Carol Stream, Ill. — (August 23, 2023) — The Body Revelation by Alisa Keeton, which released on June 13, 2023, from Tyndale Refresh, quickly skyrocketed to bestseller standing. In the week following release, the title debuted at #16 on the Publishers Weekly Bestsellers list in the hardcover nonfiction category. It also debuted at #16 on Evangelical Christian Publisher’s Association’s (ECPA) Christian Bestsellers list for July 2023, reflecting the previous month’s sales.

In addition to achieving national bestseller status, The Body Revelation was featured in July on GMA3’s Faith Friday segment, where Alisa discussed the integration of faith and fitness.

In The Body Revelation, Alisa Keeton proposes that what we do with our bodies can have a dramatic positive effect on our emotions, relationships, and our connection with God. Additionally, she shows us how to use our bodies as a means of healing past pain and promoting physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Of this bestselling release, executive publisher-at-large Jan Long Harris shared, “The Tyndale Refresh team could not be prouder of Alisa and the early success of The Body Revelation. It’s clear that Alisa’s holistic approach to well-being and integration of faith and fitness to heal past shame is resonating with readers in a way that will lead them from body shame to body freedom. We look forward to cheering on the continued long-lasting impact of Alisa’s work for years to come.”

Alisa Keeton is a wholehearted pursuer of God’s love in heart, mind, soul, and strength. A fitness and wellness profes­sional for over 30 years, she is the founder of Revelation Wellness, a nonprofit ministry that uses physical and mental health practices to spread the gospel by inviting participants to become integrated and whole beings through biblical teachings, on-line events, productions, and in-person retreat experiences. Alisa is the author of The Wellness Revelation and Heir to the Crown and hosts the popular Revelation Wellness podcast with over 7 million downloads. Alisa lives in Phoenix with her husband, Simon, and they have two children, Jack and Sophia. As a family, they are on a mission to change the world with the kind and courageous love of God.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com.  Photos from Good Morning America courtesy of ABC/Heidi Gutman.

Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.

Contact: Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com, 630.784.5125

Frankfurt am Main, August 23, 2023 – Bookwire is proud to announce the upcoming digital summit, “All About Multi-Format Publishing,” a groundbreaking virtual conference that brings together industry experts, thought leaders, and publishing enthusiasts to explore the intersection of technology and storytelling. Embrace the future as we dive into the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of digital storytelling, exploring the latest trends, insights, and strategies that are reshaping the industry.

Join us on Tuesday, September 13th, at 3 PM (CT), for an immersive experience as renowned experts and thought leaders converge to share their knowledge and experiences. Discover the correlations between data trends and sales, explore innovative retail models, and unlock the secrets to synchronizing workflows to overcome publishing challenges.

The summit will kick off with an enlightening session by our CEO, Jens Klingelhöfer, as he takes the stage to provide invaluable insights into the current state of audiobook and ebook publishing. Jens will shed light on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry, with a particular focus on the dynamic US market.

Trends in Multi-Format Publishing in the US

Kristen McLean, from Circana, will lead a session that uncovers the latest format shifts and consumer behaviors in the US market. With an industry history spanning over 600 years, McLean’s session will illuminate how the market reacts to new technologies, behaviors, and global events. Attendees will gain insights into shifts in share among formats, the impact of younger consumers, and the content areas driving the market’s growth. McLean’s expertise will provide attendees with valuable perspectives on what lies ahead for multi-format publishing.

Synchronizing Workflows: Overcoming Publishing Challenges

Brian O Leary, from BISG, will share insights from a study that delves into workflow improvement and best practices. Leary’s session will highlight the intricate interplay between process, technology, and organizational structure in publishing workflows. Attendees will discover how changes in one aspect affect the others and gain practical insights to overcome common publishing challenges.

AI and Multi-Format-Publishing: A Journey into the Future of Publishing

Thad McIlroy, a prominent figure in the publishing realm and author of “The Future of Publishing”. McIlroy’s session will delve deep into the transformative role of AI algorithms in reshaping content creation, curation, and distribution strategies. Attendees will discover innovative techniques that are propelling the industry forward, from personalized reader experiences to optimized marketing campaigns. McIlroy’s engaging session promises to be a captivating exploration of the convergence of technology and storytelling, providing publishers with a roadmap to navigate the AI landscape and thrive in the digital age.

Unlocking Publishing Success: Aligning Data, Strategy, and Workflows with Bookwire

The summit will culminate in a dynamic panel discussion featuring all speakers, along with Greg Voynow, Head of Domestic Content Partnerships at reading subscription service Scribd. Moderated by Brittyne Lewis, Country Manager Bookwire US, the panel will explore the transformative potential of collaboration in the publishing industry. Attendees will gain insights into how data, strategy, and workflows intersect to unlock success in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

The Bookwire Digital Summit’s “All About Multi-Format-Publishing” is a unique opportunity for publishers, authors, marketers, and anyone interested in the future of publishing to learn from industry visionaries and thought leaders. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights, innovative ideas, and a renewed perspective on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of multi-format publishing.

The event will be conducted in English and participation is free of charge. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.all-about-multi-format-publishing.com/.

About Bookwire & “Bookwire OS – One Solution”
Bookwire GmbH was founded in Frankfurt in 2010 as a service provider for publisher distribution of eBooks and digital content. It has since become one of the leading international businesses in digital publishing technology. Bookwire currently employs 150 people in Germany, the UK, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico and the USA, who take care of more than 2,500 publishers in the fields of eBooks, audiobooks, podcasts and Print-on-Demand. The pioneering software “Bookwire OS – One Solution”, launched in 2019, has delivered, analyzed and marketed around 800,000 eBooks and 200,000 audiobooks in all relevant distribution channels. In addition to the latest customer analytics and pricing technology, publishing clients of Bookwire GmbH also have access to individual support from account & marketing managers who look after the clients from end to end. In 2019, the audiobook production solution “We Audiobook You” (WAY) bagged the business the first “Digital Publishing Award” in the field of B2B solutions. Bookwire GmbH is managed by its founders Jens Klingelhöfer and John Ruhrmann, and has branches in Barcelona, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, New York and Paris, in addition to the company headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and the “Digital Hub” in Dortmund.

For media inquiries and interview requests, please contact:
David Breitwieser Alfaro, Corporate Communications Manager Bookwire, david.alfaro@bookwire.de 

 

 

Bestselling author Bianca Juarez Olthoff pens “Grit Don’t Quit,” a remarkable journey of triumph and resilience

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.)—In her new book, GRIT DON’T QUIT (August 29, 2023 / HarperCollins Christian Publishing), Bianca Juarez Olthoff delivers more than inspiration. The bestselling author entices audiences to acquire grit, develop resilience, and discover perseverance, no matter what.

What started off as Bianca Juarez Olthoff’s journey to answer her own deep-seated need to become more resilient is now a message that’s evolved into a key part of her life’s work as a bestselling author, thought leader, and speaker. Her latest book, Grit Don’t Quit, finds Juarez Olthoff drawing on her own experiences and those of others to provide practical advice and inspiration. Writing with a tenacity that’s determined to ignite strength and commitment in her audience, she warmly offers insights and strategies for developing the mindset and habits needed to succeed.

The book has already received high praise from readers and reviewers alike. “Bianca Juarez Olthoff has done it again,” said one reviewer. “Her words are powerful and inspiring, and this book is a must-read for anyone looking to develop grit and resilience.”

With an action-step approach, each chapter’s “The Nitty Gritty” section contains a summary of key principles, a related passage of the Apostle Paul’s wisdom from the bible, and a prayer for the reader.

Through heartfelt teaching and companionship, audiences will:

• Discover the three P’s of Resilience and how to identify and cultivate perseverance
• Understand neuroscience and how to train the brain to become more resilient
• Develop a theological framework for rebounding from loss
• Learn to find the blessings, even in life’s inevitable unfairness
• Apply practical principles to increase emotional, mental, and spiritual strength
• How to embrace resistance as a tool to gain wisdom and robustness in life and work
• Make the decision to resist the lies of failure and keep on getting up
• Reap the rewards of staying the course

Through scripture, science, actionable steps, and plenty of personal accounts and psychological nuggets from Juarez Olthoff, audiences will be activated to develop the grit they desire in their life and career. Whether looking to take that next step in continuing an education, pursuing a passion, or landing that dream career, this book is a guide to GO FOR IT. With signature style, Juarez Olthoff inspires audiences to not stop before the finish line, tap into their deep-seated strength and learn how to persevere with purpose through life’s fieriest situations.

Quotables from Juarez Olthoff:

“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll stay where you’ve always been. That’s not resilience; that’s resignation.”

 “Research shows that self-compassion is a determining factor in whether life events become setbacks from which you don’t recover or stepping stones on the path forward.”

“Grit and perseverance help us to develop more than the ability to wait. They help shape the way we behave while we’re waiting.”

Bianca Juarez Olthoff is a bible-teaching, word-slanging MexiRican who is passionate about raising up a generation of people passionate about Jesus Christ. As an author, speaker, and podcaster she knows the power of words and wields them wisely. As a church planter and leader, she is committed to proclaiming the gospel domestically and internationally.

Inspiring keynote will gather the industry to kick off online program offered in six publishing tracks — designed to inspire, connect, and train the Christian publishing professional

TEMPE, ARIZ., AUGUST 28, 2023 – Karen Wright Marsh will deliver the keynote — Wake Up to Wonder in your Publishing Role —  to kick off the industry’s fall training program, ECPA PubU Online, on Friday, October 27 at 10 am central.

Karen Wright Marsh is the author of Wake Up To Wonder: 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Every Day (Brazos, 2023) and Vintage Saints and Sinners: 25 Christians Who Transformed My Faith (IVP, 2017) and hosts the Vintage Saints and Sinners podcast. She is the executive director and cofounder of Theological Horizons, a ministry that supports Christians and seekers in academia by providing a welcoming community for engaging faith, thought and life.

“The wear and tear of ordinary life brings us all face-to-face with our own precarity,” states Marsh. “We – and our readers — need steady inner grounding, now more than ever.”

ECPA PubU Online will include over 40 webinars, master classes, and networking sessions in several training tracks for Design, Editorial, Marketing, Production & Operations, Rights, and Children’s Literature – offered from October 27 to November 13.

A committee of industry leaders, forming the event’s Brain Trust, develop each track.  They recently introduced their programs in this video.

Early bird registration is in effect until September 29, at $109 per person, for an all access pass to sessions, networking meet-ups, and recordings, offered on the Whova platform.  ECPA publishers are encouraged to take advantage of the lower training costs that the online program offers, and identify a broader swath of staff to participate.  The program will be offered online every other year to broaden its reach and accessibility.  Next year’s event will be held in-person in  Chicago.

ECPA PubU Online will continue its Emerging Leader mentorship program, offering scholarships to up-and-coming industry leaders, with an emphasis on under-represented voices in the industry. Each recipient will be matched with an industry mentor for a year-long mentorship program.  Nominations are accepted until September 22.

Schedule and program information is available at ECPAPubU.org.  All sessions and speakers will be posted soon.

For the first time, program includes optional add-ons for personal publishing consultations

August 28, 2023, Tempe, AZ – Registration is open for The Christy Award program events — including the four-part ART OF WRITING webinar series for writers, publishers, creatives, and fans — held every Thursday evening from October 19 to November 9.  The cost is $69 for all sessions and recordings.  The event is sponsored by ECPA, on behalf of its member publishers in Christian fiction.

Acquisition editors from major fiction publishers, literary agents, and award-winning authors will gather each Thursday to present the following four webinars, designed for both aspiring and published writers in Christian fiction:

Dispelling the Myths Around Christian Fiction with Kelsey Bowen (Revell), Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook), and Rachel McMillan (author and agent)

How Great Books Can Improve Your Novel and Your Life with Claude Atcho (author/pastor/arts writer) and Jamie Lapeyrolerie (WaterBrook)

Publishing Doesn’t Have to Terrify You! with Stephanie Broene (Tyndale House), Laura Wheeler (HarperCollins Christian Publishing), Tamela Hancock Murray (author/agent), and Barb Roose (author/agent)

Going Deep with Award-Winning Authors with Becky Wade (Christy Hall of Fame novelist) and Christy Award winning author, Patricia Raybon.

Unique to this year as optional $29 add-ons for Art of Writing attendees, are small group consultations with publishers and agents around these topics:

• Pitch & Publish| Practice your pitch in front of an editor and small group. Come away with immediate feedback to take your pitch to publication.
• Ask Me Anything| Like the famed Reddit and Twitter quick-fire sessions, this is your chance to do that with an editor, agent, and established author. Come ready with your questions.
• Strengthen Your Proposal & Get Your Foot in the Door| Share your proposal in a small group with a publisher/agent. Come away with feedback on the areas you need to strengthen to deliver your proposal to publication.
• Calling All Debut Authors| Hear from a debut author and editor on how their fears were allayed, and their thoughts on best practices as you walk through the early stages of publishing.

The series is bookended by The Christy Award® Finalist Reveal & Winners Gala webcasts.  The Christy Award Finalist Reveal webcast will be held on Thursday, October 12 with award-winning novelist and radio announcer CHRIS FABRY and ECPA’s JEFF CROSBY at 11 am central.

The Winners Gala webcast will be held on Thursday, November 16 at 7 pm central, recognizing the finalists and announce the winners of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award.  Hosted by the winsome Chris Fabry, the Gala will feature two literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors JANETTE OKE and DAVIS BUNN.

Award presenters will include Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green, Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck, and Kara Swanson.

Both the finalist and winners webcasts are free but registration is required.

Register at https://christyawards.com/registration.html.
Complete information is at TheChristyAward.com.

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ECPA (Evangelical Christian Publishers Association) is an international non-profit trade organization comprised of member companies that are involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities within the industry and throughout multiple channels so that our members can more effectively produce and deliver transformational Christian content. ECPA.org

The Christy Award® is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999, and is named for Catherine Marshall’s novel, Christy, which has sold over 10 million copies since its publication in 1967. ECPA assumed ownership and administration of the award in 2017 to focus and grow the unique opportunity of fiction in Christian publishing.  TheChristyAward.com FB ChristyAward TW @ChristyAward  IG @thechristyaward

Media contacts:
Jeff Crosby, ECPA President and CEO, jcrosby@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 101
Cindy Carter, ECPA Awards & Recognition Manager, ccarter@ecpa.org, 480-966-3998 ext. 103

 

Grand Rapids, MI, Aug. 2023 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is pleased to announce the release of two New International Version (NIV) Bibles designed to help men and women navigate the challenges of today’s society – Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women and Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men.

“We are so pleased to make these new editions available to readers, knowing each one is tailored to meet the unique needs of men and women,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “With an emphasis on using Scripture to refute the myths men and women believe, we are hopeful these Bibles will speak God’s wisdom into readers’ hearts and help them see themselves as the Father sees them – as wholly and fully loved.”

Drawing on the truths of Scripture, the features in each Bible strengthen readers with insights and encouragement for the issues they face. In Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women, readers are introduced to 30 women from the Bible who offer frank insights from the best and worst of theirlives. Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men, features factoid-filled profiles highlighting the strengths and weakness of 50 biblical men. Each edition contains myths articles that expose commonly accepted myths of our culture —misconceptions about love, relationships, God, fulfillment, sex, faith, and identity. These resources combine to offer readers the knowledge, strength, and clarity to navigate life’s challenges with God’s Word as their guide.

Palm Bay, FL: The 2023 American Christian Fiction Writers conference at St. Louis, Missouri’s Hyatt Regency at the Arch included the much-anticipated Awards Gala spotlighting this year’s Christian fiction industry awards.

Author, instructor, and writing craft resource expert James Scott Bell was honored with ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. ACFW CEO Colleen Coble notes that “James Scott Bell has influenced so many experienced and up-and-coming authors in their careers. His engaging teaching and communications skills complement his devotion to our craft.”

Among other recognitions, congratulations are due these Carol Award winning authors for taking top honors in their category along with their publishing houses and editors.

Contemporary
The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen; Kregel Publications; Editors Dori DeVries Harrell and Janyre Tromp

Historical
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Barbara Barnes and Vicki Crumpton

Historical Romance
Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Luke Hinrichs and Jessica Sharpe

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healey

Novella
While Mortals Sleep (O Little Town collection) by Janyre Tromp; Kregel Publications; Editor Christina Tarabochia

Romance
Turn to Me by Becky Wade; Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group); Editors Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr

Romantic Suspense
Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editors Vicki Crumpton and Jessica English

Short Novel
Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn; Love Inspired (Harlequin); Editor Dina Davis

Speculative
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck; Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media); Editor Reagen Reed

Young Adult
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes; Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins); Editor Becky Monds

Debut Author
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold; Revell (a division of Baker Publishing Group); Editor Rachel McRae 

ACFW congratulates the winners of the 2023 Genesis Contest for as yet unpublished Christian fiction:

Contemporary–Leslie DeVooght – The Heartfelt Formula

Historical–Jacinta Meredith – A Picture of the Past

Historical Romance–Erin Mifflin – A Child So Fair

Mystery/Suspense/Thriller–Cindy Rieke – In the Name of Treason

Romance–Lisa Kelley – Last Wish for Tomorrow

Romantic Suspense–Elaine Clampitt – High Altitude Abduction

Speculative–Andra Loy – Inverse

Young Adult–Andra Loy – Echo of Secrets

Also announced during the Awards Gala were the following:

Agent of the Year–Steve Laube (The Steve Laube Agency)

Editor of the Year–Becky Monds (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)

Volunteer of the Year–Rachel Hauck

Mentor of the Year–Tari Faris

The Martha Rogers Member Service Award–Brandilyn Collins

Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award—Gabrielle Meyer, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.

ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.”

For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 15, 2023) — Forefront Books, a Nashville-based independent book publisher, has announced the hiring of Becky Nesbitt as Publisher of her own imprints and Associate Publisher for Forefront Books. Nesbitt most recently was Editorial Director and Executive Editor at Penguin Random House.

“Becky is a trusted colleague and longtime friend as well as one of the most respected editors in our industry,” said Forefront Books’ owner, Jonathan Merkh. “I’m personally thrilled to have her on my team and looking forward to what she will add to our company.”

Nesbitt joins Forefront with over 30 years of experience gleaned from editorial roles at Simon & Schuster, Penguin Random House, and Tyndale House Publishers. “Jonathan has assembled an incredible, forward-thinking team and I’m excited to be a part of it.”  Nesbitt said.  “I’m thrilled to contribute to such an innovative and successful model of publishing.”

Forefront Books was recently named Publishers Weekly’s second-fastest growing independent publisher. With a sales growth of 216% over two years and an increase in title count from 21 books a year in 2020 to 39 in 2022, Forefront’s growth is projected to continue beyond 2023.

Current key titles for the publisher include Dark Future, by Glenn Beck, which charted again this week on the New York Times bestseller list, as well as John C. Maxwell’s newest work, The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication.

Forefront Books is a unique publishing company that caters to the most successful men and women in their respective fields – the thought leaders, the visionaries, the pioneers, the business owners, and the entrepreneurs who have a compelling story to tell – and delivers a world-class end result from a team which has helped create more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including seven number one bestsellers. To learn more about Forefront Books, visit https://www.forefrontbooks.com.

Dr. Emily Smith helps readers live out one of Jesus’ greatest commands through ‘The Science of the Good Samaritan’

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan (Aug. 3, 2023) – Dr. Emily Smith, global health expert and creator of the popular Facebook page Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist, encourages readers to change the world through the simple act of loving their neighbor in her new book, The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors (Zondervan, Oct. 24, 2023).

Through The Science of the Good Samaritan, Smith outlines practical steps for individuals to live out the principles of Jesus’ Good Samaritan parable through the story’s three themes of centering, cost and courage. She weaves together fascinating stories of faith at work in the Bible, in her life and in the lives of others to inspire readers to think and act in a way that redefines their concept of “neighbor.”

“Jesus reveals to us that anyone who lives on the margins is the neighbor,” said Smith. “This book will show that truly being a neighbor goes way beyond simply donating food or money. It’s the ‘and also’ way of neighboring. It’s about doing the good things like donating food or money and also changing our hearts and posture to match those deeds. It’s about shifting our perspectives away from being just good enough to living into a life of neighboring that comes as naturally to us as thirst. It’s a radical shift in our thinking and worldview that will transform us into different people.”

An epidemiologist and Christian, Smith became known as the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic when she created a Facebook group to share science-based updates on what was unfolding and remind individuals what it means to love your neighbor as the Good Samaritan did.

What started as a project for a few friends and family members quickly developed into a page with tens of thousands of followers. But as the page grew and Smith continued sharing her knowledge, she learned the cost of centering on the neighbor, which for her included harsh criticism, loss of her friends and community, and threats on her and her family’s personal safety.

“There’s a cost in shifting our worldview and actions to match,” Smith said. “It’s hard, disorienting, lonely, vulnerable. It’s full of loss and pain. It’s messy and can feel long. But there’s something on the other side. There’s a courage that helps us be neighbors Jesus talked about despite the cost.” In the book, Smith notes that that loving your neighbor can be done anywhere by anyone and emboldens readers with biblical and real-world examples of how to be courageous in their neighboring journey.

The Science of the Good Samaritan releases Oct. 24, 2023, from Zondervan. For more information visit faithgateway.com.

Dr. Emily Smith is an assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine/surgery at Duke University and at the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI). During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also became known as the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist through her social media outlets which reached over 10 million people in 2020-2021. Before joining the faculty at Duke University, Smith spent four years at Baylor University in the department of public health and was a research scholar at DGHI for two years. Dr. Smith received her PhD in epidemiology from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill and a MSPH from the University of South Carolina. Smith has been married to her pastor-husband for 20 years and they have two fantastic children, one spoiled golden retriever and a new very-friendly golden doodle puppy.

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Kristin U. Cole kristin@kcolecommunications.com 615-289-6701

The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole is a powerful resource that helps children understand spiritual warfare and conquer overwhelming feelings

(COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, children are experiencing an increase of anxiety and depression at unprecedented levels. The challenges they encounter and feelings they experience can be overwhelming, leaving their hearts in need of comfort, and parents searching for resources to help their children cope and heal.

David C Cook, a leading publisher of Christian books and resources, announces the release of The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole by Beth Guckenberger. This poignant tale offers solace and strength to children in times of distress and anxiety and introduces young readers, ages 4 to 8, to the concept of spiritual warfare in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable.

“I wrote this book for the son of a good friend who struggles with overwhelming and hard feelings about his story,” explains Guckenberger. “I wanted him to understand no matter how attacked his heart might feel, or how loud the voices are, God is more. He’s more big, more strong, more present, more powerful.”

Guckenberger’s book addresses the reality of evil in the world in a way that is approachable and empowering for children. Beautiful illustrations and Bible verses weave a story of how God’s words of truth have the power to mend our hearts, no matter how overwhelming our emotions might feel.

The book is part of the StrongHeart Stories series, which focuses on teaching children how to use Scripture to engage in spiritual battles when their hearts are hurting.

The Heart Who Wanted to Be Whole is published by David C Cook, releases September 5, 2023, and is available for preorder now.

About the Author and Illustrator:

Beth Guckenberger is a recognized expert in children’s ministry, having served for thirty years in education and child welfare. As the co-founder and co-executive director of Back2Back Ministries, she has extended her reach to create transformative change in orphan care globally. With a rich background as an author of 12 books and a mother to 11 children, including biological, foster, and adopted, Beth’s profound insights have guided her impactful work. Beth’s engaging presence as a speaker at conferences, youth gatherings, and churches further solidifies her deep and diverse influence in children’s ministry.

Illustrator Irina Mileo was born in Tuscany and lives there with her family, including her strange cat Sir Boo and her beautiful baby girl. Trained as an engineer, Irina now constructs imaginative, colorful worlds for children, just like the worlds that so inspired her as a child.

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

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Beth Guckenberger is available for interviews. To schedule, please contact Cathy Herholdt at cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org.