Media Associates International (MAI) is pleased to announce creation of the Judith E. Markham Editorial Legacy Award.  The award will consist of an annual grant to a selected Christian editor in the Majority World to be used for that person’s training and professional development.

Judith Markham worked as an editor for more than 50 years, most of that time in religious book publishing. She began her book publishing career at Zondervan Publishing House in 1968, where she served in several editorial positions for almost 20 years, including managing her own imprint, Judith Markham Books.  In 1987 she founded Blue Water Ink, along with her partners Paul Hillman and the late Julie Ackerman Link.  In 2001 she joined Discovery House Publishers as managing editor, and in 2014 she became executive editor of the Our Daily Bread devotional. After editing hundreds of books, including more than 17 ECPA Christian Book Award winners, Judith retired in 2015.  She is also a founding member of the Academy of Christian Editors.

Generous with her insights and skill, Judith served as an editorial trainer for Media Associates International (MAI) and as a director on its International Board. Her training booklet, Servanthood and the Christian Editor, remains a valuable tool for MAI editorial training around the world.  In this same spirit of servanthood, Judith established the editorial award bearing her name to help equip emerging Christian editors serving in countries where little on-site training is available.

In selecting an annual recipient of the award, MAI will give preference to editors demonstrating a desire for growth and Judith’s passion for editorial excellence.  Candidates for the award will be identified through MAI’s on-site training programs in the various world regions and through referrals from within the ministry’s global network.  The first recipient of the editorial award will be announced at the LittWorld 2024 conference in Puebla, Mexico, November 3-8.

Founded in 1985, MAI envisions a world in which readers everywhere have access to life-transforming Christian content written in their heart language.  Skilled editors, who come alongside aspiring authors and help them craft compelling, life-transforming content, are vital to fulfillment of this vision.

Louisville, KY – Before You Open Your Bible, a bestselling book published by 10 Publishing, written by Matthew Smethurst, has reached the milestone of 100,000 sales. Before You Open Your Bible, the first of Smethurst’s “Before You…” series, is a short, yet powerful book, that provides Christians with nine heart postures to approach the Bible.

Published in 2019, Before You Open Your Bible received strong commendations from leading evangelical figures including Timothy Keller, Paul David Tripp, and Lee Strobel.

Writing about the book, Paul David Tripp said, “As I read Matt’s book, I was reminded once again that the battle of Bible study is really a war for the reader’s heart. I love this book! Read it and keep it near, because you’ll need to read it again and again.”

10 Publishing is thrilled that Before You Open Your Bible has influenced so many Christians and drawn them closer to the Lord. Of the accomplishment of reaching 100,000 sales, Jonathan Pountney, Editorial Director at 10ofThose, said, “It’s been our joy and delight to have stewarded Matt Smethurst’s book these last five years. We continue to pray for its impact on the global church for the glory of God.”

Before You Open Your Bible is published by 10Publishing. Retail page is available here.

About Matthew Smethurst
Matthew Smethurst is lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia; editor at The Gospel Coalition; and author of Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready (2022), Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (2021), Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word (2019), and 1–2 Thessalonians: A 12-Week Study (2017). He and his wife, Maghan, have five children. You can follow him on Twitter.

About 10ofThose:
10ofThose is a publisher, distributor and retailer, and provides the bookstores for many major conferences. They are based in Leyland, UK and Louisville, KY. Their publishing imprints include 10Publishing, Evangelical Press and Reformation Lightning.

For more information:  Marketing Assistant, Callie Strasser, callie.strasser@10ofthose.com

 

Strangers and Exiles, Pursuing faithfulness as pilgrims in a faithless world by Jonathan Griffiths

Louisville, KY— Pastor and author, Jonathan Griffiths, recently released his newest book Strangers and Exiles, an encouragement to believers as pilgrims in a faithless world. Strangers and Exiles released June 3 through Evangelical Press.

Strangers and Exiles journeys through the life of Abraham as he faithfully follows the Lord through an unknown land, awaiting His promises to be fulfilled. This expositional devotional causes the reader to think biblically and theologically about Abraham’s life and how it relates to our own. Written for the thoughtful Christian who loves the Word and wants to grow in discipleship, individuals will be encouraged as weary pilgrims journeying on this earth as we await the eternal kingdom.

“The journey of the earthly pilgrim walking with the Lord on the dusty trails of this world,” writes author Jonathan Griffiths, “is rarely smooth or straight or easy. We do not need to walk with the Lord for long to know that this is true.”

Speaking about the book, Jonathan Pountney, Editorial Director at 10ofThose, said, “The current cultural dislocation of Christianity means that the central thread of Abraham’s life is more relevant than ever. With poise and clarity, Jonathan Griffiths brings the central tenets of Abraham’s life to bear on the heart of the believer today. It would be hard to underestimate the impact this book could have on readers.”

Strangers and Exiles is published by Evangelical Press and is now available. Retail page is available here.

About Jonathan Griffiths
Dr. Jonathan Griffiths is Lead Pastor of the 2,000-member Metropolitan Bible Church, Ottawa. His daily radio program, Encounter the Truth, is heard on 38 radio stations and streaming platforms across North America and around the world. He regularly contributes to TGC’s Concise Theology series and is the author of, and contributor to, more than a dozen trade and academic books, including Preaching in the New Testament, The Ministry Medical, and The Perfect Savior. He lives in Ottawa with his wife and children.

About 10ofThose
10ofThose is a publisher, distributor and retailer, and provides the bookstores for many major conferences. They are based in Leyland, UK and Louisville, KY.  Their publishing imprints include 10Publishing, Evangelical Press and Reformation Lightning.

For more information, contact: Marketing Assistant, Callie Strasser, callie.strasser@10ofthose.com

BLOOMINGTON, MN (June 11, 2024)—Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that The Bible Recap  by Tara-Leigh Cobble has reached a significant sales milestone of 500,000 copies sold! Since the release of the original hardcover edition (November 2020, ISBN 9780764237034, $29.99), the entire The Bible Recap book line has collectively sold more than 800,000 copies to date.

“The reason these numbers are so exciting is because they represent individual people—souls—who are eager to read, understand, and love the Bible,” stated Cobble. “Reading God’s Word is no easy task, but people are still coming to us with hope and growing with us in joy!”

Cobble, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, created The Bible Recap podcast in 2019 to guide readers through a 365-day chronological Bible reading plan. At the beginning of January 2024, the podcast became the top show in All Categories on Apple Podcasts. Today, The Bible Recap podcast has exceeded 364 million downloads.

The Bible Recap’s product line includes the hardcover, faux leather, real leather, and personal size editions and the study guide, discussion guide, journal, The God Shot devotional, and kids’ devotional. In November 2024, Bethany House will also release The Bible Recap for Kids, a young readers’ edition of The Bible Recap for ages 8­–12.

In addition to The Bible Recap books, Cobble is releasing four 10-week Bible studies on the Gospels. Knowing Jesus as King (Matthew) released in April, and Knowing Jesus as Servant (Mark) will release later this month. In Fall 2024, Bethany House will release the last two gospel studies—Knowing Jesus as Savior (Luke) and Knowing Jesus as God (John). In 2025, Cobble will release an additional in-depth study on the book of Acts, which is the first book in The Bible Recap Knowing God Series.

Bethany House acquisitions editor Jeff Braun said, “Our whole team counts it a privilege to work with Tara-Leigh. Her mission matches ours. And the incredible response by readers drives us even more.”

The Bible Recap and Cobble’s other products are available wherever books are sold. Interested individuals and small groups are invited to join The Bible Recap Bible reading plan at TheBibleRecap.com/Start.

Tara-Leigh Cobble is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, the creator of The Bible Recap line of books, and the creator and host of the daily podcast The Bible Recap, which has garnered over 364 million downloads. She is also the founder of D-Group, an international network of discipleship and Bible study groups, and the host of a daily radio feature called The God Shot. Tara-Leigh lives in Dallas, Texas.

For more information: TaraLeighCobble.com | TheBibleRecap.com | MyDGroup.org
Social media: @TaraLeighCobble | @TheBibleRecap | @MyDGroup

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.

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

Chadd Miller Promoted to Divisional President and Greg Bays to Chief Revenue Officer

(June 13, 2024 — COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – David C Cook CEO Bill Reeves has promoted two dedicated leaders into new executive roles. Former Executive Vice President, Chadd Miller, was named Divisional President of David C Cook’s publishing arm, and Integrity Music Vice President of Digital Business and Commercial Partnerships, Greg Bays, has been promoted to Chief Revenue Officer for David C Cook and Integrity Music.

Chadd Miller has led Cook’s Learning Resources Group (books and curriculum) for the past four years, helping grow the organization’s revenue by 40% since 2021. Miller’s career spans leadership roles in multiple industries, including education and the nonprofit sector.

“I’m excited about the growth, momentum, and energy we’re experiencing at Cook, and the impact being made around the world,” said Miller. “In the past several years, we have been very focused on improving our processes, systems, and culture in order to grow the business. This new role affords me the opportunity to continue these endeavors while amplifying our focus on growing partnerships, innovation, and product development across multiple mediums.”

Greg Bays has served at Integrity Music since 2017, overseeing sales, revenue, and business development, as well as helping build the label’s Integrated Music Rights division, which he will continue to lead in his new role. Prior to joining Integrity, Bays spent 25 years with Capitol Christian Music Group.

In his new role, Bays will provide strategic oversight and alignment across revenue-related functions for both David C Cook’s publishing arm and Integrity Music.

“My life has been shaped by incredible stories and songs. This new opportunity will allow me to continue to connect music, books, and other resources with people around the world, helping them encounter the presence of God in their lives and to know Jesus in a deeper way,” said Bays. “That’s why we do what we do at David C Cook, and I am excited to be part of this team.”

CEO Bill Reeves commented, “In promoting Chadd and Greg to their new roles, we are tapping into their extensive experience to continue making Cook/Integrity a world-class publishing and music organization, all while focusing on our core values as an organization that set us apart in a crowded marketplace.”

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.

Media Contact: Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011

A leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author asks the big questions and shares his early mental health struggles in this groundbreaking, uplifting book.

World-renowned psychologist and leadership expert Henry Cloud has impacted millions of lives through his groundbreaking books and through his work coaching leaders of the most influential organizations in the world. But few people know the details of his own story and how he became one of the most beloved and respected psychologists and faith influencers in America.

In this indelibly personal and vulnerable book, Dr. Cloud leads us through his early struggles with illness and depression and the miracles that healed him and led him to his calling as a healer of others. Through masterful storytelling combined with a deeply nuanced understanding of the human mind, Dr. Cloud invites readers to inhabit the spaces of suffering and elation that make us most human and to walk alongside of him as he ponders the great questions we are so often afraid to ask but which also give life meaning.

Written in the vein of such groundbreaking books as An Unquiet Mind, When Breath Becomes Air, and On Being Mortal, Why I Believe is a masterwork in spiritual exploration from one of the great scientific minds and faith voices of our time.

Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author. His 46 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold nearly 20 million copies worldwide. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time working with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership skills and culture.

Changing Print Forever. Again.

JUNE 4, 2024 — Central Illinois was once considered the commercial print capital of the world. For over half a century, Kingery Printing has led a steady charge back to the forefront through reinvestment in people, equipment, and sustainability. This spring, in partnership with RICOH USA, Kingery Printing will be the first book printer in the world to install the RICOH Pro™ VC80000 high-speed digital inkjet web press.

The RICOH Pro™ VC80000 launched in November on the heels of the RICOH Pro Z75 cut-sheet inkjet press and is the newest addition to Ricoh’s inkjet portfolio. Leveraging AI, the press enables commercial, book, and direct mail printers to experience a new standard for inkjet quality, productivity, and media flexibility to expand their competitive edge and profitability.

“After visiting the Ricoh team at their Customer Experience Center in Boulder, we knew Ricoh had the solutions and expertise we were looking for to successfully enhance our digital capabilities,” said Mike Kingery, President of Kingery Printing Company. “We are incredibly excited to be the first to market with the VC80000, which increases our printing capacity, and addresses a wider market through additional applications. The printing market continues to evolve, and the features and technology built into the VC80000 ensures Kingery Printing and our clients have the benefit of the latest efficiencies available today.”

The VC80000 digital inkjet web press adds to the arsenal already on the floor of Kingery’s two facilities—one in Effingham and one in Mattoon, Illinois. There are nine presslines, currently, all in traditional offset printing. The digital press will open new avenues to short- and medium-run print jobs in local and national markets. In addition to investing in hardware to aid the shift of certain business from offset to digital, Kingery Printing Company will utilize Ricoh’s software solutions, the FusionPro VDP and Ricoh TotalFlow BatchBuilder, to simplify and automate the production floor and workflow. Mike Kingery added, “The Ricoh software solutions team took the time to understand our applications and helped us develop the automation necessary to be competitive in today’s print environment. Their expertise and creativity brought results.”

“We have broken new ground in the industry by offering a true offset alternative that will take our customers’ businesses and their clients further,” said Gavin Jordan-Smith, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Head of Global Sales Strategy Division & RICOH Graphic Communications North America Sales, RICOH Graphic Communications. “The VC80000 equips customers with the highest level of automation, ensuring they can increase profits and efficiency with unmatched quality, simplicity, speed, and media flexibility to deliver maximum results and streamline workflows.”

The RICOH Pro™ VC80000 will receive is worldwide public debut at drupa 2024 from May 28 to June 7, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Visitors will be invited to experience the HENKAKUVERSE, a virtual production environment where they can learn about how Ricoh’s leading-edge technologies can be harnessed for the benefit of their print operations. For more information visit https://www.ricoh-europe.com/news-events/news/step-into-ricohs-henkakuverse-at-drupa-2024/”

Kingery Printing Company is an innovative, family-owned and operated company dedicated to the power and reliability of print. Built on the cornerstones of integrity, craftsmanship, and customer service, Kingery has been a trusted partner for over fifty-five years. Since 1968, Kingery Printing has blazed new trails and established itself as an industry leader, with the best employees utilizing the latest technologies in our two central Illinois facilities. Our diversified platform—offering soft-cover binding ranging from pocket- to tabloid-sized—provides impeccable results in everything from short-run digital projects all the way through long-run web jobs. Kingery will continue providing solutions to today’s challenges, evolving and growing to provide a partnership our clients can always count on. kingeryprinting.com

JUNE 4, 2024 — Overcoming Addiction releasing from New Growth Press on July 29, is a support group curriculum that seeks to capture the gospel in slow motion and provide a safe environment for participants to grow together as they pursue steps toward lasting change to addictive patterns.

Overcoming your addiction is a hard journey, and while nothing makes that easy, it is worth it. Taking this journey one step at a time with the support of others with similar struggles will give much-needed support and help. 

If you are willing to admit that alcohol and/or drugs are disrupting your life, Overcoming Addiction will guide you toward healing. Counselor Brad Hambrick provides a 9-step framework to help you reclaim your life and experience the freedom God wants for you. Find hope as you learn to be honest with God, yourself, and others.

Includes:

• 9-step model that gives gospel hope for those whose alcohol and/or drug use has overtaken their life.
• In depth resource for churches and individuals to use for addiction support groups.
• A resource in the Church-Based Counseling series, built on the G4 model of subject-specific, lay-led counseling groups, designed to help churches create sustainable lay counseling ministries.

Overcoming Addiction: 9 Steps Toward Freedom Church-Based Counseling Series
by Brad Hambrick
July 29, 2024 / Retail Price: $18.99
Print ISBN:978-1-64507-429-8
Religion / Christian Ministry / Counseling & Recovery

For review copy and interview information, contact:  Audra Jennings, audra@newgrowthpress.com

An additional seven awards were presented to Baker Publishing Group authors

Ada, Mich. (June 5, 2024)—On Wednesday, May 29, Eva Marie Everson presented the 2024 Selah Awards at a gala event held at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Ridgecrest, North Carolina. This event took place on the final evening of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.

Revell author Cindy K. Sproles was selected as the first place winner in the Historical/Biblical category and also received the Selah Book of the Year award in the Fiction category for This Is Where It Ends. Each year, Selah Book of the Year designations are awarded to the highest-scoring titles in each of the three categories, including Nonfiction, Fiction, and Children.

An additional seven awards were presented to Baker Publishing Group (Bethany House and Revell) authors.

For a complete list of the 2024 Selah Award winners, please visit https://www.blueridgeconference.com/selah-award-winners-2024/.

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Contemporary Romance AND First Novel (First Place in both categories)

Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet
Bethany House; October 24, 2023; ISBN 9780764240959

With her two boys off to college, forty-year-old Julia Monroe intends to expand her cleaning business in New Orleans, but God seems to have other plans. Samuel Reed, the ruggedly handsome Green Beret who broke her heart more than twenty years ago, has returned to town, and he’s determined to win her back.

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General Fiction (First Place)

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner
Bethany House; September 26, 2023; ISBN 9780764242007

Pete is content in his simple life in a remote Montana town, but elderly widow Wilma is busy meddling in Pete’s life to make up for past wrongs. When the sister Pete was separated from as a child shows up, Pete must confront a difficult past, and Wilma discovers her long-awaited chance at redemption may come at too high a price.

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Historical/Biblical (First Place)

This Is Where It Ends by Cindy K. Sproles
Revell; June 27, 2023; ISBN 9780800740795

Widow Minerva Jenkins has lived alone in her small mountain home for 40 years where she has guarded her husband’s deathbed request. When a young reporter comes calling and inquires about a rumored box of gold on her property, an unlikely friendship forms. Will she go to her grave with her husband’s secret, or will the weight of it be the death of her?

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Historical/Biblical (Third Place)

The All-American by Susie Finkbeiner
Revell; July 11, 2023; ISBN 9780800739362

In this 1950s coming-of-age story, two sisters are left reeling when their father is accused of being a member of the Communist party. Bertha finds a haven with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Flossie finds herself in an unexpected friendship. Both are about to discover how much good there is in the world—even in the hardest of circumstances.  

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Historical Romance (First Place)

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel
Revell; February 21, 2023; ISBN 9780800741747

The only home Brianna Kelly has ever known is Ballymacool Boarding School, but when the son of local gentry arrives at the school to deal with his unruly niece, an unexpected discovery uncovers the truth about her past—and the key to her future.

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Mystery/Suspense (First Place)

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House; April 4, 2023; ISBN 9780764238345

In 1870, orphaned Daisy Francois takes a housemaid position at a Wisconsin castle and finds that the eccentric Gothic authoress inside hides more than the harrowing tales in her novels. In the present day, Cleo Clemmons uncovers an age-old mystery, and the dust of the old castle’s curse threatens to rise again, this time to leave no one alive to tell its sordid tale.

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Audio Books (First Place)

With Every Memory by Janine Rosche
Revell; June 6, 2023; ISBN 9780800742959

After a tragic accident robs her of the last nine years of memories, Lori Mendenhall comes home to a family completely different than she remembers. As her memory returns and past secrets resurface, it will take all of them to repair what’s been broken and find a new future together.

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The Selah Awards, which began in 1999, recognizes and celebrates excellence in Christian writing in a variety of categories and is organized by the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Baker Publishing Group offers their congratulations to all the Selah Award winners.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

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.

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

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 2024—Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, proudly announces Gary Thomas’s award-winning book, When to Walk Away: Finding Freedom from Toxic People (978-031-034-6760), has surpassed 100,000 copies sold across print, digital, and audio formats (including Spanish).

Webster Younce, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Books, remarked, “Reaching this milestone is a wonderful indication of the ongoing impact of Gary’s work. We are proud to be his publishing partner as he continues to create rich, transformative, life-giving material addressing marriage, parenting, and spiritual formation, among other areas.”

When to Walk Away, published in October 2019, draws from biblical and modern stories to equip readers to handle toxic people and live true to their God-given purpose. Using experience from years serving as a pastor, Thomas offers biblical and applicable takeaways for learning the difference between difficult and toxic people, how to find refuge in God when feeling attacked, and how to discern when to walk away from a toxic situation. Additionally, he equips readers to keep a tender heart in unhealthy relationships and encourages them to grow their inner strength and invest in reliable people. He encourages readers to realize that saying no to bad patterns means saying yes to the good work God has planned for them.

When to Walk Away has been highly praised by endorsers such as Focus on the Family president Jim Daly, New York Times bestselling authors Jennie Allen and Jefferson Bethke, and John Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of the Boundaries series and founder of the Townsend Institute for Leadership and Counseling. Townsend says, “Gary Thomas has done a masterful job of showing us how and when to confront toxic people in the right way, how to guard one’s heart, and, most importantly, when to walk away. His comprehensive treatment of the many times Jesus chose to leave a person or a situation provides overwhelming encouragement and help in learning to love well, truth well, and behave well. Highly recommended.”

In addition to its sales milestone, When to Walk Away was the winner of the 2020 Resource of the Year Award from Outreach Magazine in the Counseling and Relationships category.

Gary Thomas has authored twenty books that have together sold more than two million copies. His next title is tentatively slated for release in fall 2025.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Amanda Woods at amanda.woods@harpercollins.com.

Gary Thomas’s writing and speaking draw people closer to Christ and closer to others. He is the author of twenty books that together have sold more than two million copies and have been translated into more than a dozen languages. These books include Sacred Marriage, Cherish, Married Sex, and the Gold Medallion-award winning Authentic Faith.  Gary holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Western Washington University, a master’s degree in systematic theology from Regent College (Vancouver, BC), and an honorary doctor of divinity degree from Western Seminary (Portland, OR). He serves as a teaching pastor at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:  Amanda Woods, Publicity Director, Zondervan Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Amanda.Woods@HarperCollins.com