has been gaining steam over last decade so that “attachment theory” and its therapeutic model have entered into current conversations about mental health—and Marc Cameron has emerged as a leader in this space. The successor to How We Love, the organization created by key psychologists Milan and Kay Yerkovich, Marc Cameron builds upon the Yerkovichs’ groundbreaking book about attachment theory, How We Love (over 400,000 copies sold) to show you how to identify and understand the style of attachment you developed in childhood.

In this book, Cameron thoroughly explains each attachment style and provides easy methods for you to self-identify with one style (…or multiple!). He also delivers practical steps for forming a secure attachment style, giving you the information and guidance you’re seeking to improve your inner worlds and relationships.

Written from a Christian worldview, Understanding Your Attachment Style will not only help you understand your attachment style but also guides you through overcoming barriers associated with each style so that you can enjoy the healthy, loving connections God designed.

Marc Cameron is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-leader of How We Love, an organization founded by Milan and Kay Yerkovich dedicated to applying Attachment Theory to improve relationships. Marc is also a regular co-host on New Life Live, America’s top Christian counseling call-in radio show. In his private practice, Marc specializes in working with individuals and couples through an attachment-based therapeutic approach. He is passionate about helping clients develop secure emotional connections, improve communication, and rebuild trust—laying the foundation for lasting, healthy relationships. Marc believes that by understanding the root causes of behavior through Attachment Theory, individuals and families can experience meaningful growth and pass on a legacy of relational health to future generations. Originally from London, England, Marc earned his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University in Miami, Florida, and also holds a B.A. in Business from Huntington University in Indiana.