Join travel writer Angie Orth on a journey of self-discovery as she empowers readers to buck expectations, take leaps of faith, and trust that God’s plan is better than anything we think we want for our lives.

Angie Orth should have had at least 2.5 kids by now—everyone else back home did. Despite a successful PR career in New York, Angie was failing at the roles she was born to play—those of submissive wife and grandchild incubator. Without a potential husband in sight or the hope of a photogenic brood to show off, she was beginning to wonder if God forgot about her.

With her thirtieth birthday looming, Angie was at a crossroads. Should she hightail it home to find a man like a “good girl” or continue running the rat race in New York City and hope for the best?

Orth chose Plan C: Escape! She quit her job, launched a travel blog, and booked a one-way ticket to the South Pacific while her Southern family gnashed their teeth in protest. But the timing couldn’t have been worse for a solo trip: she found herself dodging tsunamis, earthquakes, revolutions, grabby men, and incessant DMs from her worrywart relatives over a journey that spanned five continents. In the midst of her global misadventures, Orth’s hilarious, vulnerable journey of faith and wanderlust demonstrates that God’s plan is so much more creative than society’s expectations.

Fasten your seatbelt for this sassy, relatable memoir about living life unscripted yet still on mission. By the time readers turn the last page of Flirting with Disaster, they’ll feel empowered, knowing God’s vision is better than anything we think we want—or are supposed to want—for our lives. And they’ll be ready to take on the world in their own way.

Angie Orth is a writer and speaker best known for her travel and lifestyle website, Angie Away, and travel series The Jet Sisters. She’s a recovering PR agency publicist, former New Yorker, current Floridian, hesitant risk-taker, and allegedly, a grown-up. She’s covered travel for AFAR, Cosmopolitan, Buzzfeed, Lonely Planet, The Today Show and Destination America. Angie has visited more than 60 countries and she absolutely does not have a favorite so please don’t ask.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI (March 8, 2024)—On March 6, 2024, the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference announced the finalists for their annual Selah Awards. In this announcement, twelve Baker Publishing Group fiction titles were selected as finalists, including seven titles from the Revell division and five titles from the Bethany House division.

Two of the twelve combined titles received the honor of being named in multiple categories. Julia Monroe Begins Again (Rebekah Millet) is a finalist in both Contemporary Romance and First Novel, and The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass (Katie Powner) was named in both the General Fiction and Audiobooks categories. The winners will be announced at the Selah Award ceremony on May 29, 2024, during this year’s Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

The Selah Awards were created by the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference to celebrate the best in Christian writing, with a focus specifically on published works (either traditionally published or independently published). The awards open each year and accept entries that have been published within the last calendar year, from January to December.

Finalists by category are:

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CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese (A Fog Harbor Romance, #1), Bethany House; April 2023

After a meeting jeopardizes Ingrid Erikson’s career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But when the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters offers her a sealed envelope from her late best friend, Ingrid is sent on a hunt for a hidden package and must confront her past before she can find the healing she’s been searching for.

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Cape Cod Creamery, #2), Revell; May 2023

Callie Dixon sets her goals and reaches them—so how did this executive chef end up in a small ice cream shop on Cape Cod, sharing a room with her cousin and refusing to set foot in the kitchen? It will take the charm of a young boy, and his quiet, steady father, to help her find the answers—and maybe the secret to happiness.

Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet (Beignets for Two, #1), Bethany House; October 2023

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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FIRST NOVEL

Julia Monroe Begins Again by Rebekah Millet (Beignets for Two, #1), Bethany House; October 2023

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

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

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 OR BIBLICAL FICTION

Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith, Revell; February 2023

Eve has spent all of her days in the Garden, exploring with Adam and walking with their Creator—until the day everything changes. Suddenly she faces darkness she has never before experienced. How will she find the courage to face the unknown future and trust in the promises God has given?

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

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 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.

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

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 ROMANCE

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

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

Cold Pursuit by Nancy Mehl (Ryland & St. Clair, #1), Bethany House; July 2023

Former FBI profiler River Ryland suffers from PTSD after a serial killer case gone horribly wrong and has opened up a private investigation firm with Tony, her former colleague. Their first job is a cold case, but when the past comes back to haunt them, there’s a killer on the loose with River in their sights, set on finishing the job they started.

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

In 1865, orphaned Daisy Francois takes a housemaid position and finds that the eccentric Gothic authoress inside hides more than the harrowing tales in her novels. Centuries later, Cleo Clemmons uncovers an age-old mystery, and the dust of the old castle’s curse threatens to rise again, and this time, leave no one alive to tell its sordid tale.

 

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ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Countdown by Lynette Eason (Extreme Measures, #4), Revell, August 2023

Flight paramedic Raina Price’s past has marched back into her present—and it wants to kill her. With a stalker who knows her well determined to end what he started, US Marshal Vince Correlli vows to protect her at all costs—even if ends his career.

 

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AUDIOBOOKS

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

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.

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

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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Baker Publishing Group is pleased to congratulate all these finalists. The full list was announced by contest director Eva Marie Everson in a Facebook Live video, which can be viewed here.

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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 conference also provides connection points with God, other writers and industry professionals through onsite events, digital gatherings, and ongoing mentoring opportunities with the goal of fostering a community of believers that comes together to serve God through all aspects of writing.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

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.

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.

Contact: Anne Van Solkema, (616) 676-9185 x152, avansolkema@bakerpublishinggroup.com

March 4, 2024 — In a strategic move to blend artificial intelligence with book publishing, Hatch Endeavors is announcing various services designed to facilitate publishers in onboarding AI technology safely and efficiently. Hatch Endeavors is a new company launched by Torrey Sharp, an industry veteran since 1996 and current owner of Faceout Studio.

“There’s a growing need for AI solutions that not only drive workflow efficiency but also preserve the core values of the publishing industry. Our approach is to initially keep things simple, seeking to optimize workflow efficiency in various test use cases before pursuing more transformative use of AI. To be clear, we are focusing on workflow. We do not support the use of AI generated imagery on book covers,” says Torrey Sharp.

Torrey’s new company, Hatch Endeavors collaborates with Rebar, a team of digital innovators in Colorado. Their combined capacity will help publishers accelerate their AI adoption by providing them with the tools and expertise they need to get started. Their process ensures each step is purposeful and efficient, regardless of resource constraints.

“We understand everything hinges on the privacy and security of your valuable IP. We will work toward on-boarding clients with the best security measures available and help publishers create custom GPTs to solve distinct needs and challenges,” says Rebar General Manager and Lead Developer, Daniel Nice.

Services include setting up users in a team or enterprise account, departmental audits to determine best test use cases, creating custom GPTs to accomplish specific tasks, training and advanced levels of customization as needed. These service offerings are not just about technological advancement; it’s about cultivating a partnership that respects the art of book creation while embracing the possibilities of the future.

https://www.hatchendeavors.com/   |   https://www.rebar.is/

For more information, please contact:
Torrey Sharp, Owner / Hatch Endeavors, LLC, torrey@hatchendeavors.com

February 26, 2024, CHICAGO – Independent Publishers Group (IPG) is pleased to announce the addition of four new publishers to its sales and distribution programs.

Firefly Press is a Carnegie award-winning independent publisher of quality fiction for children and young adults. Their titles aim to inspire, inform, and entertain, fostering a love of reading for pleasure and promoting literacy and empathy, as well as mental health and well-being. Firefly will begin North American distribution through IPG beginning March 1.

Monogatari Novels will begin distribution through IPG on March 1. Monogatari bridges cultures through captivating storytelling in the world of East Asian media. They specialize in licensing and translating an array of light novels, manga, and manhua into both English and Spanish. IPG will distribute Monogatari in the US and Canada.

IPG will distribute Northwestern Publishing House worldwide beginning April 1. Northwestern Publishing House delivers elementary and Sunday school curricula, Bible studies, worship materials, music, and faith-strengthening books within the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and beyond.

IPG will begin worldwide distribution for Iskanchi Press on April 1. Publishing fiction, non-fiction, and children’s literature both written and translated into English, Iskanchi Press exists to showcase the best expressions of African realities in all perspectives and forms.

About Independent Publishers Group:  Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. In October 2021, IPG acquired UK-based United Independent Distributors (UID) and its subsidiary companies Eurospan, Marston Book Services and Orca Book Services, extending IPG’s menu of services and global reach.

Contact: Julia Dillman, Corporate Communications, 312.337.0747, jdillman@ipgbook.com

EUGENE, Ore., February 27, 2024—One-Minute Prayers® for Women, the bestselling book in the popular One-Minute Prayers® series by Harvest House Publishers, will be awarded a Gold Milestone Sales Award from ECPA. This accomplishment will be announced at the annual ECPA Awards Celebration on April 30, 2024. ECPA’s prestigious Gold Award is given to books in the Christian publishing industry that have reached 500,000 copies sold.

One-Minute Prayers® for Women equips women to reach out to God through thoughtful prayers, pursue their heart’s desire to walk with Jesus, grow spiritually strong, reach out to others, include God in their everyday lives, and experience His peace, grace, and joy.

“I’m deeply grateful these prayers have been relatable, accessible, and encouraging to so many women and for so many years,” says author Hope Lyda. “It’s a privilege to be a part of a woman’s faith journey and time of connection with God.”

The One-Minute Prayers® series has sold over 1.5 million copies and was designed with people’s busy lives in mind. These books feature insightful prayers and corresponding Bible verses that provide the words that men and women need to reveal their hearts to God.

“We are most grateful to Hope Lyda for working with us long ago to launch this now highly sought-after line of Harvest House prayer books,” states Bob Hawkins, president of Harvest House Publishers. “This influential brand’s reach is a testimony to our consummate need for prayer that both glorifies God and brings us into His presence.”

The next book in the series, One-Minute Prayers® for Grandparents, is scheduled for release in July 2025.

Hope Lyda has a heart for helping people explore their life, purpose,    faith, and connection to this world through the power of the written word. As an editor and writer, she has worked in publishing for more than 25 years. Her popular devotionals, novels, and prayer books have sold more than one million copies combined. Visit her at www.mywritedirection.com.

About Harvest House: Celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, Harvest House Publishers has produced books that have impacted the hearts of people worldwide. That focus continues with the making of biblically nourishing and innovative products that enrich lives, inspire creativity, and glorify God. With an emphasis on addressing the spiritual and practical needs of men, women, and children, Harvest House seeks to serve God and those who need Him through the books it publishes. For more information, visit http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Contact:  Jeff Marion, 541-343-0123, jeff.marion@harvesthousepublishers.com

Colorado Springs, CO—March 4, 2024—Christian publisher, author, and editor Donald (Don) Howard Simpson entered his Lord’s presence on February 7, 2024. Cofounder of Helmers & Howard Press, Simpson spent the majority of his career with NavPress and in broader roles with The Navigators, a disciplemaking ministry headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

“I met Don well after his tenure at NavPress,” recalls David Zimmerman, NavPress publisher. “I so appreciated the sense of clarity he had about the mission of Christian publishing. He demonstrated the sort of leadership that sees beyond his individual contribution to the full possibility of the work—and extends graciousness to others in pursuit of that possibility.”

Simpson was involved with many of the quintessential projects of the nearly fifty-year history of NavPress. He joined the staff in 1978 and went on to help launch and lead the groundbreaking Discipleship Journal while also editing groundbreaking books on discipleship and disciplemaking, including contributions from Jerry Bridges and the bestselling A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller.

Dallas Willard entrusted Simpson with Revolution of Character, an adaptation of one of his most seminal works, which was “composed entirely by Don Simpson and”—as Willard wrote in the foreword—“expresses our shared understanding” of Renovation of the Heart in a “more accessible and more useful” form.

Former colleagues reflected on their time working with Simpson. “Don helped brand and position the types of Bible studies, books, and magazines NavPress became known for,” recalls NavPress founding publisher Dan Rich. “He was a deep thinker spiritually—he loved the Lord, and he loved Scripture. He could always be counted on to give sound advice to the NavPress team and the authors NavPress published.”

Kendra Venable, advancement operations manager at The Navigators, remembers Simpson as “a gentle soul. Don loved people so well—all people! His kindness, compassion, and genuine interest in others was something I admired and was personally blessed by.” And Delbert Tuxhorn, longtime accountant at The Navigators, notes that “it would be hard to find a more humble or skilled editor.”

“Don’s fingerprints and depth of commitment are all over NavPress’s back catalog,” notes senior editor Caitlyn Carlson, who came to NavPress after Simpson’s departure. “He has modeled for us a way to cultivate and curate robust, thoughtful books that make sure discipleship and disciplemaking aren’t just ideas but actions that change lives.”

Don Simpson was the beloved husband of Becky, father of Abe (Darci) and Mara, and grandfather of Eleora. He is survived by one brother, Dick Simpson of Silver Spring, Maryland. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Barry, and two unborn grandchildren. “It was his profound grasp of God’s love that rose above all of his attributes,” recalls Alan Andrews, former US director for The Navigators. “Don knew God in his head, but most of all he knew God’s personal loving presence in his heart.”

NavPress is a business ministry of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, discipleship resources, and The Message® Bible, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.®

Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

Contact: David Zimmerman, david.zimmerman@navpress.com

NASHVILLE, TN – Nelson Books, a hallmark of literary excellence and innovative leadership in publishing, is honored to announce the appointment of Dave Schroeder as Vice President of Marketing, effective February 26th. 

With a successful track record and a keen eye for market trends, Schroeder’s two decades in the industry stand as a testament to his expertise and foresight. His strategic approach has consistently delivered significant results, notably during his tenure as Vice President of Marketing at B&H Publishing Group and his time at WTA Media/EMF Publishing as Vice President of Publishing, where he expertly acquired, launched, and nurtured numerous bestselling titles.

Schroeder’s return to Thomas Nelson is a celebrated reunion, marking his comeback after a distinguished six-year leading marketing for bestselling books by Max Lucado, William J. Bennett, Sheila Walsh, and Denise Jackson (#1 New York Times bestseller). During that period, Dave was an integral part of the Max Lucado brand team, championing standout titles like 3:16, Fearless, and Outlive Your Life with notable distinction.

Andrew Stoddard, VP & publisher of Nelson Books, expressed his profound elation, saying, “Dave’s return to Nelson Books in this additional VP of Marketing role represents a joyous homecoming and a tremendous infusion of publishing acumen and creative energy. I could not be more thrilled about this addition to our team culture and creative vision.”

Schroeder’s commitment to the literary world, coupled with his professional achievements, makes him an ideal fit for Nelson Books, where our dedication to quality, integrity, and creativity shapes the essence of our work. As a Nashville native, Dave’s roots and alignment with the community further enrich his capacity to drive Nelson Books’ mission and values forward.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Nelson Books in this role. I look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of Nelson Books and driving impactful marketing strategies aligning with Nelson’s vision and values,” said Schroeder.

Nelson Books extends a heartfelt welcome to Dave Schroeder as we embark on this exciting chapter together. 

February 2024 | LISLE, IL— Outreach magazine named Learning Humility by Richard J. Foster as one of two 2024 Spiritual Growth Resources of the Year. Three additional IVP titles made the shortlist for the “Also Recommended” resources in the categories of apologetics, social issues, and spiritual growth.

The Outreach Resources of the Year aims to highlight valuable resources for church leaders and bring deserved attention to tools that can help churches better engage in effective outreach to share the gospel and reach their communities for Christ.

Spiritual Growth Resource of the Year

In Learning Humility: A Year of Searching for a Vanishing Virtue Richard Foster, the founder of Renovaré, insists that humility is central to the journey toward character formation and spiritual transformation. For this reason he decided to spend a year studying the virtue of humility.

Using the Lakota calendar as a framework, Foster provides us with a look into the insights he gathered from sources ranging from Native American culture to Julian of Norwich to Scripture to personal friends. By engaging with both the spiritual classics and Foster’s own experiences, Learning Humility provides profound insight into what humility can look like in our current cultural climate.

James Bryan Smith, author of The Good and Beautiful God, said, “Destined to be another classic from Richard J. Foster, Learning Humility is a gift from a gifted writer. In this book we get to walk with Richard not only on the trails of Colorado but also on the terrain of the soul. Richard is a true scribe of the kingdom who brings forth treasures old and new (Matthew 13:52). . . . This is one of Richard’s signature gifts: he makes us long for difficult things by helping us see that virtues, like humility, are the pearl of great price, worth giving all we have to obtain it. This book is an engaging and insightful gem, and I am the better for having read it.”

Apologetics Resource of the Year, Also Recommended

In Humble Confidence: A Model for Interfaith Apologetics Benno van den Toren and Kang-San Tan present a model of apologetics as crosscultural dialogue and accountable witness, then explore how it plays out in relation to specific contexts and the major world religions—including primal religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, secularism, and late-modern spiritualities. Building on recent developments in apologetics and missiology, as well as their experience teaching internationally in Europe, Asia, and Africa, Van den Toren and Tan offer an approach that is conversational, patient, holistic, and embodied.

Mark R. Teasdale, E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, said, “Drawing on their rich epistemological, intercultural, and interreligious knowledge and experience, Van den Toren and Tan guide us to greater awareness of God, self, and others that, true to the title, equips us with humble confidence to participate persuasively in an apologetic dialogue with people from any and every background.”

Social Issues Resource of the Year, Also Recommended

In The Offensive Church: Breaking the Cycle of Ethnic Disunity Bryan C. Loritts calls Christians to proactively and intentionally live out the embodied reality of a people at one with one another. We play offense by practicing a robust gospel, preparing reliable leadership, and providing relational environments so that the church becomes the aroma of Christ to our culture and gains ground against the demonic foothold of racism in all its forms.

“If the church in North America does not discover the New Testament ethos of multiethnic community, the church in North America will fail in accomplishing its mission,” said Vance Pitman, president of Send Network and founding pastor of Hope Church Las Vegas. “I know of no better voice to show us the way than my friend Bryan Loritts. In his new book The Offensive Church, Bryan shows us the way forward rooted in a gospel-centered missiology of making disciples in community. This is a must-read for anyone serious about joining in God’s activity in North America and the nations!”

Spiritual Growth Resource of the Year, Also Recommended

In Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith writer and professor Jennifer L. Holberg engages with words from the likes of Dante, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Flannery O’Connor, Marilynne Robinson, and more while also offering some of her own stories to reflect on the importance of story to our lives and our faith.

“Pull up a chair and let this master storyteller gently question and correct the destructive stories we often rely on to make sense of our lives,” said Jeffrey Bilbro, associate professor of English at Grove City College and author of Reading the Times. “In an age marked by narratives of stress-inducing scarcity and individual achievement, Jennifer Holberg invites us to instead live out truer narratives of abundant friendship and restorative hope. As the philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre has written, if we want to rightly answer the question, What am I to do? we must first answer the question, Of what story or stories do I find myself a part? Holberg is a wise guide to the faithful, life-giving stories that Christians are called to inhabit.”

For a complete list of IVP award-winning titles visit ivpress.com/award-winners.

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

February 2024 | LISLE, IL—New Testament professor and author of Tell Her Story, Nijay K. Gupta, has signed a contract with IVP Academic for the 2028 release of God Spoke Through Her: Women Prophets as God’s Spokespersons in Scripture.

Gupta writes, “Much of the modern evangelical world today has neglected prophecy, rejected it, or downgraded its importance. But a fresh look at the phenomenon can bring a much-needed perspective on the subject of women and authority in the church today. Some people think that God cannot or does not use women to speak with authority and with words of insight and wisdom to the church today. But Scripture bears clear and consistent witness to God speaking through women. It’s time we listen.”  

In Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church, Gupta’s first book with IVP Academic, he explored the lives of first-century women, addressing common misconceptions. He specifically looked at the inspiring contributions of women such as Phoebe, Prisca, Junia, Nympha, and more.

In God Spoke Through Her Gupta will consider the role of female prophecy in Scripture. Gupta said, “Female prophecy is not the only argument for women pastors or preachers, but it is a crucial part of the whole witness of Scripture to how God thinks about women and the potential roles they have vis-a-vis the people of God.”

Jon Boyd, IVP’s associate publisher and academic editorial director, said, “I bet some people figured it would be hard to write a whole book about specific women leaders in the New Testament, but Gupta’s Tell Her Story demonstrated how rich the potential was. And now, with this new project on the nature of prophecy in Scripture and women’s place in it, he shows we’re just getting started.”

Gupta (PhD, New Testament, University of Durham) is a professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary and associate editor with Lynn H. Cohick of the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters: A Compendium of Contemporary Biblical Scholarship. Previously, he was a professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary, where he also oversaw the master’s thesis program and advised doctoral students. He is the author of the book Worship that Makes Sense to Paul and Prepare, Succeed, Advance: A Guidebook for Getting a PhD in Biblical Studies and Beyond along with Bible commentaries and over a dozen academic articles in theological journals.

Boyd said, “Working with Nijay has been a dream for all of us at IVP Academic: he’s loaded with ideas and he loves to work as a team, not only on editorial matters but also on marketing and publicity. We are grateful for his creative and energetic partnership.”

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com

 

TWO-TIME GRAMMY® AWARD WINNER ZACH WILLIAMS SHARES POWERFUL TALE OF REDEMPTION IN NEW MEMOIR

Rescue Story Details Never Before Shared Insight into Beloved Grammy Winner’s Struggle with Addiction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 26, 2024) – Two-time GRAMMY® award winner Zach Williams has become one of CCM’s leading artists with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting. Before penning heartfelt ballads like “Chain Breaker,” “There Was Jesus (featuring Dolly Parton),” and “Jesus Fault,” Williams battled the significant emptiness and darkness that so often accompanies the rock-and-roll lifestyle.

In his debut memoir, Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home (Zondervan, February 27, 2024), Williams gets candid about his journey from substance abuse to a life of faith, hope, and freedom. His compelling story offers a vulnerable look at his personal story of redemption, God’s relentless pursuit, and the power of praying parents.

Enticed by the illusion of stardom, Williams found that drugs, alcohol, and late-night gigs played around the world only left him feeling an inescapable void. Everything he thought he wanted in life failed to fill the yearning in his heart for something more. Desperate for change, Williams quickly became aware of his innate need for God’s rescue and love.

“God has been using broken people, messed up people, for a long time to do His work, so don’t let anybody ever tell you that you’re not qualified or not worthy to do what God is calling you to do,” writes Williams. “If He has a plan for my life, then He has a plan for your life.”

Zach Williams is available for interviews and can speak to:

• 3 signs you’re looking for happiness in the wrong place
• How to find purpose and meaning in the setback
• 4 ways to establish better boundaries for yourself
• Practical simple ways to support others walking through a storm
• The power of a praying parent

Rescue Story is an invitation for readers to find God’s unconditional love, grace, and redemption no matter what mistakes they have made. Williams offers the resounding truth that real hope and purpose can be found in the trials we face because Jesus offers lasting freedom and joy.

Zach Williams has become one of CCM’s leading artists and songwriters by carving a niche with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting, which quickly awarded him his first GRAMMY Award® with his debut album, 2017’s Chain Breaker. Rescue Story followed in 2019, and in 2022 Zach returned with his third full-length album, A Hundred Highways. Zach and his family live near Nashville, Tennessee. His new book, Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home will be available nationwide February 27, 2024.

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, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

 

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SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Rescue Story by Zach Williams

1. What inspired you to write this book? How difficult was it compared to writing a song?
2. You reached the pinnacle of success in your music career, but you shared that you still felt like something was missing. Can you share more about the experience of looking to worldly achievements and pleasures to fulfill you?
3. What are three signs that you are looking for happiness in the wrong places?
4. You write, “If God has a plan for my life, He has a plan for your life.” What would you say to those who feel like God has forgotten them or they’re “too far gone” for forgiveness?
5. How would you encourage someone to find purpose and meaning in their life despite any setback they’ve faced?
6. You share in the introduction of Rescue Story that your parents are responsible for everything you have. How would you encourage parents who find themselves in similar situations to pray for their kids?
7. Can you tell us a little bit more about the prophetic word your parents received for you and why your dad decided to keep it from you for so long?
8. What is the best piece of advice you were given during your personal “rescue story” that you can share?
9. What is the most important thing you hope readers take away from Rescue Story?