WordServe News June 2022

As this month begins, so does the release of many books this month at WordServe Literary . . . our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Waiting for a sign vol 2Congratulations to Kevin Keating and Core Media Group  on the June 7, 2022 release of Waiting for a Sign Volume 2: Highlights & Inside Stories from a Lifetime of Collecting Baseball Autographs.

If you were a baseball fan in the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s-or if your passion for the game and its history is more recent-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. Along the way he befriended many of the most familiar names in the history of sports. Through those friendships, Keating collected not just autographs, but behind-the-scenes stories that are must-reads for any baseball fan. In this collection of narratives, Keating builds on the success of his first volume as he introduces you to Roberto Clemente, Chuck Connors, Casey Stengel, Warren Spahn, George Brett, Bob Feller, Buck O’Neil, George Sisler, Paul Gleason, Mark McGwire, and many others. Here are the stories behind the autographs that reveal the person inside the player.

Congratulations to Elishaba Doerksen and Core Media Group  on the January 2022 release of Out of the Wilderness,

Elishaba Doerksen was the oldest of fifteen children born to ex-hippies Robert and Kurina Hale—also known as Papa Pilgrim and Country Rose. Elishaba grew up in a dilapidated 342-square-foot log cabin in the Sangre de Cristo mountains of New Mexico, isolated from civilization by a fundamentalist father intent on keeping his large family cloistered from a godless world. When she was nineteen, Papa Pilgrim began taking liberties with Elishaba in unimaginable ways and beating her—and her siblings—when he judged them to be “rebellious.”

The horrific sexual and physical abuse continued after the family moved to a remote valley in the Alaska wilderness. After ten years of terrifying mistreatment, Elishaba gathered her courage to make a run for it on a snowmobile. What happens next is the basis for a powerful, dramatic story about perseverance, faith, and redemption, as well as forgiveness.

This is the first time that Elishaba has told her side of a story that garnered national attention with major articles in the Washington Post, NPR, and Outside magazine as well as a significant buzz on social media. She needed time to heal, but now she’s ready to tell the world what it was like living with Papa Pilgrim—and how she overcame some of the worst trauma a daughter can experience at the hands of a father.

Congratulations to Sarah Varland and Love Inspired Publications  on the August 23,  2022 release of Tracking the Truth (Love Inspired Suspense: K-9 Unit). 2 Thrilling Stories

A dangerous search for justice.  Alaskan Showdown by Sarah Varland

After finding the body of a missing hiker in her small Alaska town, search-and-rescue dog handler Adriana Steele becomes the target of a serial killer thought to have been inactive for decades. Now Adriana’s determined to help Officer Levi Wicks catch the murderer. But with the cold case heating up, the jaded officer is all that stands between her and death.

Cold Case Trail by Sharee Stover

Temporarily working in the cold case division was supposed to mean less danger for state trooper Trey Jackson and his injured K-9 partner, Magnum—until they thwart an abduction. Now he must protect profiler Justine Stark, even as she blames him for her friend’s death ten years ago. Can he right past wrongs by finally solving the murder…and making sure Justine lives to find closure?

Congratulations to Sarah Varland and Love Inspired Publications  on the August 23,  2022 release of Secrets at the Summit (Love Inspired Suspense). 2 Thrilling Stories

Seeking the truth could be deadly.  Alaska Secrets by Sarah Varland

When her first love, Seth Connors, is attacked in the Alaskan wilderness, former police officer Ellie Hardison knows the crime is linked to his sister’s unsolved murder. This time, she won’t stop until she finds the culprits—even if it means joining Seth undercover. With one last chance to find justice, success could bring Ellie and Seth back together…and failure could prove fatal.

Covert Cover-Up by Elizabeth Goddard

Private investigator Katelyn Bradley rushes to help when she suspects a burglary at her neighbor Beck Goodwin’s house—and arrives just in time to save him. The widowed dad is convinced the attack is linked to his wife’s mysterious death, and now Katelyn is a target, too. Trapped in someone’s crosshairs, can Beck and Katelyn uncover his late wife’s lethal secrets…and keep each other alive?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Elizabeth Goddard

Contracts

Jennifer Strickland signed with Faith Happenings for the 2023 re-release of Girl Perfect.

 

New Clients

 Rinnah Shaw, Arianna Molloy Yeh, Brady Crytzer, Craig Von Buseck, David Sunde, and Mike Acker recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Candace Camling.  Pray and Think Imaginative Rosary Book won FIRST PLACE in the Association of Catholic Publishers’ Excellence in Publishing Awards in the Children’s Books: Picture Book category! Read the article at:  https://www.catholicpublishers.org/2022-publishing-award-winners. 

 

Carol AwardCongratulations to Sara Davison.  The Carol Awards has announced that Sara is a finalist in two different categories, Romantic Suspense and Novella)

 

 

Romantic Suspense

Driven by Sara Davison
Mountain Brook Ink
Editors: Miralee Ferrell and Alyssa Roat

 

Novella

Star Light (part of The Heart of Christmas Anthology) by Sara Davison

Editor: Deb Elkink

 

The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.

For more information about the Carol Awards: https://acfw.com/acfw-contests/carol-awards

WordServe News May 2022

As this month begins, so does the release of many books this month at WordServe Literary . . . our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

100 days angerCongratulations to Stephen Arterburn and Aspire Publishing  on the April 5, 2022 release of 100 Days to Freedom from Anger: Daily Devotional.

Anger creates difficulties in relationships, feeds bitterness, and allows shame to dominate lives. Readers of this devotional need help with anger—their own or that of someone they care about.

Stephen Arterburn and the counselors at New Life Ministries want to help readers understand and learn to control what drives the powerful emotion of anger as well as its effects. Targeted daily devotions help readers explore sources of anger; surrender attitudes, temper, and emotions to God; and begin to experience life where peace rules. 100 Days to Freedom from Anger is designed to help the reader journey to freedom from anger and the control it has over life, making lasting changes to better reflect the nature of God, who is slow to anger, filled with unfailing love, and forgiving.

Congratulations to Candy Marballi and Ellie Claire Gifts on the May 3rd release of He Hears Her Voice: Growing Closer to God Through Prayer.

Discover a simple approach to prayer with this useful guide and see how it gives you the power to transform your life.

Candy Marballi discovered that declaring the promises of God through prayer led to untold blessings and opportunities. One prayer comprised of ten themes (grace, love, compassion, repentance, worship, commitment, dependence, influence, discipleship, and authority) will refresh your prayer-life. He Hears Her Voice is a prayer strategy that offers proven steps to guide you to a richer relationship with God.  Filled with vivid personal stories, meditative scripture, beautiful hymns, and meaningful prayers, this devotional provides a grounding worship experience. He Hears Her Voice will change the way we pray—and equip a generation of women to live boldly in their faith.

God and me at the seaCongratulations to Shelley Kinder and Kregel Publishing  on the May 17th release of God and Me at the Sea.

“I feel God’s love. So strong. So deep.

I whirl! I twirl! I skip! I leap!”

Have you ever felt God’s love so deeply that you wanted to sing and dance? That’s just how this little girl feels! In a sunny beach setting, she praises God with her whole heart–and her whole body! Singing, dancing, and drumming on her sand bucket, she has the most joy-filled time playing . . . a natural time to worship that we often forget.

In God and Me at the Sea, Shelley Kinder uses language natural to children and draws on rhythm and movement to show how all-encompassing the experience of praise can be. There’s no heavy, preachy tone here, just a light-hearted girl who shows kids 3 to 8 how to love and worship God.

Accompanied by vivid, expressive illustrations, God and Me at the Sea opens children’s eyes to the glory of God’s creation, and how powerful and rewarding worship can be.

The best worst dad jokesCongratulations to Sandy Silberthorne on the May 17, 2022 release of The Best Worst Dad Jokes.

When a man becomes a dad, he takes on certain responsi-bilities: providing for his family, raising up his children to be good citizens–and telling the absolute worst jokes he can come up with. But dad jokes don’t always come naturally, which is why Sandy Silverthorne created The Best Worst Dad Jokes. Filled with more than 500 groan worthy jokes to torment your kids, this collection makes it possible for dads to fill any moment of dead air with a joke that will have everyone within hearing distance rolling their eyes and edging away to avoid association with you. Jokes like . .

Two Hundred TuesdaysCongratulations to Dianne Derby  and NavPress  on the May 17, 2022 release of  Two Hundred Tuesdays: What a Pearl Harbor Survivor Taught Me about Life, Love, and Faith.

This is the story of how casual Tuesday meetings about friendship, leadership, mentoring, parenting, and marriage―and the sacred thread through it all―led to an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

When Dianne Derby arrived as a news anchor in Colorado Springs, she was hungry for approval, affirmation, and connections. She raced from one event to the next, capturing stories and sound bites. Everything changed when she met centenarian Jim Downing at a luncheon for World War II veterans. At the time, Jim was the second-oldest living survivor of Pearl Harbor. Jim asked Dianne an important question: “Would you like to meet the most fulfilled person you’ll ever know? You’re looking at him.”

Dianne and Jim began meeting on Tuesdays, where eventually she invited her followers into their dialogues with dozens of videos on Facebook Live, where viewers could learn from Jim just as she had. With thousands of views, the chats struck a chord with people who were hungry for a meaningful life. Over the course of five years, Jim Downing taught Dianne Derby to slow down; to embrace only what is true, real, and good; and to live a life of significance. She delivered a eulogy at his funeral, a memorial service that was broadcast for the world. His lessons live on in her stories, her friendships, and the significance of her work as a journalist, a mother, a wife, and a follower of Christ.

Congratulations to Jamie Sumner and Simon & Schuster Publishing on the May 31st release of The Summer of June.

Twelve-year-old June Delancey is kicking summer off with a bang. She shaves her head and sets two goals: she will beat her anxiety and be the lion she knows she can be, instead of the mouse everyone sees. And she and her single mama will own their power as fierce, independent females.

With the help of Homer Juarez, the poetry-citing soccer star who believes in June even when she doesn’t believe in herself, she starts a secret library garden and hatches a plan to make her dreams come true. But when her anxiety becomes too much, everything begins to fall apart. It’s going to take more than a haircut and some flowers to set things right. It’s going to take courage and friends and watermelon pie. Forget second chances. This is the summer of new beginnings.

Congratulations to Ace Collins and Tyndale Publishers on the June 17th release of Geared-Up Faith for Classic Car Buffs: Devotions to Help You Reflect, Recharge, and Restore.

Sit back and enjoy the ride!
Classic car aficionado Ace Collins cruises through automotive history with engaging stories that spotlight some of America’s most admired vintage vehicles. Along with the interesting anecdotes, you’ll find fascinating facts about sought-after cars, starting with the 1901 Oldsmobile Curved Dash and accelerating through the decades to the premiere of the Ford Mustang in 1964. Each featured model has an accompanying photograph showcasing cars such as the Ford Model T, Cord L-29, Cadillac Sixteen, Corvette, Thunderbird, and more. With high-octane biblical wisdom injected into each entry, your faith will be ignited, and your connection to God will grow. This is the perfect gift for the avid car collector, restorer, or hobbyist, or the vintage car fan who is seeking encouragement from God’s Word.

Congratulations to Mark Atteberry and Henderickson Publishers on the June 29th release of Troublemakers in the Church: Dealing with the Difficult, the Dangerous, and the Deadly.

Most people would agree that the church is an amazing concept―the idea that people who share faith in Christ can worship and serve together and enjoy sweet fellowship that has love, forgiveness, and mutual support as its hallmarks. But the reality is often quite different.

When people who are part of the church behave in ways that are thoughtless, selfish, and even vicious, then that shining ideal dims drastically and people get wounded, sometimes never to recover. Suddenly, the one place in the community that should symbolize hope and light becomes a house of horror. Why does this happen?

The easy answer is to point an accusing finger at Satan, but what about our own culpability? Troublemakers in the Church: Dealing with the Difficult, the Dangerous, and the Deadly identifies twenty-five types of troublesome church members and offers insights on how to deal with them, while also offering a specific plan for how to build a church culture that manages and minimizes trouble.

Contracts

KC Campbell signed with John Wiley & Sons for the August 2023 release of  Flying in the Face of Fear.

Jamie Sumner signed with Simon &Schuster for the January 2024 release of Deep Water.

Sean Castle signed with WordServe Literary for the release of Turn off the Noise and Get Started.

Jessica Cruickshank signed with NavPress for the May 2023 release of Extraordinary Discipleship.

Bill Myers signed with Fidelis Publishing for the December 2023 release of Rendezvous with God, Volumes 3 and 4.

New Clients

 Darren Manley, Sandra Bretting, and Ruth Goring recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

On the SpectrumCongratulations to Daniel Bowman, Jr. His book, “On the Spectrum” has been named,  Book of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy. 

Read the entire article at https://rushtopress.org/on-the-spectrum-by-daniel-bowman-jr-named-book-of-the-year-by-the-academy-of-parish-clergy/

 

Congratulations to Jamie Erickson.  Her book Homeschool Bravely: How to Squash Doubt, Trust God, and Teach Your Child with Confidence has hit 25,000 in sales!

WordServe News April 2022

As this month begins, so does the release of many books this month at WordServe Literary . . . our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Congratulations to Rick Johnson and Salem Books  on the April 5, 2022 release of When Grandparents Become Parents: How to Succeed at Raising Your Children’s Children

There’s a quiet epidemic in our culture: The fastest-growing type of family unit is grandparents charged with the task of raising their children’s children.

Though there are myriad reasons for this—the death of one’s adult child, parental drug addiction, abusive living situations, or incarceration, to name a few—the effects tend to be the same: Senior citizens who expected to spend their golden years relaxing or traveling are now seeing their dreams dashed. Those on limited incomes are feeling the strain and are frightened about their futures. And the mental, spiritual, and physical exhaustion of parenting and disciplining children many decades their junior, exacerbated by a technology gap, is overwhelmingly real.

And yet, through their sacrificial service, these seniors are acting as kinsman-redeemers for their grandchildren—keeping them out of the foster care system and giving them the best shot possible for a successful life.

In When Grandparents Become Parents, experienced author Rick Johnson details both the challenges and solutions these heroic seniors face, offering strategies and resources (including real advice from other grandparents) to deal with major areas of stress—incorporating humor, common sense, and practical advice along the way.

The Mystery of SilenceCongratulations to Dr. David Olshiine and Core Media Group  on the April 27, 2022 release of The Mystery of Silence: Making Sense of Life When God Seems Absent.

Most of us have wrestled with doubt, fear, stress, and wonder what to do when life gets difficult. How do we handle adversity? What do we do when God seems passive, quiet or absent?

The Mystery of Silence will take you not only into the author’s world, but also look into examples which will help you discover what silence means in your world, and how to handle the noises all around us.

 

Congratulations to Jessica Hooten Wilson with Jacob Stratman  and Zondervan Publishing  on the May 3, 2022 release of Learning the Good Life: Wisdom from the Great Hearts and Minds That Came Before.

Discover the Good Life as You Learn from the Wise Voices of the Past

We’ve lost ourselves. Disconnected from the past and uncertain about the future, we are anxious about what our lives will be and troubled by a nagging sense of meaninglessness. Adrift in the world, many Christians have their identity completely wrapped up in work and their definition of the “good life” is financial success. Fewer of are staying committed to the Christian faith, finding it difficult to reconcile their experience with their longings and desires. With so much uncertainty, where can we find a true vision of “the Good Life”?

Learning the Good Life speaks to this malaise with trusted and assured voices from the past, inviting Christians into an age-old conversation with some of history’s wisest hearts and minds as their dialogue companions. Featuring classic writings from a diverse lineup of over 35 writers and thinkers including Confucius, Augustine, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, W.E.B. DuBois, Flannery O’Connor, and Wendell Berry. Together these sages of the past address important issues such as:

  • Vocation
  • Calling
  • Meaning
  • Suffering
  • Beauty
  • Virtue
  • Learning
  • Wisdom
  • Critical Thinking
  • Community
  • Wonder
  • Reflection
  • And more

Each of these texts are introduced by experts who are teachers, from a variety of Christian colleges and universities, to help providing a broader, richer, and more cohesive narrative in which Christians may participate. In addition to a substantive introduction, each text is accompanied by discussion questions to provoke further thought and contemplation and also to facilitate discussion when used in groups. Ideal for any Christian seeking a deeper connection to the wisdom of the past and wanting a more cohesive and beautiful vision of the good life. All the writers have a message for you. All of them are calling you to die to yourself, to your habits of indulgence, to your pride and ambition, and instead, dedicate your time to learning, thinking, and loving.

Fierce ValorCongratulations to Jared Frederick with Erik Dorr and Regnery Publishing  on the May 10, 2022 release of Fierce Valor: The True Story of Ronald Speirs and his Band of Brothers.

Fans of Stephen E. Ambrose’s Band of Brothers will be drawn to this complex portrait of the controversial Ronald Speirs, an iconic commander of Easy Company during World War II, whose ferocious courage in three foreign conflicts was matched by his devotion to duty and the bittersweet passions of wartime romance. 

Fight Like You Mean to Win

His comrades called him “Killer.” Of the elite paratroopers who served in the venerated “Band of Brothers” during the Second World War, none were more enigmatic than Ronald Speirs. Rumored to have gunned down enemy prisoners and even one of his own disobedient sergeants, Speirs became a foxhole legend among his troops. But who was the real Lieutenant Speirs? 

In Fierce Valor, historians Jared Frederick and Erik Dorr unveil the fuller story of Easy Company’s longest-serving commander. Tested by trials of extreme training, military rivalry, and lost love, Speirs’s international odyssey begins as an immigrant child in Prohibition-era Boston and continues through the bloody campaigns of France, Holland, and Germany. But 1945 did not mark an end to Speirs’s military adventures. Uncovered by sharp scholarship, his lesser-known exploits in Korea, the Cold War, and embattled Laos also come to light for the first time.

Packed with groundbreaking research, Fierce Valor unveils a compelling portrait of an officer defined by boldness on the battlefield and the inherent costs of war. His story serves as a telling reminder that few soldiers escape the power of their own pasts

Country soulCongratulations to Cara Whitney and Thomas Nelson Publishing  on the May 17, 2022 release of Country Soul: Inspiring Stories of Heartache Turned into Hope.

This book is filled with heartwarming stories–30 compelling journeys of faith about men and women from all walks of life who have turned heartaches into hope and setbacks into victory.  

Most of the stories are drawn from ordinary everyday folks just like you: 

  • A Nebraska rancher who survived cancer and heart disease . . . and is now telling others how to break free from a far worse disease: sin
  • A wounded warrior who found healing in Christ . . . not to mention a brand-new life! 
  • A coal miner’s daughter who met Jesus in a West Virginia holler . . . and is committed to following Him to the ends of the earth 

With full-color color photos, a presentation page, and a ribbon marker, Country Soul is a thoughtful gift for:

  • Horse loversThe Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon
  • Believers who need a little faith lift
  • Birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day
  • Friends and loved ones going through difficult times

Refresh your soul as you rediscover that no matter how hard life gets, you can trust God.

Readers of Country Soul will also enjoy Cara Whitney’s previous books, Unbridled Faith and Fields of Grace.

The forgotten life of eva gordonCongratulations to Linda MacKillop and Kregel Publishing  on the May 17, 2022 release of The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon.

Failing memory has forced Eva Gordon to move in with her granddaughter, Breezy. But Eva hates the bustle of Boston. All she wants to do is move back to her quiet, cozy Cape Cod home and be left alone.

Then Breezy announces she’s getting married, and they’ll be moving to her new husband’s rundown family farm, where he lives with an elderly uncle. They’ll be one big family–but only Breezy and Brent think it’ll be a happy one.

It’s all too much for Eva. Too much change, too much togetherness, too much of an over-crowded life she never wanted. But as her desire for privacy collides with her worsening memory, Eva may find herself in a pickle she can’t get out of. Can an unlikely cast of misfit characters step in to woo Eva from her self-imposed isolation?

Fans of A Man Called Ove will appreciate Eva’s predicament, and enjoy the poignant, hilarious, and intergenerational rescue effort to save her from herself.

Finding MessiahCongratulations to Jennifer M. Rosner and IVP  on the May 24, 2022 release of Finding Messiah: A Journey into the Jewishness of the Gospel.

Jesus was Jewish, and his Jewish identity informed every aspect of his work, words, and witness. He came as the Messiah of Israel, God’s covenant people, and he spoke the language of God’s faithfulness to this people. So why does it seem that Judaism has little to do with our Christian discipleship today? Jennifer Rosner, a scholar of Jewish-Christian relations, takes us on a personal and corporate journey into the Jewish roots of Christian faith and practice. Understanding Judaism―and the way in which Judaism and Christianity became separate religions―is essential for a rich and holistic Christian identity. As a follower of Jesus who was raised in a Jewish home and who continues to live a Jewish life, Rosner has seen firsthand how a Christian faith can become impoverished when divorced from its Jewish roots. Finding Messiah follows Rosner’s own journey in rediscovering the role of Judaism and God’s covenant with Israel in Christian life and practice. When we begin to understand Christianity’s indelible relationship to Judaism, key aspects of the Christian faith come alive and the wonder of the gospel becomes clear in new and powerful ways. Jesus’ Judaism provides the foundation for the church that is built upon his name. Rediscover the Jewish Jesus, and in so doing, experience a deeper and richer faith than ever before.

More of YouCongratulations to Amanda Martinez Beck and Broadleaf Books on the May 24, 2022 release of More of You: The Fat Girl’s Field Guide to the Modern World.

Too often, fatness has been viewed as a moral failing. Fat Christian women in particular are shamed and marginalized by the message that they are failing God because they can’t change their bodies. More of You will challenge that status quo, teaching readers to resist the shame and guilt that is pressed onto them by the world and instead to embrace their bodies, take up space, and learn to navigate the world in ways that allow them to flourish.

With wit and candor, Amanda Martinez Beck, a fat woman herself, compiles her hard-won wisdom to give the skinny on thriving in a fat body to others who have been pushed to the margins of acceptance. Offering helpful tools like The Fat Girl’s Bill of Rights and a script for a weight-neutral doctor’s visit, this book addresses real needs in the fat acceptance community, from how to find self-love in a thin-obsessed world, to navigating a world built for butts smaller than yours, to advocating for equality and justice for fat women’s medical care.

Jacobs ApartmentCongratulations to Joshua Kimbell and Graphic Mundi  on the June 7, 2022 release of Jacob’s Apartment.

Some questions can shake even the strongest faith.

At first glance, college roommates Jacob and Sarah seem like polar opposites. Jacob is a Christian; Sarah is an atheist. Sarah is a drinker, and Jacob, a teetotaler. But they have been friends for years, finding commonality in their shared dream to create art.

Jacob’s world is turned upside down when his father dies, causing him to question his faith. Meanwhile, Sarah wrestles with her own demons, searching for solace in one-night stands after her boyfriend (and professor) leaves her for a job in New York.

A coming-of-age graphic novel in the vein of Ghost World and Fun Home, Jacob’s Apartment weaves together the threads of spiritual faith, identity, purpose, love, and loss to create an engrossing world in which waking and sleeping dreams collide

Contracts

Candace Camling signed with One Ingram for the April 2024 release of  Woodward Whittles A Tune.

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson signed with Salem Communications for the August 2023 release of Don’t Let Satan Blow It Out.

John Dailey signed with Post Hill Press for the April 2024 release of Tough, Rugged Bastards.

Thomas Sileo signed with St. Martin’s for the January 2024 release of I Have Your Back.

Candace Camling signed with Kregel Publications as Illustrator for the release of Amon’s Secret.

New Clients

 Ryan Keats and Jessie Cruickshank recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

On the SpectrumCongratulations to Daniel Bowman, Jr. His book, “On the Spectrum” has been named,  Book of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy. 

Read the entire article at https://rushtopress.org/on-the-spectrum-by-daniel-bowman-jr-named-book-of-the-year-by-the-academy-of-parish-clergy/

 

WordServe News March 2022

As this month begins, so does the release of many books this month at WordServe Literary . . . our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Train your dogCongratulations to R. Ruddell Weatherwax  and Skyhorse Publishing  on the Jan. 4, 2022 release of Training Your Dog the Weatherwax Way.

A training manual for any dog owner using the tried, true, and trusted Weatherwax methods.

The name “Weatherwax” is widely known in the dog world. The author is a third-generation professional dog trainer and owner of Weatherwax Dog Training. The family has trained the original “Lassie” (actually a male named “Pal”), Toto for “The Wizard of Oz,” and also “Old Yeller.” These theories and tactics are applicable to any dog lover and owner, not just those on the big screen!

This is a complete guide to dog ownership and basic training manual using the Weatherwax method, which hasn’t changed in almost a century; though Robert has added a few enhancements over the years from his exposure to other great trainers.

To be continuedCongratulations to Mike Ashcraft  and B&H Books  on the March 15, 2022 release of To Be Concluded: How to Prevent Your Past from Piling Up and Find Hope for Your Future.

“To be continued…”
The words build anticipation for what’s coming . . . which is great for a Netflix binge, but not a healthy pattern for our lives. In real life, constant continuation causes our lives to pile up, episode upon episode, with no space for reflection or rest, contentment or closure.
This book is for the too-busy, driven person who’s moving on to the next win, without ever processing how one season of life affects the next. It’s for the person stuck and held back because she’s never done the hard work of getting real closure on a season. When we fail to finish well, we live with a pile of unfinished beginnings. But finished things become usable things because they are a part of the story of God’s grace and faithfulness.

You HappierCongratulations to Dr. Daniel G. Amen  and Tyndale Publishing  on the March 22, 2022 release of You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type.

Happiness is a brain function. With a healthier brain always comes a happier life.

After studying more than 200,000 brain scans of people from 155 countries, Dr. Amen has discovered five primary brain types and seven neuroscience secrets that influence happiness. In You, Happier, he explains them and offers practical, science-based strategies for optimizing your happiness. Dr. Amen will teach you how to

  • discover your brain type based on your personality and create happiness strategies best suited to you;
  • improve your overall brain health to consistently enhance your mood;
  • protect your happiness by distancing yourself from the “noise” in your head; and
  • make seven simple decisions and ask seven daily questions to enhance your happiness.

Creating consistent happiness is a daily journey. In You, Happier, Dr. Amen walks you through neuroscience-based habits, rituals, and choices that will boost your mood and help you live each day with clearly defined values, purpose, and goals.

Drawing the LineCongratulations to Kate Crocco  and Baker Books  on the March 29, 2022 release of Drawing the Line: How to Achieve More Peace and Less Burnout in Your Life.

In order to live a full and abundant life in alignment with our dreams and callings, we first need to become crystal clear on where we draw our boundary lines. But where and how do we draw the line? And how do we communicate clearly and lovingly to those around us where the line is and why it’s important?

With plenty of relatable stories from her life juggling multiple businesses and a full house, therapist and mindset coach Kate Crocco offers eight principles that will help you understand, create, and maintain healthy boundaries in order to find more peace, greater fulfillment, and less burnout. She shows you how to take back control from the whims of other people’s opinions about what you should be doing so that you can align your time and priorities with God’s highest calling for your life.

Stop selling yourself short, waiting for permission, and looking to others for approval to begin living a life of purpose, passion, and personal peace.

Preaching Life ChangingCongratulations to Jesse Nelson  and Kregel Ministries  on the April 12, 2022 release of Preaching Life-Changing Sermons: Six Steps to Developing and Delivering Biblical Messages.

A how-to guide for preparing and delivering Spiritfilled, biblical messages that make an impact

Being called to preach is a tremendous commission. In Preaching Life-Changing Sermons, Jesse L. Nelson shares a simple process for effective expository sermon preparation and delivery, flavored with insights from his life in ministry and academic work. Those with teaching and preaching responsibilities with little to no seminary training will learn practical steps they can use today in their ministry.

 

Contracts

Jennifer Fitzpatrick signed with Salem Publishing for the May 2023 release of  The Patient-Centric Culture.

Catherine Ricketts signed with Broadleaf Books for the April 2024 release of Mother & Makers.

Kevin Ford and James Singleton, Jr. signed with InterVarsity Press for the November 2023 release of The Attentive Church.

Sarah Frazer signed with B&H Publishing for the summer/fall 2023 release of When Your Story Shifts.

Leslie Leyland Field signed with NavPress for the Jan 2024 release of Nearing a Far God.

New Clients

 Joe Muccia and Kimberly Shumate recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

 

 

 

WordServe News February 2022

Much has been happening this month at WordServe Literary . . . our highlights below include new releases, contracts signed, notable reviews and PR events, new authors to the agency and other news of note by clients and agents.

New Releases

Living Unbroken WorkbookCongratulations to Tracie Miles  and David C Cook Publishing  on the March 1, 2022 release of Living Unbroken: A Divorce Recovery Workbook.

With discussion questions, journal prompts, prayers, Scripture verses, real-life stories, teaching videos, and a downloadable leader’s guide, the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Workbook is uniquely geared for women-only small groups. This interactive book creates a safe place for women to come together and process their heartbreak and questions. It empowers them to glean encouragement, build companionship, and find spiritual strength to reclaim their lives and happiness after divorce.

Women who know the pain of separation or divorce often feel alone, even in the church. This small group companion to Tracie Miles’s honest and groundbreaking book Living Unbroken invites women to take an important step on their journey to healing together.

Specifically created for groups of women only, The Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery Workbook offers:

  • Access to 7 videos hosted by the author plus a downloadable leader’s guide
  • Journal prompts, discussion questions, prayers, Scripture verses, and real-life inspirational stories to help hurting women find optimism
  • Action steps such as “Happiness Prompters” and “Caring-for-You Reminders”

Written for the tens of thousands of Christian women who have experienced divorce and feel unseen, this powerful workbook reminds readers that their identity comes from Christ, not their marital status. Although it’s hard to imagine while overcome by pain, they can indeed discover joy, hope, and self-confidence again. 

Stop Chasing EasyCongratulations to Stephen Blandino  and The Core Media Group  on the March, 2022 release of Stop Chasing Easy.

Are you tired of chasing the empty promises of ease, comfort, and security? Are you ready to make your life count today…and for eternity? 

Everywhere you look, there is a constant enticement to pursue a life of ease. In fact, for many people, “Easy Street” has become their primary ambition in life. There’s only one problem: the apostle Paul warns us that, “Easy street is a dead-end street.” In the end, it leaves you feeling empty, and it deceives you into believing that the purpose of life is to avoid anything difficult. 

In Stop Chasing Easy, Stephen Blandino inspires us with a bigger vision beyond the edges of ease. He unpacks the apostle Paul’s wisdom in the book of Philippians and shares four powerful trade-offs that will help you make your life count. 

No matter where you find yourself, Stop Chasing Easy will inspire you to think differently, grow to your full potential, and pursue a mission worth your life. Rather than chasing easy, you’ll learn how to make your life count today…and for eternity. 

 

The Grace MessageCongratulations to Andrew Farley  and Salem Book Publishing  on the March 8 , 2022 release of The Grace Message.

What Is God’s Grace—and What Does It Mean for You?

Grace. It’s a word we’ve heard since the very first step in our faith journey—but do we really believe in God’s grace?

Grace raises eyebrows. It begs questions. Grace turns everything upside down. The Grace Message invites you to discover the best flavor of Christianity and celebrate the good news of the Gospel to the fullest. Here, you’ll learn:

• how to abandon rule-based living and stop trying to measure up

• why your new identity in Jesus matters more than you can imagine

• how you can now enjoy God’s New Covenant way of grace

Bestselling author and radio host Andrew Farley’s no-nonsense straight talk will awaken you to a revolutionary perspective every healthy Christian should have.

Life is too short to miss out on God’s best—and what you don’t know can hinder you from experiencing Jesus in every area of your life. So if you’ve been weighed down by ruthless religion, or you’ve been searching for that high-octane version of the Gospel that you know must be out there somewhere, here it is. This thought-provoking book will challenge you to dismiss the lies you’ve believed and to make up your own mind about how big God’s grace really is.

“Andrew Farley shows why the good news is actually great news. This extraordinary, battle-tested message of hope and freedom has a proven track record of transforming lives. The Grace Message is bursting with truth. The love of God practically drips from its pages. Read it and see for yourself!” —Bart Millard, singer/songwriter for MercyMe

 

Finding Joy in the Empty NextCongratulations to Jim Burns  and Zondervan Publishing  on the May 10 , 2022 release of Finding Joy in the Empty Nest.

When the kids are gone, you can discover a richer, deeper, and more fulfilling life than you ever imagined!

Whether you’ve been looking forward to it or dreading it, the experience of coming home to an empty nest brings with it a well of emotions, realizations, and one gigantic, all-consuming thought: Now what? As an empty nester, the options before you are practically limitless–a fact that can be as exciting as it is terrifying.

In this book, Jim Burns combines his personal experiences with extensive research, interviews with other empty nesters, and his professional work as a family educator to help you navigate your new life as an empty nester and find joy in the opportunities for life-change before you.

Rather than offering shallow suggestions of hobbies you should take up, Burns encourages you to actively pursue a fresh start, reinvent yourself, and thrive beyond this new stage. To help you do this, he equips you with practical advice and timeless principles, including how to:

  • Change the relationship you once had with your children–for the better
  • Face big issues (like aging parents, finances, and kids returning home) with confidence
  • And rekindle your fire and purpose to live with passion day by day

Amid his wealth of know-how, you’ll uncover what may be the most important takeaway of all: hope that the best is yet to come.

Contracts

Kris Tarantino signed with Waterbrook Publishing for the March 2023 release of Be My Valentine.

Carolyn Leiloglou signed with Waterbrook Publishing for the January 2023 release of Beneath the Swirling Sky.

Grace Hamman signed with Zondervan for the  September 2023 release of The Many Faces of Jesus.

Melissa K. Norris signed with Harvest House Pubishers for the January 2024 release of Made-from-Scrath Life.

Sarah Frazer signed with B&H Publishing Group for the Summer/Fall 2023 release of When Your Story Shifts.

New Clients

 Alicia Kazsuk, Lisa Colon DeLay, Greg Munck, and Gregory Pratt recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

 

Who We’re Recognizing

  .It’s with a heavy heart that we announce what many have already heard. Steve Farrar, one of my clients since 1995, has passed away at the young age of 73 after compli-cations from a heart procedure.  I’ve been privileged to work with many wonderful men’s ministry leaders the last 30 years, but Steve was that rare combination of a great heart, incredible speaking gifts (humor and depth), a deep thinker, a great writer . . . and most importantly, a kind and compassionate man. He was the kind of man I always wanted to be. He was quick with a laugh, a prayer, an insight and a big bear hug. He was a giant of a man in things that mattered most. Finally, he was a good friend who will be profoundly missed not only by his wife Mary and his children and grandchildren, but also by the Kingdom.

 

Congratulations to Patricia Raybon for being selected for Stephen Curry’s Book Club which was announced in the Rush to Press recent weekly news.   Read the interesting article at  https://rushtopress.org/10150-2/

  “Tyndale is pleased to announce that Stephen Currys Literati book club, Underrated, which is committed to championing often overlooked authors and stories, has selected All That is Secret by Patricia Raybon as its March 2022 pick for readers. “

WordServe News January 2022

Why Socialize when You Can Read!

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

New Releases

Jesus love to the endCongratulations to Anne Barbour and FaithHappenings Publishers on the December 5, 2021 release of Jesus Love to the End: A Devotional to Prepare Your Heart fo Easter.

Is your experience leading up to Easter one filled with anticipation? It can be!

Jesus Love to the End will help you saturate yourself in the story of Jesus’ final weeks up and through His death and resurrection. As you do that, you will find yourself deeply appreciating Jesus and His radical display of love. Whatever traditions and practices make up your preparation for Easter each year, the focus—the point of it all—is Jesus.”

 

Be A Giant KillerCongratulations to Ed Norwood and Freiling Publishing on the August, 2021 release of Be A Giant Killer – Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths.

SINCE THE DAY YOU WERE BORN, there have been giants in your life. Tyrants of immense size who try to exert negative influence over your destiny. Giants try to intimidate you into inaction and apathy. They want to convince you that your past mistakes, family tree, size, and shame will always hold you back. I, too, was born with giants. When I was eight years old, twenty-seven of my relatives were massacred by cult leader Jim Jones in the Jonestown Guyana Tragedy. The shame of my own family history shadowed my life until I discovered the lessons revealed in this book, a searing expose of how our history can influence our legacy.

We were made to break the cycle and, just like men and women in the Bible, fiercely face the giants in our lives before they get passed to the next generation.

Be A Giant Killer is a knockout punch to what’s holding you back from your wildest dreams and best life!

“Powerful and impactful! Ed is an incredible man and friend with a very unique personal story. His passion is contagious! He identifies God’s dreams for His children and the giants in the way of fulfilling these dreams. This is a must-read for anyone excited to use biblical weapons to help defeat these giants in life and chase their dreams! Get reading and let’s go!” -BRUCE TOLLNER, Co-Author of Sidelined with Indianapolis Colts Coach Chuck Pagano/NFL Agent/ Owner Rep 1 which represents Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Marcus Mariota, Ben Roethlisberger and many others.

“In Be A Giant Killer, Ed Norwood equips the reader to be able to readily identify the enemies that hinder us, and then conquer them. Defining the problem well is half the battle. This is gold to those who are ready to be victorious warriors.” -BISHOP DALE C. BRONNER, D. MIN., Founder/Senior Pastor, Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, Atlanta, GA

 

BusesCongratulations to Charles Person with Richard Rooker and St. Martin’s Publishing on the January, 2022 Paperback release of Buses are a Comin’ Memoir of a Freedom Rider.

A firsthand exploration of the cost of boarding the bus of change to move America forwardwritten by one of the Civil Rights Movement’s pioneers.

At 18, Charles Person was the youngest of the original Freedom Riders, key figures in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement who left Washington, D.C. by bus in 1961, headed for New Orleans. This purposeful mix of black and white, male and female activists―including future Congressman John Lewis, Congress of Racial Equality Director James Farmer, Reverend Benjamin Elton Cox, journalist and pacifist James Peck, and CORE field secretary Genevieve Hughes―set out to discover whether America would abide by a Supreme Court decision that ruled segregation unconstitutional in bus depots, waiting areas, restaurants, and restrooms nationwide.

Two buses proceeded through Virginia, North and South Carolina, to Georgia where they were greeted by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and finally to Alabama. There, the Freedom Riders found their answer: No. Southern states would continue to disregard federal law and use violence to enforce racial segregation. One bus was burned to a shell, its riders narrowly escaping; the second, which Charles rode, was set upon by a mob that beat several riders nearly to death.

Buses Are a Comin’
 provides a front-row view of the struggle to belong in America, as Charles Person accompanies his colleagues off the bus, into the station, into the mob, and into history to help defeat segregation’s violent grip on African American lives. It is also a challenge from a teenager of a previous era to the young people of today: become agents of transformation. Stand firm. Create a more just and moral country where students have a voice, youth can make a difference, and everyone belongs.

 

Mrs. WitherspoonCongratulations to Mary Davis and Barbour Publishing on the January 31, 2022 release of Mrs. Witherspoon Goes To War (Heroines of WWII).

A WASP Goes Above the Call of Duty to Free Captive American Soldiers

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes; the heroines of WWII. Peggy Witherspoon, a widow, mother, and pilot flying for the Women’s Airforce Service in 1944 clashes with her new reporting officer. Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg was injured in combat and is now stationed at Bolling Field in Washington D.C. Most of Peggy’s jobs are safe, predictable, and she can be home each night with her three daughters; until a cargo run to Cuba alerts her to American soldiers being held captive there, despite Cuba being an ally

Will Peggy go against orders to help the men? Even risk her own life? Don’t miss this and other stories about Heroines of WWII.

Contracts

Sarah Varland signed with Harlequin Enterprises for Sarah Varland K-9. to be released May 2023.

Dr. Cindy McGovern signed with McGraw Hill for Sell Your Brand-Sell YOU to be released March 2023.

New Clients

 K.C. Campbell recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

 

What We’re Celebrating

 

The Scandal of HolinessCongratulations to Jessica Hooten Wilson for the Review of her book”The Scandal of Holiness: Renewing Your Imagination in the Company of Literary Saints” in Publisher’s Weekly Magazine. 

PW logo

Read the entire review at:  https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-58743-524-9. 

v

 

WordServe News January 2021

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

The Oz SyndromeCongratulations to Dr. Michael O’Donnell and FaithHappenings Publishers on the December 24, 2020 release of The Oz Syndrome: Coming Home to Find Contentment in the Sacredness of the Family.

“Somewhere over the rainbow isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!” Our modern lifestyle has created an epidemic of restlessness, a desperate search for what we believe to be missing in our lives that Dr. O’Donnell has dubbed, The Oz Syndrome. In this obsession we wander over the rainbow and down the yellow brick road in an anxious quest for the “wizard” who we think can ease our restless heart. But Dr. O’Donnell shows us, as Dorothy learned, that the true answer was always there—right in our own backyard.

She SmilesCongratulations to Katy McCown and David C. Cook for the January 1, 2021 release of She Smiles Without Fear: Proverbs 31 for Every Woman.

Bible Study with Digital Video Sessions Included!

Many women live with anticipation—but also great anxiety—about what the future may bring. So they work hard to stay one step ahead of their worst-case scenarios. While they’re focused on arranging a secure tomorrow, their fear strangles the peace, joy, and purpose from today. With the Proverbs 31 woman as a guide, Katy McCown takes readers on a five-week journey to discover how to find security in God’s plans and confidence in His control.
McCown’s Bible study provides a fresh perspective of the Proverbs 31 woman to make her more accessible than ever before.

Features:

  • 6 digital video sessions easily accessed online
  • Personal or Group Study with 5 weeks of personal study segments to complete between 6 weeks of group sessions
  •  Practical tools for overcoming anxiety and fear rooted in God’s word

A Joy-Filled Invitation to Move the Weight of the World from Your Shoulders to God’s.

Relentless CourageCongratulations to Tana Amen and Thomas Nelson for the January 5, 2021 release of The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child: How Persistence, Grit, and Faith Created a Reluctant Healer.

A shocking and hopeful account of one woman’s extraordinary courage to face her past and embrace truth in order to help others find hope and healing

In The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child, Tana Amen shares her incredible story of transformation—of growing up in poverty, a bullied latch-key kid raised on sugary cereal and junk food, to becoming a world-renowned food and fitness expert.

Her challenging past of neglect, poverty, sexual abuse, thyroid cancer, and bouts of anxiety and depression set her on a path to find healing. Through her remarkable journey, we see more clearly the light that can shine through our own broken places and ultimately heal us: body, mind, and soul.

At once tragic and heartwarming, Tana’s story integrates cutting-edge psychology and proven wellness techniques from the Amen Clinics in a moving exploration of the healing available to each one of us, no matter the pain in our past.

Congratulations to Karissa Tunis, Shari Medini, and Skyhorse Publishing for the January 19 release of Parenting While Working from Home: A Monthly Guide to Help Parents Balance Their Careers Connect with Their Kids Establish Their Inner Strength.

Parenting in December is very different from parenting in July―especially while working from home!

As more parents work from home than ever before, there are unique challenges when it comes to meeting the demands of their job, helping their kids thrive, and finding even five minutes to take care of themselves. Parenting While Working from Home offers tips, strategies, and reflections to help parents balance their careers, connect with their kids, and establish their inner strength over the course of a year. Parenting experts and founders of the popular website, Adore Them Parenting, Karissa Tunis and Shari Medini share actionable tips, heartfelt insight, and planning strategies to help you enjoy your own parenting journey while working from home.

Building on the authors’ own experiences and the most common challenges they hear parents voicing today, Parenting While Working from Home encourages parents to make intentional changes that will result in happier families and thriving careers. This practical guide will teach you how to:

  • Manage your time so that both your kids and your job get the attention they need
  • Build a professional network and maintain your productivity from home
  • Create a kid-friendly environment that encourages independence and strong sibling bonds
  • Consistently tune in to your own needs so that you can meet your true potential
  • And so much more

While it isn’t always easy, working from home while raising a family can (and should) be an incredible experience. Parenting While Working from Home offers comfort in shared struggles, new solutions, and calmer days ahead!

Congratulations to Kristin Weber and David C. Cook for the February 1, 2021 release of Adulting for Jesus: A Book about Purpose, Trusting God, & (Obviously) Burritos.

Is adulthood a curseWhat should I do with all these participation trophies? As young adults try to figure things out and answer deep, soul-heavy questions, they’re given flak for living in “extended adolescence.” In a world that insists we can (and should) have it all, Adulting for Jesus uses humor to offer topical advice and encouragement for those who are asking, “Is this really all there is?”

Develop realistic expectations and a healthy, godly outlook on life for:

  • relationships
  • calling
  • blessings
  • serving
  • sabbath
  • social media
  • anxiety

Readers will find that by learning to laugh at themselves and find humor in situations, the reduced stress and anxiety makes the ride so much more enjoyable. Most importantly, the more young adults learn about God and see His faithfulness in their lives, the more they grow to love His will, even if it’s not exactly what they imagined.

Congratulations to Tracie Miles and David C. Cook for the February 1, 2021 release of Living Broken: Reclaiming Your Life and Your Heart after Divorce.

Unlike other books on divorce, Living Unbroken takes a deep dive into understanding and overcoming the emotional toll divorce, separation, and the loss of a serious long-term relationship has on a woman’s well-being. As someone who has walked this path, Tracie Miles leads women on a powerful, life-changing journey that provides much-needed hope, encouragement, and practical guidance for living their best life even if it’s not the life they once imagined. Her biblically sound approach teaches readers how to trust in God’s promises and restore their self-confidence and hope for the future.

Congratulations to David Dusek and Fidelis Publishing for the February 23, 2021 release of The Battle: Tactics for Biblical Manhood Learned from the 7th Calvary in Vietnam.

Victory in the battle of life comes by the hand of solid tactics, the undying resolve to win, and the unbreakable bonds of battle-hardened brotherhood. Using content from We Were Soldiers and interviews with those who were in the brutal conflict portrayed in that film, David Dusek shows men how to defend themselves and those around them from the attacks of Satan seeking to steal, kill, and destroy.

Contracts

Katie Powner signed Baker Publishing Group for the large print version of The Sowing Season.

Fred Sievert signed with Morgan James FAITH for Fast Starting A Career of Consequence workbook to be released in 2021.

Jennifer Leo signed with Barbour Publishing for Undercover Logger as part of the Lumberjack and Ladies Series to be in Summer 2022.

Ryan Hendrickson signed with Pray for Rain Pictures, Inc. for Tip of the Spear.

Jamie Erickson signed with Moody Publishers for a two-book deal to be released in January 2022 and January 2024.

Laura Stack signed with Freiling Publishing for Marijuana and Your Child to be released March 2022.

Ali Rothrock signed with Broadleaf Publishing for After Trauma to be released June 2022.

Mary Davis signed with Barbour Publishing for Mrs. Witherspoon Goes to War to be released July 2022.

New Clients

 Mary Tutterow, Chris Davis, and Laura Krokos recently signed with WordServe.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Charles Person and Richard Rooker along with St. Martins Press for the Starred Review from Publisher’s Weekly for Buses Are a Comin’: Memoir of a  Freedom Rider releasing April 27, 2021. Read the review HERE.

Congratulations to Jamie Sumner for winning the Owl Award for the 2020 Outstanding Works of Literature for Tune It Out. Check out the article here: https://blog.book-pal.com/industry-news/awards/winners-for-the-2020-outstanding-works-of-literature-owl-award-announced.

Shari Medini and Karissa Tunis  were on Good Day LA. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhwiP5oSgvo&feature=youtu.be

WordServe News January 2020

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 Linda S. Clare and Harvest House Publishers on the January 21, 2020 release of Prayers for Parents of Prodigals.

Where to Turn When You Love a Wayward Child

You know what your child needs most is love. And you’ve given it to him over and over again. You’ve done all you can to train up your child, and yet you’re left brokenhearted as you watch her choose a different path.

Parents who love their prodigal no matter what, know that watching their child walk away can cause overwhelming guilt, frustration, and sadness. Whether you’re still waiting for your child’s return or are navigating your relationship after he or she has come home, this collection of topical prayers offers God’s comfort, wisdom, and compassion. Find encouragement in your journey with heartfelt prayers for:
faith, hope, forgiveness, trust, courage, peace, miracles, and grace. As much as you love your prodigal, you can rest in the blessed assurance that your heavenly Father loves your child even more.

Congratulations to Melissa K. Norris and Harvest House Publishers for the January 7, 2020 release of The Family Garden Plan: Grow a Year’s Worth of Sustainable and Healthy Food.

Live a Bountiful Life

Do something good for your family by learning how to plant a garden that will yield healthy, wholesome food throughout the year.

Melissa K. Norris, fifth-generation homesteader and host of the popular Pioneering Today podcast, will walk you through each step of the process, from planning your food crops and garden space to harvesting and preserving the food you grow. Even intermediate to experienced gardeners will discover dozens of new ideas.

More than just practical advice, you’ll learn how gardening can contribute to a sustainable lifestyle and give you a sense of accomplishment, peace of mind, and overall joy.

Make the Family Garden Plan your “grow-to” guide for good eating and greater well-being for you and your loved ones.

Congratulations to Glenn Schroder and Thomas Nelson on the January 21st release of Never Trust a Leader Without a Limp: The Wit and Wisdom of John Wimber, Founder of the Vineyard Church Movement.

A Unique Life, a Gifted Calling, a Lasting Legacy

John Wimber is not only revered as the founder of the Vineyard movement but is renowned for his unique ability to capture truth in pithy little phrases. This inspirational collection of memorable remarks, each placed in its historical context, offers astute observations on essential principles while also capturing and preserving the story and identity of a miraculous work of God.

For those who witnessed the miracle firsthand and for an entire generation of young leaders who never met John or experienced his ministry, here is a unique restatement of the foundational tenets that launched an international community of more than twenty-four hundred churches in more than one hundred countries—a lasting legacy of spiritual insights that changed lives then and can change your life today.

Change and tradition collide in two heartfelt Amish romances.

Courting Her Prodigal Heart by Mary Davis

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 Englischer world…or into Eli’s arms?

The Amish Baker by Marie E. Bast

When his son breaks one of baker Sarah Gingerich’s prized possessions, widower Caleb Brenneman insists the boy make amends by doing odd jobs in her bake shop. A childless widow, Sarah can’t help falling for the boy…or his farmer father. But Caleb is progressive New Order Amish while Sarah holds traditional beliefs. Their hearts may be a perfect match, but their lives are worlds apart…

Just released from the Amen Clinics is Dr. Chapek’s, Concussion Rescue.

For more than 25 years, the renowned Amen Clinics has been the front line of defense against the impact of traumatic brain injury.
 
Few of us have been untouched by injury, whether on the sports field, in a car accident, falling off a bicycle, or in the course of military service. While the consequences of a concussion are not always immediately apparent, they can range from debilitating to devastating. In fact, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is fast becoming a national health crisis, with millions of Americans visiting emergency rooms with a TBI each year. But there are proven, effective steps for healing.

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Kabran Chapek describes in detail the programs and protocols he uses at the Amen Clinics to put patients on a pathway to recovery. For anyone struggling with the effects of concussion, Concussion Rescue guides you through strategies from the cutting edge of brain science:

* Find out what treatments should be employed within the first few hours, days, or weeks of suffering a concussion

* Build a diet and supplement plan that energizes your brain and promotes neurological healing

* Learn specific brain exercises and brain games that can alleviate problems with focus and concentration

* Discover which specific types of exercise can speed recovery—and how exercise affects the brain in general

* Correct sleep problems to detoxify the brain and release essential hormones that aid in healing

With a foreword by renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen, Concussion Rescue provides the tools for recovery from mild to severe traumatic brain injury. Whether you or someone you love is among the many individuals suffering from a TBI, here is hope and help.

Congratulations to Rick Johnson and the Baker Publishing Group for the re-release and repackaging of Healthy Parenting: Become the Parent You Wish You’d Had, out on January 21, 2020.

Anyone can be a good parent, even if their own parents were abusive, neglectful, or absent. In this compassionate and practical book, Rick Johnson shows you how to identify the ways in which your past experiences affect your own parenting choices. Then he walks you through the process of healing the emotional and spiritual wounds toxic parenting has left behind. Finally, he outlines healthy habits and practices to take the place of negative ones that may have been modeled for you. With Rick as your sympathetic guide, you can break the cycle of abuse, neglect, or absenteeism and create a positive family environment now and for the future.

Congratulations to Kathy Barnette and Center Street for the release of Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain: Being Black and Conservative in America, due out on February 4, 2020.

During his first historic run for the presidency in 2016, Donald Trump made an impassioned plea to the black community. “Give me a chance,” he said. “What the hell do you have to lose?”

According to Kathy Barnette, black Americans have nothing to lose, except for crime-ridden communities, neighborhoods that have become shooting galleries, more social welfare programs, and the mocking indifference of the Democrat party. Barnette argues that even a cursory look into the black community reveals the destabilizing effect liberal policies have had on the black family.

There was a time when Barnette bought into the same lie as everyone else that if you’re black, you must be a democrat. In fact, she was born into the Democrat party just as much as she was born into brown skin. There was no point of separation. Until she began to understand what it truly means to be black in America. Barnette contends that being black is more than just the color of her skin. It’s a culture and a consciousness, too.

In NOTHING TO LOSE, EVERYTHING TO GAIN, Barnette writes about why liberal policies have failed the black community time and time again – and will fail the larger American community as Democrats rush to the hard Left of the party. From the “Great Society” to Kanye West’s ongoing war with the liberal establishment, this book provides sharp, eloquent commentary on the most pressing issues facing black Americans today: broken family structure, loss of identity, the legacy of slavery, and more.

Barnette argues that President Trump has not been willing to presume that the “black vote” is a foregone conclusion resting comfortably in the back pockets of Democrats. With his plainspoken style and willingness to face harsh truths, the president has done more for the black community than any president since Abraham Lincoln. Barnette insists the time is now to get back what has been lost, to fix the brokenness, and to recognize and support those who are actually working in our favor.

We have nothing to lose, and even more to gain.

Congratulations to Debora M. Coty for the release of the Easy-to-Read, Large Print Edition of Too Blessed to Be Stressed: 3 -Minute Devotions for Women.

Got 3 minutes to spare?
3-Minute Devotional from the Bestselling Too Blessed to Be Stressed–Now Available in Large Print!

180 uplifting readings from bestselling author Debora M. Coty pack a powerful dose of comfort, encouragement, humor, and inspiration into your day.

Minute 1: scripture to meditate on
Minute 2: a short devotional reading
Minute 3: a prayer to jump-start a conversation with God

This portable package makes a fabulous any-occasion gift for every woman.You’ll find the spiritual pick-me-up you desire in Too Blessed to Be Stressed: 3-Minute Devotions for Women.

Contracts

Dr. Jennie A. McLaurin and Cymbeline T. Culiat signed with Tyndale House Publishers for Healing Wounds to be released early 2021.

Kristin Weber signed with David C. Cook for Adulting for Jesus to be released in Spring 2021.

Kate Crocco signed with Baker Publishing Group to release a workbook in addition to the release of Thinking Like a Boss to be released with the book.

Tony Brooks with Bob Welch signed with Diversion Books for Leave No Man Behind to be released in Spring 2021.

Steve Poe signed with Thomas Nelson Publishers for Toxic Habits to be released Summer 2021.

David Dusek signed with Posthill Press for The Manhood Battle to be released Spring 2021.

New Clients

Hannah Linder, Charles Person, Mike Ashcraft, Brook Bello signed with WordServe in January.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to author Jamie Sumner for her book, Roll With It, being selected for Books-of-the-year at A Mighty Girl (https://www.amightygirl.com/books-of-the-year) and a 2019 Cybils Finalist (http://www.cybils.com/2020/01/the-2019-cybils-finalists.html)!

 

WordServe News May 2019

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 Angela Hunt, Bill Meyers, and Salem Books for the release of When God Happens: Angels, Miracles, and Heavenly Encounters.

PRAISE FOR THE WHEN GOD HAPPENS SERIES

“Reading When God Happens is like receiving an intravenous dose of hope in a world parched by hopelessness. It will remind you not just to hope for miracles but to expect them.”– Melanie HemryGuideposts magazine writer and author of fifty-four books

“A powerful read.”– Dimas Salaberrios, author of Street God

“True stories like these require those who don’t believe in angels … to explain the unexplainable.”– Cal Thomas, syndicated columnist

A diesel mechanic is smashed under the weight of a logging truck. A child’s inner tube is sucked out of a peaceful stretch of water into a frothing patch of dangerous rapids. A woman searching for peace is met with an icy chill when she begins arranging runestones….

In all these stories, there is one common thread–God’s angels are waiting and ready to powerfully intervene.

If you have ever doubted the presence of angels or questioned whether God is still acting through them, this book will inspire you to look beyond your everyday perceptions. In the follow-up to their 2018 title When God Happens: True Stories of Modern Day Miracles, bestselling authors Angela Hunt and Bill Myers invite you into the miraculous–sharing nineteen true, firsthand testimonies of angelic appearances, perfectly placed protection, and unforeseen interventions that will encourage you in your faith and cause even the most skeptical minds to take a second look.

Hear from a father whose family was saved from back-alley cutthroats by a mysterious Scotsman, a woman whose spiritual battle was inexplicably resolved through a tattooed pickup driver interested in potted plants, and a newlywed home economist whose generosity to an unexpected visitor transformed her life.

If you have ever doubted what angels are, where they come from, or how God is working through them today, we pray these stories will open your eyes to the mighty work that is done when God happens.

Congratulations to Sarah Varland and Love Inspired Suspense for the May 7 release of Alaskan Ambush.

He’ll take down their pursuers…

If she gets them out of the wilderness alive.

Pursued through the wilderness after an ambush that left his partner dead, Anchorage police officer Micah Reed stumbles on his assailants’ other target—backcountry tracker Kate Dawson. His best friend’s sister’s just the person to help him outrun the criminals…and solve his case. But with their pursuers closing in, can they rely on each other’s strength to survive this hazardous chase?

Congratulations to Rick Lawrence and Harvest House on the release of the ebook version of The God Who Fights for You: How He Shows Up in Your Suffering. (paperback releases June 25, 2019)

That Your Faith May Not Fail

Whether you’re facing a major loss, a difficult diagnosis, or the constant stress of everyday life, you might find yourself asking God, “Where are you in this pain?” In those moments, would it help to know that he has not forgotten you—that he is fighting for you in the middle of your pain?

Sometimes it’s not the major disaster that breaks you, but the everyday heartbreaks that wear you down. In The God Who Fights For You, bestselling author Rick Lawrence examines the trials that weigh on you, why God allows them, and what he wants to reveal through them. Journey with Rick and…

  • discover hope and encouragement you can cling to in the middle of your challenges
  • learn about the gracious God who allows your trials—and is always working to help you through them to the other side
  • transform the way you think about suffering as you develop a richer understanding of the Savior’s love for you

When you’re feeling desperate, you don’t have to despair. The God who loves you is walking beside you—working to set you free.

Congratulations Steve “Spice” Spicer with T.L. Heyer for the release of Be Strong: The Making of a Marked Man.

A man’s journey through life is not easy, but the wounds do not tell the whole story. Healing, transformation, and significance can be yours when Jesus is the goal. In Be Strong, the author reveals his own transformation and the birth of an international ministry, Marked Men for Christ. This book will give men of faith the encouragement they need to overcome their past and their wounds to move forward in strength with Jesus at the center. The book also includes a 21-day devotional.

Congratulations to Jason Coombs for the release of Unhooked: How to Help an Addicted Loved One Recover from Brick House Press.

Is someone you love addicted? Have you found yourself wondering if all of your efforts to “help” or “fix” your loved one are really going the right direction? Addictions to prescription meds, opioids, alcohol and other substances are growing at exponential rates and ripping our families apart. What are the best strategies to help someone in bondage to a substance that drive real results? When Jason Coombs’ mother discovered her son was addicted to drugs and alcohol, she searched everywhere for resources and guidance that would grant her a spark of hope. She researched websites on the topic only to find a mixed bag of mediocre suggestions and an array of conflicting opinions. She was desperate for tools that could drive measurable results. Yet, her seemingly endless search for helpful guidance led her down a rabbit hole with no end in sight. Unhooked is the book, written by her recovered son, now leading his own treatment center, she wishes would have been available back then. This book will give you answers. It will give you hope. It will give you validation. It will give you a path to follow that will ultimately help you, and your addicted loved one recover.

Congratulations to Jared Frederick and Valor Press for the release of Dispatches of D-Day: A People’s History of the Normandy Invasion.

Spring 1944. The world held its breath as the Allies leapt across the English Channel in the largest amphibious operation of the Second World War. The Normandy invasion, legendary in myth and astounding in scope, comes to life as historian Jared Frederick resurrects long-forgotten tales of individual struggle, sacrifice, and community. In a rare form of engaging scholarship, Frederick paints an eloquently moving portrait of the soldiers and civilians dramatically affected by what Dwight Eisenhower called “the great crusade.” Among those personalities were intrepid correspondents who demonstrated the meaningful significance of the free press in wartime. In this sweeping narrative, readers will embark upon a journey between the lines as the powerful saga of D-Day unfolds with insightful interpretation and profoundly enduring lessons.

Called to Forgive: The Charleston Church Shooting, A Victim’s Husband, and the Path to Healing and Peace by Anthony B. Thompson with Denise George, will be released June 4, 2019.

While the murder of his wife devastated Anthony Thompson, he and three other relatives of victims chose to privately and publicly forgive the shooter. Years later, the church and community still struggle to understand the family members’ deliberate choice to forgive the racist murderer. But as Charlestonians have witnessed these incredible acts of forgiveness, something significant has happened to the community–black and white leaders and residents have united, coming together peaceably and even showing acts of selfless love.

This book is the account of Anthony’s wife’s murder, the grief he experienced, and how and why he made the radical choice to forgive the killer. But beyond that, Anthony goes on to teach what forgiveness can and should look like in each of our lives–both personally, in our communities, and even in our nation. After much pain, reflection, and study, Thompson shares how true biblical love and mercy differ from the way these ideas are reflected in our culture.

Be inspired by this remarkable story and discover how the difficult decision to forgive can become the key to radical change.

Contracts

Leslie Leyland Fields signed with NavPress for Tell a Better Story due to release Spring 2020.

Bob Welch with Don Malarkey signed with Regnery for Saving My Enemy which is the World War II story of American Don Malarkey and German Fritz Englebert’s post-war friendship. To be released Spring 2020.

Walt Larimore signed with Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group for a three-book deal to include: Natural Medications for Common Conditions and two books of inspirational stories of Dr. Larimore’s practice in Kissimmee, FL. (Tales of a Country Doctor) to be released in 2020 and 2021.

New Clients

Eileen and Holly Forlenza, Jenny L. Ross, Alice Wisler, Glenn Allen, Richard Kaufman signed with WordServe in May.  Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Congratulations to Anthony B. Thompson with Densie George for the starred review in Publisher’s Weekly for Called to Forgive: The Charleston Church Shooting, a Victim’s Husband, and the Path to Healing and Peace. Read the review HERE.

 

 

Check out the Bible Reading Plan on YouVersion Bible App for Amanda Anderson’s upcoming release of her new book, All My Friends Have Issues: Buidling Remarkable Relationships with Imperfect People (Thomas Nelson, July 9, 2019) 

WordServe News August 2017

Exciting 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

Jan Drexler’s The Prodigal Son Returns was re-released by Love Inspired as part of a 2-book package along with Emma Miller’s Redeeming Grace. In Drexler’s tale, a criminal’s trail has brought FBI informant Bram Lapp to Ellie Miller’s Indiana community. Now he’s posing as the kind of man he once hoped to be—someone who might be worthy of Ellie. Enjoy these two sweet novels about second chances at an Amish happily-ever-after, now available as a single package!

Jim and Bill Putman’s Hope for the Prodigal was released by Baker Books. With wisdom that comes from personal experience, Jim and his father, Bill, offer brokenhearted parents and loved ones hope for their prodigals. A prodigal son himself, Jim has also found himself in the role of the prodigal’s father when his own son rejected the faith. This family’s powerful story of restoration, along with solid biblical truths and practical advice, will inspire, motivate, and equip readers to go after their lost sheep with acts of love and service.

Jordyn Redwood released Taken Hostage with Love Inspired Suspense. When neurosurgeon Regan Lockhart’s daughter is kidnapped, the abductors want to make a deal for the little girl’s life. If she wishes to ever see her child again, Regan must hand over the virus she uses in a radical cancer treatment. Can bounty hunter Colby Waterson prevent this from happening–and save his sister in the process?

Amy Sorrells‘ book How Sweet the Sound was re-released by Tyndale. This lyrical novel, set in the Gulf Coast, considers how behind the gentle facade of white pillared porches and acres of cultivated pecan orchards, family secrets can smolder. Redemption, grace, and forgiveness take center stage as old secrets and sins are finally brought to light.

New Contracts 

Cara Whitney signed with Thomas Nelson to publish Unbridled Faith, a devotional based on country living accompanied by color photographs featuring horses and other country images.

Angela Hunt and Bill Myers signed a 3-book deal with Regnery. The first book, God Stories, will be published in 2018.

Barbara Scott signed a 3-book deal with Mountain Brook Ink for The Reluctant Bride series. The three books, Dreams of My Heart, Love of My Heart, and Desires of My Heart, will be published in 2018 and 2019.

Linda Thompson signed a 3-book deal with Mountain Brook Ink. The first of the series, The Plum Blooms in Winter, will publish in January 2019.

Mary Davis signed a 3-book deal with Mountain Brook Ink for her series The Quilting Circle. The first installment will be published in July 2018.

Marjorie Jackson signed with Barbour for the publication of The Devoted Life: A Girl’s Guided Creative Journal. A follow-up to her first book, Devoted, it will publish in late 2018.

Jonathan McKee signed with Barbour for his next book, The Bullying Breakthrough. It will publish in early 2019.

Kara Powell signed a 2-book deal with Baker Books for Unleashed, which will publish in 2020, and a second untitled book to publish the following year.

Bob Welch and Dick Fosbury signed with Skyhorse Publishing for The Wizard of Foz, the never-before-told story of Dick Fosbury, a failed Oregon athlete whose new high-jump style ultimately helped him win a gold medal in the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City and revolutionized the event so completely that no jumpers today use any other style but his.

New Clients

Dr. Donese Worden and Rev. Anthony Thompson joined WordServe Literary this month. Welcome!

What We’re Celebrating

Mandy Harvey, who along with WordServe client Mark Atteberry is the author of Sensing the Rhythm (due out from Howard Sept. 27), made it to the semifinals of America’s Got Talent! The singer-songwriter has been deaf since 2006, yet she has perfect pitch and kept pursuing music via her ability to feel vibrations. Her incredible story is detailed in the book, available for pre-order now.

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