Category: WordServe News

As usual, some great things have been happening this month at WordServe Literary!

On the final post of each month you’ll find a list of Water Cooler contributors’ recently released books along with a recap of WordServe client news.

New Releases

Congratulations to author Martha Bolton and BroadStreet Publishing on the new release, Forgettable Jokes for Older Folks: Jokes You Wish You Could Remember about Things You Thought you’d Never Forget.

Laugh all the way to your next birthday … and beyond!

We all age, but why grumble about it? If you’re still here, have some fun and enjoy life. The best way you can do that is through laughter.

From well-known comedy writer Martha Bolton comes a refreshing book of jokes for older folks. Topics for laughter include senior foibles, doctor visits, grandchildren antics, travel, politics, pets, technology troubles, good ol’ days, and love.

Give yourself a laugh vacation. Read this book, share it with your friends, and smile your way to a better outlook on life. And these days, who couldn’t use some extra laughs?

Congratulations to Daniel G. Amen, MD and Tyndale on the release of Feel Better Fast and Make it Last: Unlock Your Brain’s Healing Potential to Overcome Negativity, Anxiety, Anger, Stress, and Trauma.

If you want to feel happier, more optimistic, more joyful, and resilient, Dr. Amen’s groundbreaking new book is for you.
We’ve all felt anxious, sad, traumatized, grief-stricken, stressed, angry, or hopeless at some point in life. It’s perfectly normal to go through emotional crises or have periods when you feel panicked or out of sorts. It is how you respond to these challenges that will make all the difference in how you feel―not just immediately, but also in the long run. Unfortunately, many people turn to self-medicating behaviors, such as overeating, drugs, alcohol, risky sexual behavior, anger, or wasting time on mindless TV, video games, Internet surfing, or shopping. And even though these behaviors may give temporary relief from feeling bad, they usually only prolong and exacerbate the problems―or cause other, more serious ones.

Is it possible to feel better―and make it last?

Renowned physician, psychiatrist, brain-imaging researcher, and founder of Amen Clinics Dr. Daniel Amen understands how critical it is for you to know what will help you feel better fast, now and later. In Feel Better Fast and Make It Last, you’ll discover new, powerful brain-based strategies to quickly gain control over anxiety, worry, sadness, stress and anger, strengthening your resilience and giving you joy and purpose for a lifetime.

New release from Stephen Arterburn, General Editor and Holman Press…Restoration Bible: Embracing God’s Word in Difficult Seasons. (LeatherTouch and Indexed)

We all have struggles and the Bible holds the ultimate truth for each one. The problem for those standing at a crossroad in life is how to find the path for healing and restoration. The CSB Restoration Bible features relevant and applicable notes and helps focused on life restoration in an easy-to-follow format to help individuals find hope and joy as they embrace the promises found in God’s Word during difficult seasons of life.

The key helps in this Bible include over 450 guided, devotional-style Restore notes following seven Life Restoration Principles via the easy-to-remember R.E.S.T.O.R.E acrostic (Rest and Reflection–Eternal Perspective–Support–Thanksgiving and Contentment–Other-centeredness–Relationships–Exercise of Faith). Each Restore note is based on a key verse in God’s Word related to a specific Life Restoration Principle followed by a short devotional to help expound upon the principle before guiding the reader to the “Next Step” in the restoration journey.

Other features include: A “First 30-days” Restoration devotional, book introductions highlighting “Restoration Themes” in each book, 66 restoration profiles of biblical characters and real people, 10 “Embracing God’s Word” full page features filled with scriptures highlighting biblical themes related to restoration, over 100 “Joyful Noise” callouts of scriptures throughout the Bible to provide encouragement from God’s Word, indices of all features for quick and easy reference, one and three year Bible reading plans, 52-week Scripture memory plan, topical concordance in “When you need…” and When you Feel…” format, two-column text, topical subheadings, smyth-sewn binding, presentation page, and full-color maps.

The CSB Restoration Bible features the highly reliable, highly readable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), which stays faithful to the Bible’s original languages without sacrificing clarity. With its optimal blend of accuracy and readability, the CSB is ideal for the church—for reading, for teaching, for sharing with others.

Congratulations to Kathy Berry and Kregel on the release of When Words Fail: Practical Ministry to People with Dementia and Their Caregivers.

Encouragement and guidance for ministering to those with dementia

Millions of Christians suffer from dementia diseases such as Alzheimer’s, making ministry to them difficult as they lose memories and the ability to communicate. Drawing on her years of experience as a long-term care chaplain, Kathy Berry provides practical information and tools to equip ministers and lay leaders to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of those living with dementia.

Chapters cover vital topics, including these:
Identifying those who may be showing signs of dementia and learning how to support them as they seek a diagnosis
Communicating with dementia patients as their language skills decline
Meeting the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of people with dementia–and the needs of their caregivers

An invaluable resource to meet a growing need for congregations around the country, When Words Fail equips readers to answer Christ’s call to minister to “the least of these.”

Contracts

Marcus Brotherton signed with W Publishing for the story of CaptainTammy Jo Shults, the pilot who landed a Southwest Airlines plane after one of its engines exploded and blew a hole in the cabin, to be released mid 2020.

Contemporary Christian Muscian and 2017 Artist-of-the-Year, Lisa Daggs with Margot Starbuck signed with Salem Publishing for Lisa’s memoir to be released in 2020.

Army War College Professor,  Christian Keller signed with Pegasus for The Great Partnership:  Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and the Fate of the Confederacy to be released in 2019.

New Clients

Katie Powner, Tom Hilpert, Dr. Rebecca Siegel, Steve Watkins, Brandon Gross, Wade Mullen, September Vaudrey and Jennifer Leo signed with WordServe in November.  Welcome!

As usual, some great things have been happening this month at WordServe Literary!

On the final post of each month you’ll find a list of Water Cooler contributors’ recently released books along with a recap of WordServe client news.

New Releases

Congratulations to author Angela Ruth Strong and Mountain Brook Ink on the new release, A Caffeine Conundrum.

Solving a murder mystery is harder when you don’t trust your partner…or their taste in beverages.

Sassy city girl Tandy Brandt moves to the small town of Grace Springs to start a coffee shop, never imagining she’ll be competing with local beauty queen Marissa Alexander and her dream of running a tea house. Unfortunately, the current store owner dies before selling the location to either of them, and they both become murder suspects.

The unlikely pair team up in an attempt to discover the real killer, though with the secrets in Tandy’s past, and Marissa’s infamous clumsiness, they could be their own worst enemies. Despite their differences, they follow clues to question a sweet, apple pie baking antique store owner, a GQ Santa in the retirement center, and a hipster millionaire with no social skills. Will they be able to figure out whodunit and prove their innocence before one of them goes to jail…or worse?

Congratulations to Patricia Lee and Mountain Brook Ink of the release of A Kite on the Wind (Mended Hearts Book #3).

Is Love Strong Enough to Overcome the Walls They Hide Behind? Left waiting at the altar, Claire Simpson has buried her past and moved on, carving out a life for herself as a teacher on the Oregon coast. When her former fiancé appears, he threatens to unravel the peaceful independence she has worked so hard to achieve after their relationship failed.

Montgomery Chandler has moved to NOAA headquarters in Newport, Oregon to make new, happier memories for his children after his wife died of a lingering illness. Their home in Seattle held nothing but the whispers of their earlier lives. Starting over will help all of them heal, but Monty is resolved not to risk love again. When the handsome widower enrolls his hurting children at the school where Claire teaches, her determination to remain uninvolved vanishes at the whim of a snowstorm. This family needs her expertise. Can she help them without losing her heart?

New release from Stephen Arterburn…100 Days of Character Daily Devotional.

Your character matters to God, and this daily devotional equips you to develop godly character, resist common pitfalls, and overcome temptations—one day at a time. With topics from maintaining integrity to growing in faithfulness, each of the 100 devotions provides a short reflection, a key Bible verse, an inspiring quote, and a prayer that will root your character in God’s Word and show you the importance of building up your character and passing it on to the next generation.

Stephen Arterburn of New Life Ministries shows how to walk in integrity, stay rooted in Scripture, and set an example for the next generation in this 100-day devotional, which features:

• Daily devotions on 100 character-building topics
• Thought-provoking personal questions and practical applications
• Powerful prayers inspired by Scripture
• 5-minute devotions with further study options

Each day your character is tried and tested. How will you respond? Each day your character is tried and tested. How will you act when no one is watching? There are no shortcuts to building character. It’s a life-long journey. It’s a daily decision. It’s what you do when no one is looking. It’s how you act when trials come.

Congratulations to Debora M. Coty for her new release, Too Blessed to Be Stressed…Inspiration for Every Day Devotional Journal.

Ready to be rescued from the joy-sucking dully-funks?
The Too Blessed to be Stressed devotional offers up a daily dose of devotions (and humor) for a woman’s heart.

Thousands of women have had the pleasure of reading the wit- and near-wisdom-filled books from beloved inspirational humorist, Debora M. Coty. Her best selling Too Blessed to be Stressed has become a perennial favorite.

Now, be ready to be rescued from the joy-sucking dully-funks…

In this all-new 365-day devotional featuring just-right-sized, truth-filled readings (gift-wrapped in humor) for your heart. The Too Blessed to be Stressed daily devotional touches on everyday life topics like relationships, love, boundaries, hope, brokenness, and praise, while helping you to arrive at healing, refreshment, and revitalization of spirit, body, and faith. Read on, and be blessed!

Congratulations to Mary Davis and Love Inspired for the release of Courting Her Podigal Heart.

Mother-to-Be’s Amish Homecoming

A Prodigal Daughters story

Pregnant and alone, Dori Bontrager is sure her Amish kin won’t welcome her—or the child she’s carrying—into the community. And she’s determined that her return won’t be permanent. As soon as she finds work, she’ll leave again. But with her childhood friend Eli Hochstetler insisting she and her baby belong here, will Dori’s path lead back to the Englisher world…or into Eli’s arms?

Congratulations to Bob Welch with Dick Fosbury and Skyhorse Publishing for the release of The Wizard of Foz: Dick Fosbury’s One-Man High-Jump Revolution.

In 1968, perhaps the finest US Olympic men’s track-and-field team ever stirred the world in unprecedented ways, among them the victory stand black rights protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos in Mexico City. But in competition no single athlete mirrored the free-thinking ’60s better than Dick Fosbury, a failed prep high jumper who invented an offbeat style that ultimately won him a gold medal and revolutionized the event. No jumpers today use any other style than his.

Yet few know the struggles Fosbury endured to achieve his success, as he and Bob Welch recount in The Wizard of Foz. From the tragic death of a younger brother to nearly dying himself, from flunking out of college to nearly being drafted, Fosbury cleared far more obstacles than a high-jump bar. And even when he had seemingly made the US Olympic Team, he faced a “redo” that nobody saw coming.

This book tells a story of loss, survival, and triumph, twined in a person (Fosbury), a time (the ’60s), and a place (a fantasy-like Olympic Trials venue high in the Sierra Nevada) clearly made for each other. It is a story of a young man who refused to listen to those who laughed at him, those who doubted him, and those who tried to make him someone he was not.

Contracts

Linda Clare signed with Harvest House for Prayers for Parents and Prodigals to be released Spring 2020.

Kate Crocco signed with Baker Publishing Group for Thinking Like A Boss to be released Fall 2019.

John Strege signed with Kregel for Heaven’s Snowflake: The True Story of the First Frozen Embryo Adoption to be released Fall 2019.

New Clients

Clint Perry and Henry Harrison signed with WordServe in October.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

November 1st marks WordServe Literary’s 15th year serving authors and helping to publish great books. When I left the previous agency I’d been at for nearly ten years, I hoped we could build a stable of authors who would take seriously their calling to help change the world, one book at a time. I’m so grateful for Sarah, Nick, and Keely for serving their own authors amongst the 180+ authors currently in the agency. With nearly $20 million in contract value, and about 750 books published, we’re ready to see what the next 15 years brings! Happy Birthday to us!

As usual, some great things have been happening this month at WordServe Literary!

On the final post of each month you’ll find a list of Water Cooler contributors’ recently released books along with a recap of WordServe client news.

New Releases

Congratulations to author, Jan Drexler, and Revell, on the new release of The Amish of Weaver’s Creek Book One: The Sound of Distant Thunder.

Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver are both romantics. Seventeen-year-old Katie is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait to marry Jonas until she is eighteen, despite her parents’ insistence. So much can happen in a year. Twenty-year-old Jonas is taken in by the romance of soldiering, especially in defense of anti-slavery, even though he knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church. When his married brother’s name comes up in the draft list, he volunteers to take his brother’s place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation?

From the talented pen of Jan Drexler comes this brand new Amish series set against the backdrop of the Civil War. She puts her characters to the test as they struggle to reconcile their convictions and desires while the national conflict threatens to undermine and engulf their community.

Congratulations, Dillon T. Thornton, Ph.D., on his release of Give Them Jesus: Raising Our Children on the Core Truths of the Christian Faith.

A fresh, clear, joyful guide for parents on how to teach their children to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

GIVE THEM JESUS aims to help parents not simply add to their children’s stockpile of knowledge, but to cultivate children-disciples who are able to display Christ-likeness in every situation. Parents are the ones primarily responsible for opening up the Scriptures to help their children understand God, the world, and themselves. The family is the divinely appointed discipleship program; the home is first and foremost a place of worship. The introduction of the book discusses the four vital components of family worship: teach, treasure, sing, and pray, and offers practical suggestions for beginning and prioritizing family worship in the rough and tumble of life.

Subsequent chapters guide parents to a deeper understanding of the core truths of the historic Christian faith, as summarized in the Apostles’ Creed, arming them with appropriate language, helpful illustrations, and relevant object lessons, so that in the end they will be better prepared to pass these truths on to their children. Each chapter concludes with a family worship guide, which includes: 1) family memory verses, 2) nuggets of truth from the chapter, 3) questions for family discussion, 4) songs that celebrate the truths of the Creed, and 5) prayer prompts.

GIVE THEM JESUS equips parents to prepare their children to leave home and go out into the world as faithful participants in the great gospel story. “Never stop telling the gospel story to your kids,” Thornton says. “Give your children Jesus. Again. And again. And again. And you’ll see them walk in the truth.”

Congratulations to Tracie Miles on her new release from David C. Cook, Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard.

In Love Life Again, Tracie reminds readers they each get only one life to live and inspires them not to take it for granted. Through compelling personal stories and powerful insights from Scripture, she helps women identify the stumbling blocks to their joy and offers tools and insights to take back control of their happiness.

Every chapter ends with a practical call to action to motivate readers to begin loving their lives again. She also offers reflection questions, prayers, and creative ideas to help readers smile. Love Life Again helps readers learn how to live the abundant lives Jesus died for them to have, despite the circumstances they may face.

It’s beginning to look alot like…Christmas In My Heart/27. Congratulations, Joe Wheeler and Pacific Press Publishing Association for the 100th Book and next installment in this lovely gift book series.

“Not in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that Christmas in My Heart would still be alive and well after twenty-seven years-nor that it would also be our 100th book. How mightily God has blessed the ministry of our books! Without question, each year’s Christmas in My Heart collection is more daunting to assemble than the ones before. Reason being: We prayerfully search all year long for spiritually based, unforgettable, and deeply moving stories that will touch the heart, will stand the test of time, and be at least as strong as all our previous stories. Sadly, all too few authors are writing value-based stories today such as were the norm back during the golden age of Judeo-Christian stories (1880-1960), most published primarily in family magazines, few of which even exist anymore. In order to keep the Christmas in My Heart series going, we continue to purchase golden age story magazines and books, most from antique stores and the internet-also weaving in contemporary stories.” — Joe Wheeler.

Contracts

Arthur Shaw with Robert Wise signed with William Morrow/Harper Collins for The First Man on Okinawa. To be released, April 2019.

Angie Ward and Nav Press for Deep Gladness, an exploration of the concept of “calling” as it applies specifically to women leaders – those women of influence both in Christian ministry and the broader world. For publication in 2020.

New Clients

Dr. Kjell Tore Hovik, Jennifer Love Farrell joined WordServe in September. Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Jamie Sumner for her book, Unbound: Finding Freedom from Unrealistic Expectations of Motherhood, being selected by SpiritualityHealth.com as one of the “100 Books We Love” (part of their 20th-anniversary issue)!

Congratulations to author, Tracie Miles, for her book, Love Life Again coming in at #9 on the ECPA top non-fiction and top 50 of all books sold on CBA’s list for September! Check out the link:  https://christianbookexpo.com/bestseller/all.php?id=0918

As usual, some great things have been happening this month at WordServe Literary!

On the final post of each month you’ll find a list of Water Cooler contributors’ recently released books along with a recap of WordServe client news.

New Releases

Congratulations to author and contributor, Lynne Hartke on her new release from Guideposts, Walking in Grace 2019.  Walking in Grace 2019 will draw you with its genuinely down-to-earth family of contributors, who reflect on the theme “In the Shadow of Your Wings.” Bask in the truth of God’s ever-present help and constant love in your life all year long.

Congratulations to Tracie Miles on her new release from David C. Cook, Love Life Again: Finding Joy When Life is Hard.

In Love Life Again, Tracie reminds readers they each get only one life to live and inspires them not to take it for granted. Through compelling personal stories and powerful insights from Scripture, she helps women identify the stumbling blocks to their joy and offers tools and insights to take back control of their happiness.

Every chapter ends with a practical call to action to motivate readers to begin loving their lives again. She also offers reflection questions, prayers, and creative ideas to help readers smile. Love Life Again helps readers learn how to live the abundant lives Jesus died for them to have, despite the circumstances they may face.

Stephen Arterburn and David C. Cook release the next two books in the Arterburn Wellness Series, Understanding and Loving a Person with BiPolar Disorder and Understanding and Loving a Person with Narcissistic Disorder. 

Becky Lyke Brown, M.S. teams up with Stephen Arterburn to offer:

• Insight into when to help and when to pull back
• How to connect with what a loved one is experiencing
• Expert advice on when and how to seek treatment
• Ideas for specific situations and conversations
• Help for self-care and personal boundaries

Brown understands that loving someone who has bipolar disorder is a challenge on a daily basis. This practical resource reminds readers they are not alone.

Living or working with someone who has narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is extremely confusing. Victims of NPD often feel put down or dismissed, feel ashamed of their own needs, and may even wonder if they’ve lost their sanity.

As a counselor for nearly thirty years, Patricia Kuhlman has worked with many victims of narcissism. In this latest addition to Stephen Arterburn’s Wellness Series, Kuhlman explores:

• Practical tools to break the cycle of pain
• The most current research about NPD
• How to establish personal boundaries
• A self-care program including sample responses to narcissistic behaviors

Readers will find stability, truth, and hope in this practical guide.

New from Debora M. Coty and Shiloh Run Press (Barbour), it’s Too Blessed to Be Stressed for Moms.

Do you feel like you re drowning in the everyday stress-pool?
Wish you could make busy-ness a business so you’d be a millionaire?
Welcome to the maternal order of slightly sagging sisters of the ‘hood. The motherhood. 

With her own offbeat brand of wit and near-wisdom, popular inspirational humorist Debora Coty addresses heart needs of moms drowning in the churning stress-pool of busyness. In her beloved mom-to-mom, grin-provoking style, Coty offers empathy, laughs, real-life stories, practical parenting survival tips, and fresh biblical insights to help you hear Papa God s still, small voice through life s chaos.

Whether you’re struggling with stress related to attitude, time-management, guilt trips, patience, or something in between. . .this humor-filled volume will deliver a much-needed smile and equip you with simple-to-implement tips for attaining the peace we all crave the peace that passes all understanding.

Hilarious new release from Sandy Silverthorne with Revell (Baker Publishing Group) comes Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids.

Any kid can be a comedian with a little help from award-winning author/illustrator Sandy Silverthorne’s Crack Yourself Up Jokes for Kids. Perfect for kids ages 6-12, this zany collection of one-liners (Did you hear about the missing barber? Police are combing the city.), knock-knock jokes (Knock, Knock. Who’s there? Pizza. Pizza who? Pizza nice guy, don’t you think?), riddles (What’s red and goes up and down? A tomato in an elevator.), puns, and funny lists represents some of the world’s best clean humor. Add in the author’s hilarious illustrations and cartoons, and kids will get hours of fun with the kind of laughs that make milk come out your nose–that is, if you’re drinking milk while you read!

Released this month from Mary Davis is the second book in the Prodigal Daughters Series, Courting Her Secret Heart.

Caught between two worlds…A Prodigal Daughters story

Deborah Miller lives a double life as an Amish woman—and a fashion model! All photography is forbidden in her Plain community, so she must keep her job a secret. But when Amos Burkholder starts helping at her family’s farm, hiding the truth from him is impossible. And soon she must choose between the Englischer world of modeling and the Amish man she’s come to love.

Are you ready for some football? Excellent! Join Rob Maaddi and Zondervan as they celebrate the release of Birds of Pray: The Story of Philadelphia Eagles’ Faith, Brotherhood, and Super Bowl Victory. 

High Stakes, Deep Faith, and Unbreakable Brotherhood

They were the first No. 1 seed in NFL history to enter the playoffs as an underdog. Their star quarterback was out with a season-ending knee injury. Five-time Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots towered over them. But public opinion didn’t matter to the Philadelphia Eagles. They believed in each other. The band of Christian brothers on the team believed in the God of the impossible, and they played for an audience of One.

The most extensive book to explore the Christian faith shared by many of the team’s players, Birds of Pray details the incredible inside story behind the Eagles’ capture of the biggest prize in professional sports: the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Through exclusive interviews with the players, never-before-seen photos, and insider accounts of the miracle season’s most memorable moments, Philly native and Associated Press sportswriter Rob Maaddi reveals a side of the team the world has yet to fully witness.

From an impromptu baptism in the team’s cold tub to weekly Bible studies and pre-game prayers, to the unique friendship between star quarterback Carson Wentz and back-up-then-MVP Nick Foles – the Eagles excel in the unexpected. Birds of Pray follows the deep faith shared among players, the high stakes they faced together, and their relentless reliance on Christ who gives all strength in moments of crisis and celebration alike. The result is a boldly inspiring, entertaining read that will challenge readers to go deeper in their faith, dream bigger, and live with renewed courage for whatever odds life stacks against them.

Contracts

Jim Karol signed with St. Martin’s Press for The Mega Memory Plan to be released Fall 2019.

Ryan Hendrickson with Mike Yorkey signed with Center Street for his memoir about his several tours as a Green Beret. To be released, April 2020.

Ace Collins signed Baker Publishing Group for his book, Beyond the Sunset, to be released Winter 2020.

New Clients

Kyle Duncan, Elijah Crane, and Jesse Payne joined WordServe in August. Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Author Kevin Keating visits with the folks over at MLB.com to promote his new book, Waiting for a Sign. Catch Kevin Keating’s interview with MLB.com here: https://www.mlb.com/video/kevin-keating-on-his-new-book/c-2394898583

As usual, some great things have been happening this month at WordServe Literary!

On the final post of each month you’ll find a list of Water Cooler contributors’ recently released books along with a recap of WordServe client news.

New Releases

New Release from Sanya Richard-Ross with Margot Starbuck and Zondervan Right On Track: Run. Race. Believe. Track and field champion Sanya Richards-Ross knows what it takes to achieve the impossible. With multiple Olympic gold medals and World Championship accolades, Sanya has long been a role model for young runners around the world. In her first-ever book for young adults, Sanya shares her advice and wisdom when it comes to chasing your dreams. Filled with hands-on success strategies and personal anecdotes, Right on Track: Run, Race, Believe will help readers face wins and losses with grace, strength, and faith. With chapters discussing setting goals, staying focused on the finish line, and being true to yourself, this book is perfect for teens and graduates. Empowering and inspiring, Right on Track encourages teens to dream big and take the ups and downs of life in stride.

Congratulations to Leslie Leyland Fields on her new DVD Curriculum release from NavPress, Crossing the Waters: Following Jesus Through the Storms, The Fish, The Doubt, and The Seas.

2017 Christianity Today Book Award winner (“Christian Living / Discipleship” category)
Get ready for the wettest, stormiest, wildest trip through the Gospel you’ve ever taken!
The gospels are dramatic, wild, and wet—set in a rich maritime culture on the shores of the Sea of Galilee.

Offering rich storytelling and a fresh look at Jesus and the disciples, Leslie Leyland Fields invites you to join her on the adventure of following Jesus in Kodiak Island, Alaska, where her family runs a salmon-fishing operation every summer.

With the sights and sounds of Alaska as your backdrop and Leslie as your guide, you will gain deeper insight into Jesus and the fishermen who followed him. This DVD curriculum contains six video teaching sessions filmed on location and based on the award-winning book Crossing the Waters: Following Jesus through the Storms, the Fish, the Doubt, and the Seas by Leslie Leyland Fields. Included in this DVD curriculum are downloadable resources for a full study experience with Leader’s Guide and participants’ handouts.

Join author Dianne Christner (The Marmalade Belle) and 6 other authors and Barbour Publishing in celebrating the release of The Southern Belle Brides Collection.

Settle onto the front porch with a sweet tea and enjoy seven historical romances featuring strong and determined women who draw on their deeply ingrained Southern manners and charm to find lasting love. Rediscover the Old South where hospitality is king and charm is queen. Amidst chaotic life challenges, will the road to romance bring out these brides’ sweet and sassy sides or refine their true grit?

The Amish Nanny’s Sweetheart, Jan Drexler and Harlequin Love Inspired Historical Romance.

As nanny for her nephew, Judith Lapp’s finally part of a vibrant, joyful Amish community instead of living on the outskirts looking in. But teaching her neighbors’ Englischer farmworker to read Pennsylvania Dutch wasn’t part of her plan. And the more time she spends with Guy Hoover, the more he sparks longings for a home and family of Judith’s own. Guy figured he would never be truly accepted by his Amish–employers’ community–even though the Mast family treats him like a son. But Judith’s steadfast caring shows him that true belonging could be within his reach…if he and Judith can reconcile their very different hopes — and hearts.

Author Sarah Varland releases another from Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense called Alaskan Hideout.

Mission: Safeguard his ex–and the son she kept secret

Someone’s stalking Emma Bass and her little boy, and the only person she can turn to is her ex-boyfriend, Tyler Dawson. Arriving in his Alaskan town with the son he doesn’t know exists, though, Emma finds facing Tyler just as hard as outrunning her would-be killer. Now they must overcome their past…if they want to live to claim a second chance at a shared future.

Contracts

Kabran Chapek signed with Kensington Publishers for Overcoming Concussions to be released Summer 2019.

New Clients

A Big Warm Welcome to WordServe’s New Clients!

Jacqueline Eaton-McDonald is writing her family memoir (with Mike Yorkey) that details her family’s history with Howard Hughes (Senior and Junior), her family’s role in the death of Bugsy Siegel, and how it impacted her family to the next generations.

Christian B. Keller is the General Dwight D. Eisenhower Chair of National Security and Professor of History, Department of National Security and Strategy, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA. His first book with the agency will be on the partnership of General Robert E. Lee and General Stonewall Jackson, both their history together and how their faith made them great friends.

Dr. Clarence Shuler is an author and speaker whose ministry is to families all over the country.

Dr. Jorge L. Valdes was one of the founders of the Medallion Cartel. After many years in jail for money laundering and other crimes, he had a radical conversion. He published a book in the 90’s called Coming Clean, that detailed his work and his journey to faith. He went onto earn advanced degrees in Christian ministry and leadership. His new project will be a continuation of what God has done through his ministry and family, as well as film properties about his life story.

Angie Ward has impacted thousands of leaders during nearly 30 years of ministry as a leader, teacher, writer, and pastor’s wife. She is an award-winning regular contributor to Christianity Today leadership publications, and has served as a contributing editor and editorial adviser for Leadership Journal, Building Church Leaders, and Gifted for Leadership. She is also a highly regarded teacher and speaker, with classroom experience at Denver Seminary, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Trinity International University, and Lancaster Bible College. Angie earned her Ph.D. in Ministry Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

What We’re Celebrating

Lovely article in the New York Times by Jamie Sumner. Appeared July 6, 2018. Read full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/06/well/helping-my-nonverbal-son-find-his-voice.html?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fwell-ties

Celebrating the Fourth of July with a great article about the Coffin Corner Boys in USA Today. Read full article here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/07/03/july-4th-remember-my-b-17-crew-survived-nazi-occupied-france-column/736468002/

Congratulations to Jordyn Redwood, winner of Best Romantic Suspense in the Contemporary Romance Writers Stiletto competition for Taken Hostage.

As usual, some great things have been happening this month at WordServe Literary!

On the final post of each month you’ll find a list of Water Cooler contributors’ recently released books along with a recap of WordServe client news.

New Releases

Find God’s Power and Peace Through Prayer with Stephen Arterburn and Rose Publishing’s 100 Days of Prayer Daily Devotional.

Experience the Peace, Joy, and Hope that Comes from Spending Time in God’s Presence

Prayer is key to sustaining a healthy relationship with God. It connects you to His heart, reminds you of His promises, and has the power to change situations. But, between distractions and doubt, busy schedules and seeming delays how can you keep prayer a priority?

Refresh yourself in God’s presence with Rose’s 100 Days of Prayer Devotional. Covering everything from seeking God’s guidance to accepting His timing, this devotional invites you to journey through Scripture toward a deeper intimacy with Christ. Short enough to read in 5 minutes, but deep enough to grow your walk with God, each of the 100 daily readings includes:

• Short 1-page. devotion, perfect for busy schedules
• Key Bible verse
• Encouraging & inspiring quote (from Christian leaders like Billy Graham, C.S. Lewis, C.H. Spurgeon, and more!)
• A simple prayer to pray throughout your day
• Find encouragement and strength as you cover key topics, including:

God’s Guidance
Courage for the Journey
Trusting His promises
Honoring God
Cultivating intimacy
Experience the ease of knowing how to pray and what to pray in times or joy or times of trial. Enjoy knowing Jesus in a deeper way when you learn to apply his Word in practical, meaningful, and encouraging ways!

Coffin Corner Boys by Carole Engle Avriett with Capt. George W. Starks and Regnery History. 

As a young band of brothers flies over German-occupied France, they come under heavy fire. Their B-17 is shot down and the airmen—stumbling through fields and villages—scatter across Europe. Some struggled to flee for safety. Others were captured immediately and imprisoned. Now, for the first time, their incredible story of grit, survival, and reunion is told.

After the war, George made two vows: he would never lose touch with his men again and one day would attempt to thank those who had risked their lives to save his. Despite passage of time and demands of career and family, he accomplished both. He reunited with his crew then twenty-five years later returned to France to locate as many of the brave souls who had helped him evade the enemy as he could.

Join George as he retraces his steps to freedom and discover the amazing stories of sacrifice and survival and how ten young American boys plus their French Helpers became heroes.

Get organized—and transform your heart—every day of the year with this brand-new Too Blessed to Be Stressed 15-month planner, featuring a refreshing blend of inspiring monthly readings laced with encouragement and gift-wrapped in humor. Featuring monthly and weekly calendars, a year-at-a-glance section, pages for frequent contacts, and more, this planner offers an important reminder: God’s grace is enough for the ups, downs, and all the in-betweens of life. Debora M. Coty’s newest Too Blessed to Be Stressed 2019 Daily Planner is now available.

Unbridled Faith: 100 Devotions from the Horse Farm by Cara Whitney and Thomas Nelson.

Explore the timeless wisdom of God’s Word through this beautiful horse devotional.

Horses nuzzle their way into our hearts and have a way of teaching us a lot about ourselves, about life, and even about God. Just ask horse enthusiast Cara Whitney, wife of comedian and actor Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy).

Through years spent working with these majestic animals—Cara Whitney has learned countless spiritual lessons that have brought her closer to God.

In 100 heartfelt devotions with stunning photography, you’ll

• Learn about being flexible in your faith from a gangly legged colt.
• Discover the secret to overcoming temptation through a horse’s “sneak and eat” game.
• From a pony with a sweet tooth, find out why we should be glad God doesn’t answer yes to all of our prayers.
• Be reminded that you are priceless to God from a one-eyed quarter horse named Roanie.

Unbridled Faith is the perfect daily devotional for horse lovers.

Waiting for a Sign: Highlights and Inside Stories from a Lifetime of Collecting Baseball Autographs by Kevin Keating and WordServe Press.

If you were a baseball fan in the 60’s and 70’s—or a lover of baseball history—then Waiting for a Sign will be a page-turner you can’t put down. Kevin Keating spent his youth collecting autographs from some of the biggest stars baseball has ever produced. And along the way, he befriended many of the most familiar names in the history of sports. Because of his own affable personality and passion for the game that made his heroes legends, Keating collected not just autographs, but behind the scenes stories that are must-reads for any baseball fan.
In this first volume, you’ll read stories about Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Yogi Berra, Rod Carew, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial, Roger Maris, Johnny Mize, Joe McCarthy and many others.

The Lost Sermons of Charles Spurgeon Volume iii – His Earliest Outlines and Sermons Between 1851 and 1854 by Christian T. George and B&H Publishing Group.

In 1857, Charles Spurgeon—the most popular preacher in the Victorian world—promised his readers that he would publish his earliest sermons. For almost 160 years, these sermons have been lost to history. In 2017, B&H Academic began releasing a multi-volume set that includes full-color facsimiles, transcriptions, contextual and biographical introductions, and editorial annotations. Written for scholars, pastors, and students alike, The Lost Sermons of C. H. Spurgeon will add approximately 10 percent more material to Spurgeon’s body of literature.

Wrapped in custom marbled paper and leather like Spurgeon’s original notebook, the collector’s edition has gilded edges and contains photographs not found in the hardcover edition.

Contracts

Dr. Daniel Amen signed with Tyndale for a two-book deal to be released in 2019 and 2020.

Jonathan McKee signed with Barbour Publishing, Inc. for Guys Guide to 4 Battles Every Young Man Must Face to be released Fall 2019.

Jamie Sumner signed with Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster) for Trailerland to be released September 2019.

Melissa K. Norris signed with Harvest House Publishers, Inc. for Gardening with a Purpose to be released early 2020.

Margot Starbuck signed with Zondervan to work with Chrystal Hurst on her book Show Up for Your Life: What the Girl You’ll be Tomorrow Wants you to Know Today to be released mid 2019.

Joe Wheeler signed a 7-title deal with Fundacja Źródła Życia of Poland.

New Clients

Kathy Barnette, Kate Crocco, Mindee Hardin, Clarence Shuler, Cindi Wood Ministries, LLC., joined WordServe this month. A Big Hardy Welcome to All!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Amy Sorrells for her Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review for Before I Saw You  from Tyndale House. Check it out here: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4964-3279-7

Congratulations to Cara Whitney on the successful promotion of Unbridled Faith: 100 Devotions from the Horse Farm on Fox & Friends. Check out her interview at: http://video.foxnews.com/v/5796115630001/?#sp=show-clips. Unbridled has climbed to #4 on Amazon, too!

The accolades keep coming for Margot Starbuck! Congratulations, to Margot, Randol Hammer and Phillip Robinson for Forgiveness in the First Degree winning the 2018 Selah Award for Best Memoir with the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. Check out the winners here: https://bit.ly/2lwEVOX. Also, Margot’s collaboration with Rashad Jennings for The IF in LIFE hits the New York Times Best Seller list at #5!

Congratulations to Kristin Weber for signing a production/TV Series agreement with Edwin Zane for The Smart Girl’s Guide to God, Guys, and the Galaxy.