GRAND RAPIDS, MI — On March 7, 2025, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference announced the finalists for their annual Selah Awards. Three Kregel titles were named finalists.

Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap is a finalist in Contemporary Romance. This rom-com follows a group of four quirky retirees, dubbed the “Shippers,” on a never-ending round of cruises. Their mission? To matchmake young singles onboard. This laugh-out-loud story features lovable characters, over-the-top situations, and a dash of mystery.

The Tangled Tale of the Woolgathering Castoffs by Sharon Mondragón is a finalist in Women’s Contemporary. Full of humor and heart, this book wrestles with the loneliness of being the forgotten spouse of a dementia patient, moving past fear and into the love and compassion that can make all the difference.

Coal Black Lies by Cindy K. Sproles is a finalist in Historical/Biblical Fiction. When coal miner Joshua Morgan loses his young daughter to the iron-fisted Barton family and the Company Store, he wrestles with forgiveness and justice. When a sweet but slow-witted girl appears on his doorstep, Joshua is overwhelmed with a desire to protect her, and an unbidden need for vengeance.

The full list of finalists can be found here.

The mission of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference is to inspire writers to connect with God, other writers, and industry professionals as they embrace their calling with excellence. The Selah Awards open each year and accept books that were published within the last calendar year, from January to December, and include books published traditionally and nontraditionally.

Kregel Publications is an evangelical Christian publisher that aims to develop and distribute—with integrity and excellence—trusted, biblically based resources that lead individuals to know and serve Jesus Christ.  www.kregel.com

Contact:  Publicity Department, 616-451-4775, publicity@kregel.com

 

MARCH 23, 2025 — Bunmi Ishola, Senior Editor with the Penguin Random House Christian Publishing Group, has acquired two new children’s picture books for WaterBrook written by Tasha Jun, author of TELL ME THE DREAM AGAIN, with illustrations by paper cut collage artist Shelley Hanmo.

The first, YOU ARE A POEM, slated for publication in Spring 2027, offers an ode to every child’s ancestry, culture, ethnicity, and all the things that make them God’s masterpieces—or unique poems—based on a verse in Paul’s letter to Ephesians.

SOUP IS A LOVE LETTER is scheduled for Spring 2029, and centers on a Korean American girl who thinks about all the different ways we give and receive love after seeing a love note in a classmate’s lunch box.

The deal for world rights was brokered by Jevon Bolden at Embolden Media Group on behalf of the author and Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency on behalf of the illustrator.

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

Rights queries: Denise Cronin, decronin@penguinrandomhouse.com

 

We are delighted to announce that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) has been shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards 2025. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place at Grosvenor House, London, on Monday 12th May.

SPCK 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 (IVP) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.

The British Book Awards said of SPCK:

“SPCK has been in books for well over three centuries now, and it bounced back from a tough few years with record sales in 2024. It was the result of putting more effort behind fewer titles, excellent author brand-building and sharp increases in exports, rights and co-editions. SPCK is showing itself to be a modern as well as venerable publisher, with smart use of digital content and progress on DEI and sustainability”

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK, said:

“We are thrilled to have been nominated for Independent Publisher of the Year 2025. This decision is testament to an excellent 2024 that saw us deliver a 20% increase in sales. SPCK is so proud to have been included among such a brilliant list of fellow independent publishers at the British Book Awards in 2025, all of whom embody the remarkable diversity and strength of independent publishing”.

Wendy Grisham, Deputy CEO of SPCK, said:

“This nomination is testament to our fantastic books and authors, as well as the teams at SPCK, whose hard work and expertise have brought these titles into the world. 2024 was a year of standout bestsellers for us, including Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer and Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith by Dr Selena Stone, which reflects a renewed interest in shaping our lives around liturgical rhythms”

SPCK CEO Sam Richardson is available for interview.

Press contact:  Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk; 07494430503 

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 2025 – Zondervan Books, a leading publisher of Christian literature, announced the addition of Rachel Shaver as Vice President of Marketing. Zondervan Books is the home to multiple award-winning books and bestselling authors including Rick Warren, Lee Strobel, Dr. Anita Phillips, Shauna Niequist, Craig Groeschel, Gabe and Rebekah Lyons, Lecrae, Andy and Sandra Stanley, Chrystal Evans Hurst, and Justin Whitmel Earley.

Shaver joins the company with expertise across entertainment and publishing including record labels, agencies, large corporations, non-profits and publishers. Most recently, she worked at City On A Hill Productions and Lifeway Christian Resources.

She has spent the last several years building vision and strategy for the development, management and marketing of both B2C and B2B products and services.

“Not only does Rachel bring a high level of skill and expertise to our team but her enthusiasm and commitment to Christian book publishing is sure to advance our mission,” said Daniel Marrs, Vice President and Publisher for Zondervan Books. “I’m confident her leadership of our marketing team and efforts will enable Zondervan to continue delivering excellent service to our current and future award-winning, bestselling authors.”

As Vice President, Marketing for Zondervan, Shaver will use her vast experience in client management, social strategy and building new brands and companies from the ground up to lead creative strategies to expand awareness and engagement for Zondervan’s roster of authors and titles.

“I love working with people to create lasting impact, which is why I am excited to join Zondervan,” said Shaver. “I look forward to using my passion and creativity to serve our team and authors well as we together publish books that persuade and transform the wider world.”

Shaver has three kids she lovingly refers to as “the mafia.” Though a Memphis, Tennessee native, she has lived all over the U.S., and is proud to now call Nashville, Tennessee home.

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 www.zondervan.com.

Contact:  Zondervan Books, ZBooksPR@HarperCollins.com

THE MAKER OF THE MOUNTAIN RELEASES APRIL 15TH

NASHVILLE, TENN. (MARCH 19, 2025) Authors, musicians, and husband-and-wife Tim Nicholson and Sandra McCracken are set to release the children’s illustrated book, The Maker of the Mountain, on April 15th (B&H Publishing). Click here to pre-order this sweet book.

Readers will follow Little Brown Bear on an adventure to find the mountain maker and discover what He is like. Along the way, the bear meets new friends who share that the maker is like a bridge, gate, rock, and boat. And He’s always there to light our way home. Perfect for story time or bedtime, The Maker of the Mountain will leave children feeling loved by their strong, compassionate God and comforted to know Him better.

“This little book, The Maker of the Mountain, was born out of conversations with our young son about what God is like,” shares the authors Sandra and Tim. “Pulling from the nature images we see in scripture and weaving them in with Fia Tobing’s timeless illustrations, we have loved seeing this project come to fruition.”

Sandra and Tim as parents themselves write where good stories, music, and faith meet. They live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their children and two family dogs named Gershwin (after the songwriter) and Willow (after the tree).

Title: The Maker of the Mountain
Author: Sandra McCracken and Tim Nicholson
ISBN: 9781430097471
Format: Hardcover
Price: $14.99
Pub Date: April 15, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Sandra McCracken is a prolific songwriter, modern-day hymn writer, and record producer. She is a dynamic performer whose captivating, soulful sound invites audiences to sing along and moves listeners at the deepest levels. Many of her songs, like “We Will Feast In The House Of Zion” and “Thy Mercy My God,” have settled into regular rotation in Christian worship services internationally. She has also written songs recorded by All Sons And Daughters, ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, Audrey Assad, A Rocha Compilation, Bifrost Arts, Caedmon’s Call, and others. Sandra is a founding member of Indelible Grace Music and Rain For Roots (children’s music) and has been a guest writer for Art House America, She Reads Truth, The Gospel Coalition, Christianity Today, RELEVANT Magazine, and more.

Tim Nicholson has worked as a church musician, a Christmas ornament salesman in Harrods, and a whitewater guide. He previously authored a series of music appreciation textbooks. Tim is an Eagle Scout and enjoys running marathons and triathlons, cooking, outdoor adventure, jazz, and baseball. Tim is married to Sandra, and they live in Nashville, Tennessee, with their children and two dogs.

Lake Mary, FL – Embolden Media Group, the literary agency representing author, Joshua Giles recently announced that his latest book, When God Speaks: Thrive in Uncertain Times and Gain Confidence for Your Future debuted at number eight on the New York Times bestseller list in the Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous category.

Published on March 4, 2025, by Chosen Books, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group, When God Speaks debuted on the NYT bestseller list a week after release and number six on Publishers Weekly Top Hardcover Frontlist Nonfiction bestsellers list.

The book offers practical, transformative insights on how readers can hear God consistently, understand His future plans and apply divine wisdom to their lives and world.

“I was so focused on sharing the book’s message that I was totally surprised to see that I made the New York Times Bestseller List,” said Giles, founder and lead pastor of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center. “My team and I are deeply grateful and amazed to see so many people embracing the book and its message.”

Jevon Bolden, CEO of Embolden Media Group shared her excitement about the books success and said, “I am thrilled that it was this book—When God Speaks—that made the list. It is an incredibly important message bringing hope, clarity, and direction at a critical time in our world.” She added, “Joshua approached me in September 2019 with a commission from God to ‘mainstream the prophetic.’ He told me, ‘I’ve seen what you’ve done with authors—John Eckhardt and Michelle McClain Walters—I want you to do the same with me.’ Since then, the work has been God-led, strategic, and incremental. Joshua is focused and works harder than most would realize. This is a well-deserved acknowledgment.”

Already a best-selling author on ECPA, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today best-seller lists, Giles is set to expand his impact with a new publishing partnership with Penguin Random House Christian Publishing, which will release two new books starting in Spring 2026.

Embolden Media Group is a boutique literary agency and publishing consulting firm representing some of the most engaging, transformative, and authentic voices in our culture including several USA Today, Publishers Weekly and ECPA best-selling authors. Founded in 2017, Embolden Media Group is a market leader in cultivating and amplifying the works of women writers, authors of color, and forward-thinking creators whose diverse ideas move the world.

Joshua Giles is the lead pastor and founder of Kingdom Embassy Worship Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and founder of Joshua Giles Ministries and the Mantle Network. A sought-after speaker and instructor, he has traveled the world, advising government officials, dignitaries and national leaders seeking prophetic counsel.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact: woodley.auguste@theawarenessagency.com

Equipping Children to Conquer Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith and Courage

New Middle Grade Book Highlights the Armor of God and Spiritual Heroes to Help Readers Take Down Dragons

Cape Cod, MA—March 14, 2025—Parents need every tool available to help raise children with a Christian worldview in a world with a decaying moral compass. Studies show that 64 percent of born again Christians make a decision for Christ before their 18th birthday. One new tool available to parents is Dragon Slayers: The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters by Joyce Denham, featuring illustrations by Kristina Kister.

Dragon Slayers takes real-life problems—anxiety, bullying, self-doubt, grief, fear, and more—and turns each one into a formidable dragon, and provides weapons to defeat them.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind book—part training course, part dragon-identification manual, part hero stories—that enables kids to recognize the ‘dragons’ attacking them and then equips them to overcome those assaults,” said Joyce Denham, author. “Guided by Sir Wyvern Pugilist, a fictional (often cranky) narrator, readers enter the interactive and creative Land of Dragons, becoming intimate friends with the Dragon Slayer, who is Jesus.

“This book takes kids seriously, building their resilience and hope as they face life’s challenges. It’s a wholly new and exciting introduction to Christian faith, growing kids into lifelong Dragon Slayers.”

Dragon Slayers is more than just a book; it is an adventure for each reader rooted in biblical truth. Sir Wyvern Pugilist takes readers on a journey of discovery in Dragon Slayers. Not only does Sir Wyvern help them understand the dragons one could meet in life and explain how they might attack them, but he also teaches readers how to defend themselves against them. Readers learn about Jesus, the ultimate dragon slayer, as well as the Trinity, Armor of God, and many heroes of the faith such as Peter, Paul, Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, Martin Luther King Jr., and many more.

“In a world where kids face dragons of fear, doubt, and temptation every day, this book is more than an adventure—it’s a battle plan for spiritual strength,” said Lillian Miao, director, Paraclete Press. “By blending Scripture with the thrill of adventure, Dragon Slayers equips young readers with the armor they need to stand strong and provides them with tools that will help them talk to a trusted adult about their struggles.

“Through the wisdom of great spiritual warriors of old, like St. Paul, Francis of Assisi, and Martin Luther King Jr., and the power of God’s Word, this book empowers kids to face life’s challenges with courage and unwavering trust in God. More than just a book, it’s a call to action for the next generation of faithful warriors,” Miao added.

Joyce is available to speak about the following themes found in Dragon Slayers:

• Tips for parents to raise children in the Christian faith.
• Heroes of the faith (the life and lessons of Apostle Paul, St. Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, and more)
• Key spiritual concepts (such as divine rescue, hope, courage)
• The Armor of God & the Trinity (and how parents can help children understand the significance of both)
• Jesus – the ultimate dragon slayer

Dragon Slayers is not only a tool every parent should add to their arsenal, but also a
must-read for children, empowering them to face life’s challenges with unshakable faith and courage.

About the Author
Joyce Denham is an internationally published author and speaker, known for her books on Celtic Christianity, prayer, and saints. A literature teacher by profession, she is passionate about Biblical storytelling, teaching at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Edina, MN, and leading spiritual retreats. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband, Pete.

About the Illustrator
Kristina Kister is a German illustrator and character designer whose work spans children’s books, animation, and commercial art. With a distinctive style blending geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and hand-drawn textures, she brings the world of Dragon Slayers to life with stunning visuals.

Paraclete Press is the publishing outreach of the Cape Cod Benedictine community, the Community of Jesus. Presenting a full expression of Christian belief and practice, Paraclete reflects the ecumenical charism of the Community and its dedication to sacred music, the fine arts, and the written word.

Media Contacts:
Jennifer Valk, Valk Strategies, jen@valkstrategies.com
Danielle Bushnell, Paraclete Press, danielleb@paracletepress.com

 

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Interview Questions:

1. How did you come up with the concept for Dragon Slayers?
2. In Dragon Slayers, you use dragons to explain obstacles in life like fear, anxiety, greed, lying, etc. Why do you think it is easier for kids, and adults alike, to understand an issue when it is used in this format?
3. What do you think is the biggest obstacle parents face today in raising kids in faith? How does Dragon Slayers help parents counter this obstacle?
4. How are you personally reflected in Dragon Salyers?
5. Was there a particular dragon that was harder to write about than any of the others?
6. Dragon Slayers does a wonderful job of introducing big spiritual concepts—like the Trinity and The Armor of God—in a way young minds can understand. Why was it important to include these things in the book?
7. One theme in Dragon Slayers you reference a lot is encouraging the young slayers to talk to trusted adults about the dragons they are fighting. What tips do you have to help parents show the children in their life they can trust them and talk to them?
8. What do you hope readers take away from Dragon Slayers?

 

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 What others are saying about Dragon Slayers:

“What a clever and engaging way to help young readers understand the real battle against sin and temptation! The author creatively equips children with the tools of our faith, showing them how to guard their souls and fight against evil by following the example of the saints that fought before us. A fantastic blend of imagination and spiritual truth, this book makes the reality of spiritual warfare both accessible and inspiring for kids.” –Casey Pawelek, Bestselling Author of Look and Learn

“Dragon Slayers reminds me of Pilgrim’s Progress, transforming a life of faith into an epic adventure. It’s fun but quite serious, and for those captivated by dragons it may do a world of good.” –Tim Stafford, award-winning author of more than 30 books, a regular contributor to Christianity Today and Campus Life magazines, and co-editor of The Student Bible

“Dragons are everywhere. They have always plagued our land. If you want to learn to recognize them and slay them, then Sir Wyvern’s great manual, Dragon Slayers, is for you. Sir Wyvern has slain thousands of dragons and helped train thousands of slayers. I know, because I am one of them (not one of the dragons, one of the slayers.)” –Sir Rolland Paterlot, author of the 7 Deadly Dragons book series, and president of the non-profit Extraordinary Mission (Sir Rolland is also known as John R. Wood, author of Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission)

“When Sir Wyvern Pugilist, the famed dragon slayer of old, puts out a clarion call for new warriors, sign me up! Dragon Slayers, The Essential Training Guide for Young Dragon Fighters is a charming, imaginative, and thoroughly inspiring manual, not only for battling fictional wyrms but also the real ‘dragons’ that assail us all in life. Transformative truths and training for the young and young at heart!” –Wayne Thomas Batson, Bestselling Author of The Door Within Trilogy, The Myridian Constellation, and Outcast

“This is a beautiful book in every respect. Denham’s insight and intelligence shines through on every page, beautifully enhanced by Kister’s artwork. Dragon Slayers is a delightful read for children and adults alike.” –Ross Lawhead, author, and graphic novelist

 

A Seasoned Marriage helps couples in the second half of life navigate the unique challenges that arise with growing older together.

AVAILABLE MAY 12, 2025

Life is different than it was on your wedding day years ago. You are different, your spouse is different, and so is your marriage. In the middle and later decades of life, we all face situations we didn’t think about as young married couples such as maintaining relationships with adult children, planning for retirement, navigating health struggles, preventing marital monotony, and investing time into the lives of our grandchildren.

With warmth and wisdom, pastor Larry McCall encourages readers that these new challenges can be blessings and are all wonderful opportunities to grow in your care for one another as you reflect the love of Christ. In the face of the next season of life, it is possible for your relationship to grow even sweeter.

• Learn to navigate launching adult children, wrapping up your career, caring for aging parents, and facing new financial challenges.
• Embrace change as your roles and responsibilities shift and as you look to the future for new opportunities to serve with the hope of the gospel.
• Includes questions for personal reflection or group discussion.

A Seasoned Marriage: Living the Gospel in the Middle Years and Beyond
by Larry E. McCall
May 12, 2025 / Retail Price: $16.99
Print ISBN: 978-1-64507-500-4
Religion / Christian Living / Love & Marriage

Larry E. McCall, DMin, has served as a pastor at Christ’s Covenant Church of Winona Lake, Indiana since 1981 and also serves as the director of Walking Like Jesus Ministries. He has written a number of articles and is the author of several books, including Grandparenting with Grace and A Seasoned Marriage. Larry has been married to Gladine since 1975. They have three married children and seven grandchildren.

Learn more at wljministries.org.

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

 

Ada, Mich. (March 12, 2025)—Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is pleased to announce that ECPA bestselling author Beth Allison Barr has reached a significant sales milestone. Her first book, The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth, released in April of 2021, has reached 100,000 copies sold. In The Making of Biblical Womanhood, Barr shows that “biblical womanhood” isn’t biblical but arose from a series of clearly definable historical moments, and she presents a better way forward for the contemporary church.

The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587434709, $19.99p, Ebook ISBN 9781493429639)

Barr has a new book releasing with Brazos Press on March 18, 2025:
Becoming the Pastor’s Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman’s Path to Ministry
(Brazos Press, ISBN 9781587435898, $24.99c, Ebook ISBN 9781493447848).

Katelyn Beaty, editorial director of Brazos Press says, “Brazos is thrilled to see the historically fascinating and spiritually compelling message of The Making of Biblical Womanhood reach so many readers. We trust that this sales milestone is the first of many for Barr.”

Beth Allison Barr (PhD, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is James Vardaman Endowed Professor of History at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she specializes in medieval history, women’s history, and church history. Her work has been featured by NPR and The New Yorker, and she has written for Christianity Today, The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News, Sojourners, and Baptist News Global. Barr lives in Texas with her husband, a Baptist pastor, and their two children.

Brazos Press publishes books that creatively draw upon the riches of the Christian story to deepen our understanding of God’s world and inspire faithful reflection and engagement.

Contact:  Shelly MacNaughton  (616) 450-5560

 

PRH Christian Publishing Group is delighted to announce the addition of two key roles to the publishing team. Jeff Miller is joining as Art Director, and Rebecca Schriner is the new Assistant Director of Publicity, both starting March 17.

“As we continue to grow our division, I am thrilled that Jeff and Becca are joining our Creative Services and Publicity teams, respectively,” said Campbell Wharton, SVP and Publisher PRHCPG. “Jeff’s immense talent as a designer is going to be a huge asset for our authors and books as we build out the best-in-class design department for our adult program. Becca’s extensive knowledge of the Christian and mainstream media landscape will be valuable assets as we guide our authors in taking them to the next level. We warmly welcome them both to PRH Christian.”

As Art Director, Miller will oversee the adult jackets program in the Creative Services department, reporting to Kristopher Orr, Creative Director. Miller comes from the award-winning Faceout Studio where he has been the Associate Creative Director for the last 18 years. Miller holds multiple awards from ECPA’s Top Shelf Book Cover competition that include Darkness Calls The Tiger, Biblical Typology, The Plurality Principle, Gun Lap, Running from Mercy, A Light So Lovely, What Blooms From Dust, and others. Over his impressive career, he has developed jackets for such notable books as How to Fast by Reward Sibanda, A Good Life by Pope Francis, Kevin DeYoung’s Crazy Busy, Jon Acuff’s Soundtracks, the repackage of Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages, and many, many more. His vast experience across genres makes him well-rounded and able to tackle any project that comes his way.

Miller holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Oregon State University in Applied Visual Arts, and resides with his family in Redmond, Oregon.

Schriner will lead publicity campaigns for titles across all PRH Christian’s imprints and will report to Beverly Rykerd, VP, Publicity Director. Becca was with Zondervan where she has been a Publicity Manager working on campaigns for recent releases such as Melissa Dougherty’s Happy Lies, Lee Strobel’s Seeing the Supernatural, and Gov. John Kasich’s upcoming Heaven Help Us. Previously, Schriner was a Publicist at Baker Publishing Group for Bethany House and Chosen Books, working with such authors as Tara-Leigh Cobble, Manny Arango, and Joshua Giles. She got her start in publicity at Torchflame Books, handling fiction and nonfiction titles. Schriner has a background in planning and executing innovative media campaigns that bridge Christian and mainstream audiences.

Schriner is an ECPA Emerging Leader Mentor and has spoken at ECPA events. She holds a master’s degree in public relations from Ball State University and a bachelor’s from Taylor University in professional writing. Schriner lives in Minneapolis, Minn.

WaterBrook, Multnomah, Image, and Forum are imprints of PRH Christian Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House, LLC.