MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., April 2025 – Popular audiobook narrator, Mark Smeby, celebrates two Christian Book Awards finalists in the audiobook of the year category:

• My Utmost For His Highest written by Oswald Chambers, published by Our Daily Bread
• How Great Is Our God written by Chris Tomlin, published by K-Love Books

Combining his extensive background as an actor, writer, radio announcer, and musician, Smeby has narrated roughly 125 audiobooks over the past decade, including numerous titles for authors Louie Giglio, Lee Strobel, Donald Miller, Randy Frazee, Rick Warren, Chris Hodges, and Kyle Idelman.

“I couldn’t be more proud to receive recognition like this from the ECPA for my voice work on these two titles,” Smeby added. “As a freelancer, I’m grateful when any author or publisher selects me to record their books, but these two were special.”

Both nominated titles were produced by ONE Audiobooks of San Marco, CA, and engineered by Steve Kaul at Wild Sound Recording Studio in Minneapolis, MN.

Jeremy Park, COO, ONE Audiobooks, said this about Smeby, “The audiobooks we produce are written by real people, and require a real person behind the mic. Mark brings an interpretation that is never forced or over-the-top. Maybe the sneakiest-good narrator out there.”

Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978, the Christian Book Award® program honors the “best of the year” in 12 categories. Award winners will be announced during a celebration on April 29, 2025 in Nashville, TN.

Contact:  Mark Smeby, mark@marksmeby.com

Abilene, TX — Faithful Defiance chronicles the extraordinary life of Marshall Keeble, one of the most influential evangelists in the Churches of Christ during the twentieth century. Passing away in April 1968, the same month as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Keeble’s remarkable 55-year ministry saw him baptize over forty thousand individuals and establish more than three hundred congregations across the United States. Known for his steadfast commitment to evangelism, Keeble mentored many leaders, including civil rights attorney Fred Gray.

Despite his groundbreaking evangelistic work, Keeble’s life remains complex. While he faced constant racial prejudice and never openly defied segregation, his dedication to faith and personal morality took precedence over politics, creating a legacy that continues to spark discussion. Keeble’s quiet resistance to the injustices he faced, alongside his enduring focus on spreading the gospel, serves as a powerful example of faith-driven perseverance.

Faithful Defiance offers fresh insights into Keeble’s life, revealing how his legacy continues to influence and challenge both religious and social spheres today.

“We best understand our times and ourselves by looking to history and giants of the faith. We learn how they navigated their troubled times, modeling how to serve faithfully. We learn from their victories and their mistakes. This volume is a shining example of high-impact historical analysis and biography informing our current, divisive, times. Be inspired by Marshall Keeble’s life and faith. Be challenged. Consider how to apply the lessons of this fascinating volume in your life. You will be thrilled you did.” —Michael O. Emerson, Chavanne fellow in Religion and Public Policy, the Baker Institute for Public Policy, Rice University; coauthor of Divided by Faith and The Religion of Whiteness 

Leonard Allen serves as dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University in Nashville. He taught theology, ethics, and philosophy for many years at Abilene Christian University, Biola University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and John Brown University. He has spoken widely on college campuses and in churches over the past thirty-five years on biblical, historical, and theological themes. He is the author of numerous books, including, The Cruciform Church, Distant Voices, Things Unseen, Poured Out, and most recently, The Bookroom: Remembrance and Forgiveness—A Memoir. 

Faithful Defiance
By C. Leonard Allen
April 2025, Softcover
160 Pages, $18.99
ISBN: 9781684262144

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com

April 2025 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) has announced that Genesis Marketing will serve as its new sales representation group for Christian independent stores and the gift market, starting May 1, 2025.

“Genesis Marketing has a reputation for building and maintaining strong relationships with their clients and retailers, and that excites us as we look to expand IVP’s readership,” said Shane White, IVP’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Publicity. “As we continue to publish more gift and IVP Kids titles, including more than one hundred trade and academic books each year, we are looking forward to having Genesis Marketing introduce our books to both longtime and new readers through their extensive networks.”

Based in Greenville, South Carolina, Genesis has been in business since 1970 and represents inspirational gift manufacturers and publishers to the retail market. Genesis has a team of seventeen full time reps that visit, call, and sell to four thousand retailers each year. Other companies they represent include DaySpring, Harvest House Publishers, Tyndale House Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and more.

“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with IVP to help expand the audience and reach of their resources within the independent retailer channel,” said David Stockard, President of Genesis Marketing. “IVP has a rich and storied history in Christian publishing, and their commitment to producing high-quality, thought-provoking, and transformative books has made them a trusted name in the industry for decades. As we work together, our shared mission to provide Christians with the tools they need to grow in their faith and live out their calling will drive everything we do.”

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

Brentwood, Tenn., April 10, 2025 — Seven titles published by Lifeway Christian Resources and its imprint, B&H Publishing Group, have been honored as finalists for the upcoming Christian Book Awards.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) named 70 finalists for the 2025 Christian Book Award (CBA) program on April 3. The Christian Book Award program recognizes the highest quality in Christian books and Bibles and is among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.

“Each of these titles represents the hard work, passion and faithfulness of our authors and the incredible Lifeway and B&H teams,” said Devin Maddox, publisher at B&H Publishing Group. “Their dedication to excellence in Christian publishing is truly inspiring. We are thrilled to see these efforts recognized and celebrated by the ECPA.”

Two Lifeway releases were honored as finalists in the Bible study category: “Ephesians: A Study of Faith and Practice” by Jackie Hill Perry, Jasmine Holmes and Melissa Kruger and “Luke in the Land: Walking with Jesus in His First-Century World” by Kristi McLelland.

B&H Publishing Group imprints—Holman Bibles, Holman Reference, B&H Kids and B&H Books—received recognition in various categories.

• The “CSB Oswald Chambers Bible” and the “CSB Men’s Daily Bible” by general editor Robert Wolgemuth were finalists in the Bible category.
• “Habakkuk: The Christian Standard Commentary” by Susan Maxwell Booth was recognized in the Bible Reference Works category.
• “When God Makes Scribbles Beautiful” by Kate Rietema and illustrated by Jennie Poh was a finalist in the Children’s category.
• “Advent for Exiles” by Caroline Cobb was recognized in the New Author category.

The CBA finalists represent the work of 29 Christian publishers and imprints across all categories. The winner in each category along with the 2025 Christian Book of the Year will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration, April 29, in Nashville, Tenn.

“It’s always a joy to recognize excellence in Christian publishing as we reveal the finalists for these prestigious awards,” said ECPA President Jeff Crosby. “I extend my sincere congratulations to all authors and publishers who have been recognized and look forward to our celebration together in Nashville.”

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.

Holman Bibles is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high-quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the award-winning CSB Explorer Bible for Kids and The She Reads Truth Bible and the Rainbow Study Bible with over 3 million copies sold. Holman Bibles is a division of B&H Publishing Group.

Media Contact:  jill.waggoner@lifeway.com 

 

April 2025 | LISLE, IL—Inspired by their IVP Kids book Zion Learns to See, the father-daughter writing team of Terence and Zion Lester are turning their written words into action with Zion’s Closet, a resource to benefit students whose families are experiencing homelessness or in transient housing and parents trying to make ends meet.

The first closet is launching this month at William M. Finch Elementary in Atlanta, Georgia. This impactful initiative is the result of a partnership between Larry Nance Jr. of the Atlanta Hawks and Love Beyond Walls, the organization that Dr. Terence Lester founded to raise awareness about poverty, homelessness, and community mobilization.

“Zion’s Closet represents a shared vision to offer a supportive and inclusive environment as well as an essential resource hub to help schools address the needs of students who are impacted by extenuating circumstances beyond their control,” said Lester. “Our goal is to have Zion’s Closets installed in as many schools as possible throughout Georgia and expand to other states as well.”

According to the Kids Count Data Center, 18 percent of school-aged children in Georgia live under the federal poverty threshold. Zion’s Closet aims to bridge the gap by providing access to essential items for students from kindergarten to high school, easing the financial burden on families and helping students focus on their education.

The concept of Zion’s Closet is rooted in Lester’s personal experience with homelessness and his commitment to community advocacy. Reflecting on a pivotal moment at Love Beyond Walls, Lester recalled seeing a young girl in tears because she was being bullied for wearing the same uniform every day.

“As I left the school that day, deeply moved, I contemplated how we could expand our closet initiative and educate other students to be more empathetic and kinder. It became clear that we needed to teach them about the various challenges their peers might face at home, a lesson that ideally should come from their parents and caregivers.

“This experience underscored the importance of instilling compassion and understanding in children from an early age. Without instilling values such as love, compassion, justice, dignity, mercy, and grace, we risk raising a generation indifferent to the hardships of others.”

Lester shared, “Zion Learns to See represents more than just another book project; it’s a deeply felt journey of embedding crucial life lessons in our children, with the hope that such empathy is shared with other children, too.”

Inspired by real-life events, Zion Learns to See tells the story of how Zion went to work with her dad and quickly discovered that a day at the community center brought new and wonderful people into her life. She learned about people experiencing homelessness and was ultimately moved to respond.

Zion was 7 then. She is now 16 and has become a dedicated community leader, writer, and speaker. From volunteering at Love Beyond Walls to inspiring her peers, she remains committed to serving others.

“From a young age, I’ve been actively involved in serving those experiencing homelessness through my dad’s organization, participating in various projects like organizing collections, conducting food giveaways, setting up closets in schools, and discussing the issue with peers,” Zion said. “My parents have always taught me that we love our neighbors as ourselves and we put God first. Loving others is an act of service, and serving is crucial because it extends God’s love to others and treats people with dignity, affirming their worth regardless of their circumstances.”

In support of Love Beyond Walls, InterVarsity Press (IVP) has committed $5,000 to Zion’s Closet. IVP will also donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of Zion Learns to See to support Zion’s Closets in schools.

“For many years Terence Lester has partnered with IVP to share stories that highlight poverty and homelessness, emphasizing the importance of truly seeing and serving those who are often overlooked and go unseen,” said Terumi Echols, President and Publisher of InterVarsity Press. Lester is also the author of I See You, When We Stand, All God’s Children, and the forthcoming From Dropout to Doctorate.

Echols added, “We’ve witnessed these books in action through the initiatives of Love Beyond Walls, including Zion’s Closet. We are honored that Terence and Zion have shared their hearts with us in words, and we are humbled and inspired to support their ongoing work in this way.”

Check out this video to learn more information about Zion’s Closet. Visit Love Beyond Walls to support this initiative.

Contact:  Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

 

PRH Christian Publishing Group welcomes Nicole Grimes to the Creative Services team as Senior Designer, Adult Jacket Program, reporting to Jeff Miller, Art Director.

Grimes joins PRH Christian’s growing team with a wealth of cover design experience.  She has a great history at Tyndale House Publishers, where she cultivated a rich knowledge of book design and publishing across various genres from children’s books to fiction and non-fiction, as well as Bibles and Bible studies. Grimes loves nothing more than taking a book’s concept and bringing it to life on a cover. Her unique perspective as seen on Unashamed, by Jessie Minassian, and clever visual ideas like on The Happiness Dare will add exponential energy to PRH Christian’s already thriving Adult Jacket Program.

Most recently, Grimes has managed the creative team at Bigby Coffee as Associate Creative Director. Her collaborative spirit, quick wit, and servant attitude will be a great asset to our growing Creative Services Team.

Grimes graduated with honors from Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology and resides in Michigan.

PRH Christian is a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.

Beloved Daystar Counseling Pups Equip Kids 4-7 Years to Overcome Common Fears

Nashville, TN—Who let the Daystar dogs out? Beloved Daystar Counseling dogs, Lucy and Owen, star in their first children’s book series, The Daystar Dogs. These full-color illustrated children’s books equip parents to help little kids navigate big emotions. Veteran counselors and bestselling authors Sissy Goff and David Thomas share their fur-clad companion’s stories of overcoming fear and the scary unknown with hopeful encouragement, practical tools, and heartwarming storytelling.

The first two books in the Daystar Dog series are written for children ages 4-7 and are entitled Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage and Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: A Lesson in Resilience. Both will be releasing in early May 2025.

The third and fourth books—Happy Finds Her Calm: A Lesson in Self-Control and Pippa Learns to Share the Spotlight: A Lesson About Jealousy —will be available in November 2025.

Lucy and Owen’s stories of building courage and resilience speak to the heart of what little children need emotionally, socially, and spiritually to overcome fear—love and friendship. As the puppies, and the kids they help, navigate hard situations, children will discover how to regulate emotions, develop necessary social skills, and discover the difference each puppy—and child—can make. The end of both books contains a list of “Helpful Conversation Starters” for adults to help the beloved children in their lives to name and process difficult feelings.

Sissy Goff is the Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee, where she works alongside her puppy counseling assistant-in-training, Patches the Havanese. Since 1993, she has been helping girls and their parents find confidence in who they are and hope in who God is making them to be. Sissy is a sought-after speaker for parenting events across the country and is a frequent guest on media outlets including NBC News, CNN, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, and Christianity Today. She is the bestselling author of 14 books including her first full-color children’s book, Lucy Learns to be Brave: A Lesson in Courage. She is the co-host of the 11 million+ downloaded podcast, Raising Boys and Girls. A transplanted Razorback who lives in Nashville, you can follow Sissy on Instagram @raisingboysandgirls and @sissygoff. Website: Raisingboysandgirls.com

David Thomas is the Executive Director of Daystar Counseling Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the co-author of eleven books, including his first full-color children’s book, Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: A Lesson in Resilience. He is an in-demand speaker and frequent guest on national television and podcasts and has been featured in publications like The Washington Post and USA Today. He is the co-host of the 11 million+ downloaded podcast, Raising Boys and Girls. He and his wife, Connie, have three adult children, a new son-in-law, a soon-to-be daughter-in-law, and a yellow lab puppy named June. Follow David on Instagram @raisingboysandgirls.

Bethany House is a division of Baker Publishing Group. Bethany House has been publishing high-quality books for more than 60 years. Recognized as the pioneer and leader in Christian fiction, Bethany publishes over 75 new fiction and nonfiction titles annually in subjects including historical and contemporary fiction, Christian living, devotional, family resources, and theology. Bethany titles are frequently found on national bestseller lists.

Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, 832-247-9308

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Owen Learns He Has What It Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
By David Thomas
May 2025 | ISBN 978-0764243462 | Hardcover | $17.99 | 32 pages

Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
By Sissy Goff
May 2025 | ISBN 978-0764243455 | Hardcover | $17.99 | 32 pages

 

 

APRIL 2025 — The Brain Change Program by Dr. Alan Weissenbacher, published by BroadStreet Publishing Group, has been nominated as a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the New Author category. Dr. Weissenbacher is one of 70 finalists representing the best in Christian publishing. The winners across 12 book and Bible categories will be announced at the ECPA Awards Celebration on April 29th in Nashville, during the ECPA Leadership Summit.

The Brain Change Program: 6 Steps to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life provides a practical six-step approach to improving mental health, strengthening spiritual life, and developing Christlike character. With expertise in addiction therapy, theology, and neuroscience, Dr. Weissenbacher presents lifelong strategies for reshaping brain pathways, staying motivated through setbacks, identifying triggers, and reframing emotions.

“I wrote this book to help people control and guide their thoughts and behaviors, becoming more Christlike and encouraging others to do the same,” says Dr. Weissenbacher. “By understanding our brain and emotions, we can transform our minds, overcome sin, and reflect the fruit of the Spirit.”

After studying biology and attending seminary, Dr. Alan Weissenbacher served as a chaplain to the homeless at the Denver Rescue Mission. Moved by the struggles of those he helped, and motivated to enhance Christian rehabilitation, he pursued a doctorate in neuroscience and spiritual formation at the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences in Berkeley. His research focused on exploring how scientific insights into the brain could improve addiction recovery and spiritual formation. He has been interviewed by a variety of media outlets including CBN, LIFE Today, In the Market with Janet Parshall, Point of View Radio, Sirius XM Radio, Cornerstone Television, several Moody stations, and many more.

The Brain Change Program book cover was designed by Chris Garborg of Garborg Design Works under the art direction of Michelle Winger of BroadStreet Publishing. 

The Christian Book Award® program has recognized the highest quality in Christian books since 1978 (originally called the Gold Medallion Award). Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design and impact, the Christian Book Awards are the oldest and among the most prestigious awards in religious publishing.

About BroadStreet^® Publishing: BroadStreet^® Publishing Group is a Christian book publisher that creates meaningful, inspirational products that share God’s truth with quality, beauty, and creativity. Its imprints include Belle City Gifts, BroadStreet Español, BookStreet, and BroadStreet Kids. BroadStreet publishes The Passion Translation (TPT), which has sold over 1.5 million copies, as well as Bible study materials, biographies, Christian living nonfiction, devotionals, journals, gift books, planners, children’s books, and accessories for books and Bibles. Learn more at www.broadstreetpublishing.com.

CONTACT:  Suzanne Niles, Suzanne.niles@broadstreetpublishing.com

 

 

“If I was only to have written one book, this would be it!”  -Bear Grylls

Seasoned explorer and author Bear Grylls is embarking on one of his greatest challenges yet: to make known to the world the life story of a man who altered the course of history.

In The Greatest Story Ever Told: An Eyewitness Account – which will be published globally in summer 2025 – the much-loved adventurer retells the astonishing story of Jesus as you have never heard it before in a thrilling, fast-paced narrative.

Son. Teacher. Friend.
Rebel. Renegade. Redeemer?

Written in the first person as a series of eyewitness accounts by five people who knew him best, The Greatest Story Ever Toldfollows the events of Jesus’ life, from Mary’s visit from the Angel Gabriel through to Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. As we walk alongside Jesus’ mother Maryam, and his friends Ta’om, Shimon, Yohannan, and Maryam from Magdala, we experience through their eyes the words and actions of this extraordinary man, the reactions of those who encounter him, and the many lives that he transforms through his teachings.

“Being Yeshua’s mother was the greatest privilege afforded any woman, but also potentially the most painful.”

The Greatest Story Ever Told publishes in the US on 22 July 2025 and in the UK on 19 June 2025. In the UK, the book was pre-launched by Bear at Flame 2025 at Wembley Arena London on 15 March to an enthusiastic reception from over 10,000 young people and youth leaders. It will be featured at Spring Harvest in April 2025, as well as at other events and conferences in the UK and the US during 2025.

Churches across the world are being encouraged to read the book together as part of Hodder’s book club, The Big Church Read, formed in partnership with St Andrew’s Bookshop – and then to share the book with their local communities.

“That was the way of Yeshua. Topside down. Bottom side up. Turning the tables and rewriting conventional thinking. His was a revolution of love.”

Andy Lyon, Publishing Director at Hodder Faith, bought world rights from Caroline Michel at PFD. “Hands down, this will be the biggest book Hodder Faith has ever published,” he said. “The story of Jesus is one that needs retelling in every generation, in every culture, and nobody does it like Bear. For readers who have never picked up a Bible, this story will be enlightening from an historical perspective, but it will also offer them hope and prompt them to ask questions about who Jesus really was. For Christians, The Greatest Story Ever Told offers a fresh perspective on the familiar story – as well as a great way to talk to their friends and family about the life of Jesus!”

“You believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”

Bear Grylls OBE is probably the most recognisable face of adventure on the planet. His books have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, including the number 1 bestselling Mud, Sweat and Tears. He is a former 21 SAS soldier, who went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers of Mount Everest, despite breaking his back in a free-fall accident only months earlier. Bear’s TV shows include the legendary Discovery channel show MAN Vs WILD and the hit show RUNNING WILD with Bear Grylls, now in its eighth season on National Geographic Channel and Disney Plus. He also hosts two hit Netflix series, You Vs Wild and BEARHUNT where Bear trains celebrities in jungle survival then tests if they can evade him! He is a double Emmy and BAFTA award winner and is Chief Ambassador to 55 million Scouts worldwide. He is married to Shara and they have three sons. His books for Hodder Faith include Mind Fuel, Soul Fuel for Young Explorers, and Mind Fuel for Young Explorers, as well as the new scouting handbook Do Your Best.

The Greatest Story Ever Told will be published in the US on 22 July 2025 as a hardback (9781399820141) by Hodder Faith at $19.99. In the UK, it will be published by Hodder & Stoughton on 19 June 2025 as a B format hardback at £14.99. Bulk discounts will be available for churches via www.greateststoryevertoldbook.com.

Bear has some availability for media interviews and to take part in events linked to this book.

For media enquiries and review copy requests, please contact:
US: Kaitlyn Shokes (kaitlyn.shokes@johnmurraypress.co.uk)
UK: Rhoda Hardie (Rhoda.hardie@hodder.co.uk / +44 781 542 7111)

 

Abilene, TX — God has created you with a beautiful, wondrous, and powerful spiritual center. But you are not alone if you don’t understand how to take control of your inner life. You don’t have to live in the shallow end or be stuck on cruise control. Coasting through life always leaves you wishing for more and wreaks havoc on your emotional, mental, and spiritual health. If you’re tired of living this way, Beyond the Shallows can show you God’s tools to dig yourself out of the muck.

Beyond the Shallows offers your heart a guide to spiritual freedom, emotional maturity, deeper intimacy with God, wisdom in relationships, and confidence in your sense of purpose. Learn to grow in these areas and find proven ways to understand your heart and its motives. Get unstuck and begin to live with deep purpose, authenticity, and fulfillment.

“Jason Hundley’s new book is a tender but strong study of the heart and the issues we face as we try to grow in our spiritual maturity. The goal is to know God’s heart and ours more deeply. Beyond the Shallows focuses on God’s heart for us and his presence with us as we seek him.”
—Dr. Helen B. McIntosh, EdD, author of Messages to Myself, Mended, I Love You, Mom!, and I Love You, Dad!

Jason Hundley is a lighthearted, passionate, and vulnerable communicator. Using his voice as an author, speaker, songwriter, and worship leader, he helps people go into deeper relationships and experiences with God and the people in their lives. He has well over a decade of ministry experience and loves building communities that honor God, along with his wife, Emily, and their four children.

Beyond the Shallows
By Jason Hundley
April 2025, Softcover
208 Pages, $17.99
ISBN: 9781684260935

Media Contact:  Kaylin Graves, publicity@leafwoodpublishers.com