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

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

Iron Stream Media (ISM) is excited to announce two winners at the Golden Scroll and Christian Market awards. Awards were announced at the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA) banquet on August 6, 2023.

ISM’s 2023 Golden Scroll Awards were as follows:

• Devotional Book of the Year: Meet Me Where I Am, Lord by Cindy K. Sproles
• Contemporary Novel of the Year: Songs for a Sunday by Heather Norman Smith
• The Jennifer Kennedy Dean Award went to Carol Kent. This award is named for the late Jennifer Kennedy Dean, a prolific ISM author. It is presented to someone who carries the light with excellence to a hurting world.

Iron Stream Media derives its name from Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” This sharpening describes the process of discipleship, one toanother. Iron Stream Media provides a variety of solutions for churches, missionaries, and nonprofits that include in-depth Bible study curriculum, Christian book publishing, and consultative services. Iron Stream Media is the home of Iron Stream, Iron Stream Fiction, Iron Stream Harambee Press, Iron Stream Kids, and Brookstone Publishing Group. Through the popular Life Bible Study and Student Life Bible Study imprints, they also provide web-based, full-year, and short-term Bible study teaching plans as well as printed devotionals, Bibles, and discipleship curriculum.

Book these authors as guest speakers or for book signings by contacting Kim McCulla at kim.mcculla@ironstreammedia.com. A limited supply of giveaway copies is available for special events and interviews. Books can also be ordered through your distributor or through www.ironstreammedia.com.

Unique project explores hundreds of everyday issues, as well as ‘adds to the rich biblical literature in the expanding biblical counseling space’

August 16, 2023 — This week marks the release of The CSB Life Counsel Bible—a collaborative effort between Holman Bibles and New Growth Press.  The project is unique in how it was designed to explore practical biblical wisdom on everyday topics, and it was also brought to life to assist readers in navigating today’s complex cultural and mental health challenges.

Building on the consistent growth of the biblical counseling space, the project features an outstanding list of contributors (click here for a complete list). Articles were written by best-selling authors and Bible teachers such as Joni Eareckson Tada and Paul Tripp and experts in the biblical counseling community including Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) faculty members Edward Welch, Michael Emlet, and the late David Powlison as well as many other counselors. The Bible includes articles on topics as broad as grief, depression, anger, guilt, and shame, and as narrow as addiction, suicide, bipolar disorder, cutting, adoption, and chronic fatigue.

The CSB Life Counsel Bible explores and brings richness and depth to passages related to marriage, parenting, and hundreds of other day-to-day issues making it an excellent resource for not only pastors, counseling and ministry leaders, and youth leaders, but also couples, parents, and young adults.

“A simple survey of the publishing landscape will reveal that biblical counseling literature has seen a significant increase over the last several years,” said Holman Bibles publisher Andy McLean. “This growth in content not only shows attentiveness to tangible felt needs that exist in the world, but also reflects the church’s call to showcase how the gospel and biblical wisdom speak to personal and cultural challenges that we all face in life.”

The CSB Life Counsel Bible features the highly readable and decidedly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB), known for capturing the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier for readers to engage with Scripture’s life-transforming message and to share it with others.

Other features of the new Bible include:

• More than 150 full-length articles from respected biblical counselors and scholars
• Callout quotes placed near each article providing truth, hope and encouragement
• Over 100 studies focusing on keywords applicable to personal healing, growth, and counsel
• Book introductions including “Circumstances of Writing,” “Structure,” “Contribution to the Bible” and a special “Truth for Healing” section with an overview of key truths related to healing from each book of the Bible
• Wide margins for notetaking and journaling
• A robust page-end cross-reference system with over 25,000 cross-references connecting Scripture from Genesis to Revelation

“Rising rates of mental health struggles, moral confusion, deconstruction of faith—we live in an unsettling and often scary world,” said Barbara Miller-Juliani, Vice President at New Growth Press.  “For The Life Counsel Bible, New Growth Press has assembled an experienced, thoughtful, full-of-grace team of biblical counselors who unpack the living truth of the Scripture and apply it to our modern struggles, sorrows, and failings. Pastors and counselors will find direction in how to apply Scripture to their counselees. Parents will be helped to apply God’s Word to their children’s struggles. Husbands and wives will learn about true love. And all will be pointed to Christ—the one who is the only soul anchor that will hold us fast in the storms of life.”

The mental health crisis in America continues to grow as millions of additional people each year report increased stress and anxiety, depression, and other ailments. Collectively, years of anxiety and fatigue around the COVID pandemic, rapid changes in cultural expectations and norms, inflation, and other economic issues are among the greatest contributors to the acceleration of the crisis and the corresponding growth in counseling needs.

Welch believes the project has something to say for everyone. “God,” he said, “… speaks many words to many different problems.”

The Life Counsel Bible will be available at all major retailers.  Learn more at www.lifecounselbible.com.

Holman Bibles – a subsidiary of B&H Publishing Group – is the oldest Bible publisher in North America, publishing high-quality Bibles and reference resources that are trustworthy, accessible and useful for the pursuit of lifelong discipleship. Print and digital releases include the award-winning “CSB Explorer Bible for Kids”, the “CSB Tony Evans Study Bible” as well as the “Tony Evans One Volume Commentary,” and the “The She Reads Truth Study Bible.”

(August 16, 2023 — COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – David C Cook recently promoted Chris Baggett to Chief Marketing Officer. Baggett previously served as VP of Marketing for the Christian book, curriculum, and music publishing company. Baggett will lead marketing for both David C Cook and Integrity Music.

A seasoned marketing leader with a career spanning over two decades, Baggett has held prominent positions, including Chief Marketing Officer at a mission-driven national consulting firm and Executive VP at a faith-based pro-life organization. He also developed and implemented a groundbreaking digital marketing strategy for an international radio broadcast ministry, earning him the prestigious Convio Open Innovator Award and the Best Ministry Website accolade. He brings fresh strategic thinking and stewardship to lead and shape the marketing efforts of the organization, driven by a genuine passion for growth and excellence.

“At this critical time in the history of the church, we are pleased and excited to promote Chris Baggett into the role of Chief Marketing Officer,” said Rick Rekedal, president and acting CEO of David C Cook. “Chris’s proven background, working directly with global ministries and mastering the business landscape faced by nonprofits, has perfectly prepared Chris for leading the marketing of David C Cook. In addition to his expertise, Chris also brings the heart of a pastor for the teams he leads across our organization. David C Cook is a multi-faceted, expanding global ministry, growing with the needs of the church, and is in great hands with Chris as CMO.”

“At David C Cook, the powerful story of the Gospel is intertwined with the life-changing work of God and the faithful service of His people,” said Baggett. “I am honored and inspired to accelerate the transformational work God is already doing through David C Cook globally to equip the Church with Christ-centered resources for making and teaching disciples who obediently transform today’s generations.”

Baggett holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Beyond work, Chris finds joy in serving his local church, sharing music with the community, and spending time with his family. He resides in a vibrant Dallas suburb with his wife, Michelle, and their five children, along with three cherished canine companions.

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

WESTMONT, IL—Carmen Joy Imes, author of Bearing God’s Name and Being God’s Image, has signed a contract with IVP Academic for the Fall 2026 release of a third book titled Becoming God’s Family.

Imes (PhD, Wheaton) is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, she is the author of Bearing YHWH’s Name at Sinai, Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters, Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters, and the editor of Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends.

Imes is a regular contributor to The Well, a fellow of Every Voice, and serves on the advisory council for the Bible Literacy Conference. She is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Biblical Literature and serves on the board of directors of the Institute for Biblical Research.

Following up on her two previous books with IVP Academic, Becoming God’s Family is Imes’s call for the West to recover the “multicultural nature of the people of God and the way the presence of God dwells among us.”

Imes says, “The first book sought to recover the value of the Old Testament, particularly the law at Sinai, for believers’ identity and vocation. The second book, a ‘prequel,’ broadened the scope of inquiry to the identity and purpose of all humans by going back to Genesis 1–11. This third book aims to recover what in the West is a neglected dimension of biblical faith, hiding in plain sight from the beginning to the end of the biblical canon. Our Western individualism prevents us from appreciating the truly communal and multicultural nature of the people of God and the way the presence of God dwells among us. Biblical salvation is not just another and more effective means of self-actualization, as though God were freeing us from slavery to sin so that we could pursue our individual dreams unhindered. Rather, the Bible invites us into a group project and offers us a place to belong. Becoming God’s Family will offer a robust biblical theology of community, highlighting God’s intention to dwell among us collectively. When we attend to these themes in Scripture—God’s presence among the community—we discover that we were never meant to walk alone.”

Becoming God’s Family was acquired by Rachel Hastings, associate academic editor of IVP Academic. She said, “We need more books with a constructive and hopeful vision for the church, and I can think of no scholar more equipped for the task than Carmen. Her scholarly expertise coupled with her ability to speak in a way that resonates with both the academy and the church will undoubtedly make this book a valuable addition to her work in Bearing God’s Name and Being God’s Image.”

Carol Stream, Ill. — (August 17, 2023) —Try Softer by Aundi Kolber has surpassed 100,000 copies sold across all editions: paper, ebook, and audio.

In Try Softer, which released January 7, 2020, Kolber shows readers how God specifically designed their bodies and minds to work together to process their stories and work through obstacles. By highlighting the latest psychology, practical clinical exercises, and her own personal story, Aundi equips and empowers them to connect to their truest self and truly live.

Commenting on this author, title, and significant sales milestone, Jillian Schlossberg, Acquisitions Manager, shared, “The team at Tyndale celebrates this huge milestone for Aundi and Try Softer. It’s been such a joy to see Aundi’s message impact so many, gently guiding them further on their path toward healing. Her fiercely compassionate words and tenacious spirit offer our world a refreshing and compelling new lens, and it’s a privilege to be publishing this rare talent.”

Aundi Kolber is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MA LPC), writer, and speaker in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She specializes in trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in) courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge around the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.

This is Kolber’s first book to achieve 100,000 units sold.

In addition to Try Softer, Kolber is also the author of The Try Softer Guided Journey and the recently released Strong like Water. In March 2024, she will release Strong like Water Guided Journey.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Amanda Woods, amandawoods@tyndale.com.

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

(Nashville, Tenn.) August 14, 2023 – Influential podcaster, highly sought after speaker, and content creator Tim Ross has signed a two-book deal with Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson. The first book is slated to release in February 2024 and will be a reimagined version of Ross’s 2020 bestseller, Upset the World. Packed with fresh perspectives and accessible, actionable advice, this publication aims to empower readers to upset the monotony of the mundane and enter into the powerful, authentic, upside-down life of the Kingdom of God.

Ross hosts the popular and rapidly growing podcast The Basement with Tim Ross and shares his message on his social media platforms @Upsetthegram and on TikTok as @Upsetthetok, where he shares bite-sized insights, motivational videos, and behind-the-scenes moments from his speaking engagements and creative process. Ross will be speaking at churches, conferences, and events nationwide and aims to upset the world with a sincere but subversive message of hope and the love of Jesus Christ.

“Nelson Books enthusiastically welcomes Tim Ross to our publishing program. Tim is a creative pioneer and visionary, a thought leader and pastoral voice, an advocate for truth and beauty,” said Andrew Stoddard, VP & Publisher. “Time and again, Tim demonstrates his ability to cut through today’s constant barrage of digital noise and offer tremendous comfort and challenge. We are eager to bring these powerful publications to market.”

“I am on a mission to turn people’s expectations upside down and leave them right side up, even when it comes to writing books,” said Ross. “I’m excited to bring Upset the World and my future book to readers and inspire them to change the world.”

Andrew Stoddard, publisher of Nelson Books, secured world rights. Curtis Wallace, Law Office of Curtis W. Wallace, PC, represents Ross.

About Tim Ross:  Tim Ross is a podcaster, social media influencer, author, preacher, and global Christian advisor. He also previously served as lead pastor at Embassy City Church. Together with his wife Juliette, they run their for-profit entities, including Upset the World, LLC., “The Basement with Tim Ross” podcast, their conferences, marriage ministry, empowerment sessions, and books. Married since 1999, they have two sons, Nathan and Noah, and currently live in the great city of Denton, Texas.
Learn more at https://www.upsettheworld.com/tim-ross | https://www.instagram.com/upsetthegram/

About Thomas Nelson: Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit ThomasNelson.com.

Contact: Lisa Beech, Director of Publicity, Lisa.beech@harpercollins.com, 719-439-9403

THE COUPLE’S BOOK – WHY EVERYTHING THAT DOESN’T MATTER, MATTERS SO MUCH: THE WAY OF LOVE IN A WORLD OF HURT – WILL RELEASE IN MARCH 2024

Andi Ashworth and Charlie Peacock (Photo Credit: Jeremy Cowart)

NASHVILLE, TENN. (AUGUST 08, 2023) GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Charlie Peacock and his wife and author, Andi Ashworth have inked a book deal with Nashville-based W Publishing an imprint of Thomas Nelson, division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Harper Collins. The boutique imprint will release their new book, Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt, in March 2024.

“Harper Collins W has a history of publishing for both Christian-rooted communities and broader markets—an ethos that best mirrors our own history as creators and neighbors,” shares Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth. “We were also looking for a publisher with a staff diversity that looks a little more like our own diverse family. Finally, we just really liked them as people! It’s a fit for us and we are honored to have this new book in such good, artful, and skillful hands.”

Leaning on their life experience, Charlie and Andi created a book that gives the reader a hopeful and practical model for what it means to be a culture-maker and a Christian in a world at odds with itself. Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much is a collection of letters written directly to all who think deeply and care acutely about family, vocation, and the calling to love everyone, everywhere.

Book Information: 
Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much: The Way of Love in a World of Hurt
Written by: Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth
Release date: 3/12/24
Publisher: W Publishing, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, a division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing/Harper Collins

Register now to attend the Nashville Book Launch and others
Explore CharliePeacock.com
Publicity and Podcast Requests: Elizabeth Hawkins, W Publicity Manager elizabeth.hawkins@harpercollins.com

CHARLIE PEACOCK is a Grammy Award–winning, Billboard Chart–topping music producer, composer, and recording artist. He is a Co-Founder of The Art House, Wedgwood Circle, and Founder/Director Emeritus of the Commercial Music Program at Lipscomb University. Charlie has produced music for film and television, including A Walk To Remember, Chris Cornell’s “Misery Chain” from the soundtrack of 12 Years a Slave, and “Hush,” the title theme to the AMC drama Turn: Washington’s Spies. Named by Billboard’s Encyclopedia of Record Producers as one of the 500 most important producers in music history, Charlie is also a three-time recipient of the Gospel Music Award for Producer of the Year. His books include New Way To Be Human, At The Crossroads, and contributions to It Was Good: Making Music to the Glory of God and Mission: Africa: A Field Guide. Charlie has been married to Andi Ashworth for nearly fifty years and they have two grown, married children and four grandchildren.

ANDI ASHWORTH is the author of Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring. She is Co-Founder of The Art House in Nashville, where she served for over two decades through hospitality and mentoring, hosting a wide range of guests and organizations including Bono, Blood: Water Mission, International Justice Mission, The Gathering, and the ONE Campaign. Andi holds an MA in Theological Studies from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis. As Editor-In-Chief of the Art House America Blog, she stewarded hundreds of essays from a variety of authors such as Tish Harrison Warren, Steven Garber, Sandra McCracken, Russ Ramsey, and Luci Shaw. Andi is most recently published in Wild Things and Castles in the Sky: A Guide to Choosing the Best Books for Children and A Book for Hearts & Minds: What You Should Read and Why. She has been married to Charlie Peacock for nearly fifty years and they have two grown, married children and four grandchildren.

Media Contacts:
Lori Mahon, lori@mergepr.com, 615.579.1266
Stacie Vining, stacie@mergepr.com, 615.260.4679

Grand Rapids, August 2023 – Best-selling author and theologian Mike Nappa’s “Reflections for the Grieving Soul,” (Zondervan), released on July 18, has vaulted to the #1 position in Amazon’s highly-competitive “New Release Christian Devotionals” category.

A testament, Nappa hopes, to the impact it’s having on readers seeking solace as they navigate the challenging journey of loss and grief.

“I’m grateful to hear it’s reaching people who need grace during a time of grieving. My prayer is that God will be noticeably near to every grieving soul, as he has proven Himself close to me in the midst of my own sorrow.”

A longtime literary agent and the author of over five dozen books, Nappa served in ministry and co-authored a number of those books with Amy, his wife of 30 years, before losing her to cancer in 2016.

The book’s placement on the platforms of two key figures such as Ann Voskamp and Sarah Young have significantly contributed to the book’s rising influence within the realm of Christian devotionals.

“Reflections for the Grieving Soul is an essential read for the heavy-hearted. Mike personally extends a hand to the reader by walking us through his own struggles and prayers, all the while leading us toward the hope we can find in Christ,” said Tiffany Curtis, Faith Editor at Crosswalk.com, “This is an honest look at the mourning process and will help a grieving heart at any stage to feel deeply understood.”

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and at all booksellers.

For media inquiries, review copies, or interview requests with Mike Nappa, please contact:
Jones Literary
bookings@jonesliterary.com
512.720.2996