Kregel Publications

The Kregel Publcations blog is on the move

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:20:00 +0000

The Kregel Publications blog is moving! Over the past several months, the Kregel Publications Web site has undergone a major redesign, and we're really proud of the result. Part of that redesign involves a new home for our blog! So if you haven't checked out the updated Web site, now you have another reason to visit. For this reason, we will no longer be publishing newer posts to our Blogger blog, but will keep it up as a point of reference for those of you who might be looking for past information or news about our company, authors, and books.

For the most up-to-date news and information from us, visit our new blog at http://www.kregel.com/news, and be sure to bookmark it! While you're there, take a tour around the new Web site.

Tackett's Top Five Marriage Books

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:00:00 +0000

In a recent post for ChristianityToday.com—the Web site for Christianity Today magazine—Charles W. Tackett, CEO of PursuingHeart.com, listed his top five marriage books. Included as the fourth book on his list is Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, published by Kregel Publications.

The third edition of the book discusses the basics, like the definition of marriage, and the not-so-basic topics, such as achieving sexual pleasure and biblically "OK" sexual activity. This highly acclaimed, medically and biblically accurate book covers all the bases about sex in marriage with a sensitivity and frankness that every couple will appreciate.

Congratulations to Melanie Dobson, author of The Black Cloister!

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:43:00 +0000

ForeWord magazine has just announced the winners of their annual Book of the Year Awards for 2009, and among the Gold winners is The Black Cloister: A Novel by Melanie Dobson (Kregel Publications, 978-0-8254-2443-4, $13.99). The purpose of the awards program is to discover distinctive books across a variety of genres.

About The Black Cloister:

The Black Cloister: A Novel (Fiction-Religious)
by Melanie Dobson (978-0-8254-2443-4)

On Elise Friedman's eighth birthday, she lost her mother and any connection to her mysterious past. Raised by her loving stepfather, Elise has spent years trying to learn the truth about her mother, Catrina, and her birth family in Germany, but still knows very little. Now a young woman in college, Elise is traveling to her homeland of Germany to uncover her family's past, but what she finds is much more harrowing than she ever suspected.

Faith Like Potatoes Film Edition Goes to Press

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Kregel Publications and Monarch Books are pleased to announce the release of the new movie edition of the popular and inspirational book Faith Like Potatoes: The Story of a Farmer Who Risked Everything for God (978-0-8254-6335-8) Made and released in South Africa in 2006, the movie, also titled Faith Like Potatoes, is inspired by the story told in the original edition of the book. The movie is now available in the North American market for the first time through a DVD released earlier this month by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

Faith Like Potatoes is the true story of Angus Buchan--a tough, straightforward South African farmer whose gentle but uncompromising faith has carried him through drought, financial crisis, and family tragedy. When an impending El Niño drought threatened to devastate his country, this faith moved him to dramatic action. A South African crowd stared in stunned silence as he proclaimed to them, "This year we are going to plant potatoes!" They thought he was crazy. But, despite their reluctance, Buchan believed the promises of God. He had a faith like potatoes--a "real, tangible faith that will sustain us every day." Faith Like Potatoes has sold 40,000 copies in the English edition during its first year of publication.

The new film edition of the book features a scene from the movie on the cover and will include two sections of color stills inside the book. This new edition will be released in May 2009, and will be available to all book retailers. The original Faith Like Potatoes is still currently available through Kregel Publications, and will continue to be available as long as supplies last.

ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Awards Name Four Kregel Titles as Finalists

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:00:00 +0000

Kregel Publications is excited to announce that four of their titles from this past year have been selected as finalists in the 2008 ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Awards. The purpose of the awards program is to discover distinctive books across a variety of genres.

According to the ForeWord Web site, “More than 1,400 books were entered in 61 categories. These were narrowed to 668 finalists from 376 publishers. These books represent some of the best work coming from today's independent press community.” The winning titles are chosen based on editorial excellence, professional production, originality of the narrative, author credentials relative to the book, and the value the book adds to its genre. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor's Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at a special program at BookExpo America at the Javits Center in New York City on May 29, 2009.

The finalists from Kregel Publications include:

An Irishwoman’s Tale: A Novel (Fiction-General)
by Patti Lacy (978-0-8254-2987-3)
Mary Freeman's life has taken her a long way from a family that didn't want her, and a long way from her Irish home, to the Midwest United States. Now married with two teenage daughters, Mary's loneliness and torment are as acute as ever. It takes a crisis in her daughter's life—and the encouragement of Sally, a plucky Southern transplant—to propel Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland.

The Black Cloister: A Novel (Fiction-Religious)
by Melanie Dobson (978-0-8254-2443-4)
On Elise Friedman's eighth birthday, she lost her mother and any connection to her mysterious past. Raised by her loving stepfather, Elise has spent years trying to learn the truth about her mother, Catrina, and her birth family in Germany, but still knows very little. Now a young woman in college, Elise is traveling to her homeland of Germany to uncover her family's past, but what she finds is much more harrowing than she ever suspected.

I’m Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall (Humor)
by Charles Marshall (978-0-8254-3419-8)
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column Laughing Matters, as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.

Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Religion)
by Jonathan Morrow (978-0-8254-3354-2)
In this engaging guide, Jonathan Morrow encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. Topics vary from dating and friends, classes and homework, to avoiding the temptation to just “check out” spiritually while in school. A great gift idea for the soon-to-be graduate.

KREGEL TITLE GAINS RECOGNITION FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:00:00 +0000

To the Jew First is given an Award of Merit in the 2009 CT Book Awards.

Christianity Today Magazine announced their 2009 Book Award winners this week, and among the Award of Merit recipients in the Apologetics/Evangelism category is To the Jew First: The Case for Jewish Evangelism in Scripture and History (Kregel Academic & Professional 2008), edited by Darrell L. Bock and Mitch Glaser.

To the Jew First is based upon the biblical mandate to take the gospel “to the Jew first.” There has been a renewed effort among Christians to bring the gospel of Jesus to the Jewish community. The book is a comprehensive resource that looks at the historical, theological, and biblical context for doing so, and provides encouragement for Christians and Messianic Jews engaged in evangelism.

Darrell L. Bock is research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A former president of the Evangelical Theological Society, he is the author of the best-seller Breaking the Da Vinci Code and numerous works in New Testament studies, including Jesus According to Scripture.

Mitch Glaser is the president of Chosen People Ministries. Mitch and his wife, Zhava, are Jewish believers in Jesus and have each labored for more than twenty years in ministry among the Jewish people. Mitch holds a Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies.

For two decades, the Christianity Today Book Awards have drawn attention to books that illuminate people, events, and ideas that play a pivotal role in shaping evangelical life, thought, and mission. According to a CT press release, this year’s judging process began with 436 titles from 67 publishers, and was narrowed down to ten winners and eleven notable Award of Merit winners.

In response to the news of the award, Kregel publisher Dennis Hillman said, “To the Jew First has received a well-deserved honor, and we are thrilled to have partnered with Darrell and Mitch to produce this needed resource. Our hope is that this book will achieve its purpose: to equip Christians to share the good news of Messiah’s coming with the Jewish people.”

Videos that Rebuild Families

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:08:00 +0000

Author, step-parenting expert, and author of the Rebuilding Families Web site Maxine Marsolini wants to encourage step-parents to take the next step in making your family experience the best it can be. She says, "When husbands and wives, parents and children, stepparents with blended families, and the long list of relatives important to every household member are able to harmonize, the load is lighter. Sometimes we all need a little coaching to find the next fresh idea and move away from cycles that are hurtful and tiring."

In an effort to help families grow and flourish in 2009, Maxine is incorporating webTV video content to her ministry. "WebTV gives me the privilege of uploading program content in short 5–15 minute segments," Maxine says. "It also allows you to access that content when it is most convenient for you from your computer or Web-based phone. As of January 5, you can visit 'Women of the Word' or 'WebTV4Women'and select the program you'd like to see and hear. Doing family well is so important. Think forward. What values do you one day want your children to leave home with? Those values are built today. The best part is they promise to strengthen tomorrow."

Blended families are becoming more common in today's society. Regardless of the circumstances, children often experience deep feelings of hurt, anger, and depression when two families join together. In Maxine's book Raising Children in Blended Families—a book focused on children from blended homes—she uses her experience in a blended family as well as advice from recognized experts to teach the art of stepparenting.

About Maxine . . .

Maxine Marsolini is an author, speaker, pastor's wife, and member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Together with her husband, Charlie, they are a blended family with seven children, which makes her a valued resource for stepfamilies. Maxine's articles have appeared in magazines such as Decision, Lifewise, Bible Advocate, and Whispers from Heaven.

Brand New Fall 2008 New Release Catalog Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:23:00 +0000

ATTENTION MEDIA: Click below to access our brand new seasonal new release catalog!

Instructions for downloading & printing the flyer and/or order form:

View the catalog below by clicking the back and forward arrows (13 pages, total).
To print the catalog and/or order form (page 13), click on the down arrow next to "iPaper".
If you would like to download the PDF version to view and/or print, click HERE.
If you have questions or problems viewing, please e-mail us.

Fall 2008 New Releases Catalog

Get your own at Scribd or explore others: Business Health art catalog

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall talks about the use of Automatic External Defibrillators

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:47:00 +0000

If you cannot view the video below, please click here to see it.

Catch Charles at any of his upcoming shows:

November 20—Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce, Charlottesville, VA
November 22—Salem Baptist Church, McDonough, GA
December 2—First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, Fort Smith, AR
December 5—Cobb Engineering Company, Oklahoma City, OK
December 6—Long-Lewis Ford of the Shoals, Muscle Shoals, AL
December 7—Foothills Church, El Cajon, CA
December 8—Family Community Church, San Jose, CA
December 13—The Bank of Elk River, Rogers, MN
December 14—Hillcrest Church of the Nazarene, Vancouver, WA
December 17—Grove City Church of the Nazarene, Grove City, OH
December 20—Commercial Bank, Harrogate, TN
December 22—Shadowbrook Church, Suwanee, GA
December 28—Grace Assembly of God, Spring City, PA
December 31—Westview Baptist Church, Opp, AL

Charles Marshall began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, just about anywhere that books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.

For more information, or to book Charles at your church, business, or school, please contact us!

Pastor & Author Jonathan Morrow talks about how college students can maintain their faith

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:41:00 +0000

How can Christian college students stand firm for their faith? Can the Bible be trusted? Does God exist and why is He silent sometimes? Why is there evil in the world? Can Christians drink? What role does sex play in the life of a single Christian college student?

Pastor and author Jonathan Morrow answers these and many other tough questions in his book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey. Morrow was interviewed about his highly acclaimed book over the weekend on Apologetics.com's radio program which aired on KKLA in Los Angeles.

The Apologetics.com Web site says, "Receiving endorsement from the likes of Drs. J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig, Welcome to College is a superb guide for Christians who desire to live a 'life of apprenticeship' in their most formative years. Tune in as host Rich Park, special guest Joshua Paul, and author Jonathan Morrow discuss and describe these important issues."

Click here to listen to the interview!

Jonathan Morrow spent his college years at a large state school. In between classes and hanging out with friends, he ministered to fraternities and sororities and served with Campus Crusade. Jonathan recently graduated with an M.Div. and an M.A. in philosophy of religion and ethics from Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada, CA. Jonathan lives with his wife and son in Tennessee.

For more information, visit Morrow's Web site: www.thinkchristianly.org.

His book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008) is an engaging guide that encourages students to consider and engage the issues they will face in the dorm, on campus, and in the college classroom. “What will you do with your life?” In college, whether we know it or not, we answer this question every day with each decision. That’s why it’s important for students to know how they will handle college before they find themselves in the thick of it. College is a great time, with new friends and new experiences, but it is also a time that will shape the future of every student there.

Brand New Spring/Summer New Release Catalog Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:49:00 +0000

ATTENTION MEDIA: Click below to access our brand new seasonal new release catalog!

Instructions for downloading & printing the flyer and/or order form:

View the catalog below by clicking the back and forward arrows (13 pages, total).
To print the catalog and/or order form (page 13), click on the down arrow next to "iPage".
If you would like to download the PDF version to view and/or print, click HERE.
If you have questions or problems viewing, please e-mail us.

Spring/Summer 2008 New Releases from Kregel Publications - Upload a Document to Scribd

Q & A with Christy Barritt—Author of the Sqeaky Clean Mystery Series

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:08:00 +0000

Q: Tell us about your newest novel Suspicious Minds.

A: In Suspicious Minds, crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire takes a mold remediation job to make ends meet. While in the crawlspace of a dilapidated old house, she finds Elvis—dead and still wearing his blue suede shoes! Gabby can’t resist sticking her nose into another investigation. Along the way, she tries to figure out her love life, her spiritual life and the wacky world of Elvis impersonators!

Q: Where did you get the idea for Suspicious Minds?

A: I’ve been writing for my local newspaper for five years now. One interview I did was with an Elvis impersonator (or, an Elvis Tribute Artist, as I was quickly informed) performing at a senior citizens’ center. I had no idea what to expect before I went. After I finished the interview (and I’ve had easier times getting interviews with senators than I did with this guy after his show), the president of his fan club came running after me as I walked to my car. She presented me with an autographed picture of him. I thought, this man has a fan club? The ideas spun from there.

Q: Your book touches on the issues of loneliness and abandonment. Is this something that you’ve dealt with?

A: In some ways, the more I write, the lonelier I become. Writing is such a solitary job and best writing times are often my worst times of isolation. I struggle with being alone and feeling unconnected. For my mental well-being, I make sure I get out of the house several times during the week. Sometimes I’ll take my computer to Starbucks and work there. Other times, I’ll participate in different “mommy groups.” It takes effort, though. I’m a more effective writer if I’m out and among people. But, as the book points out, you can be surrounded by people and still be lonely.

Q: I heard you’re doing some local Mystery Dinner Theaters featuring characters from your book. Can you tell us more about that?

A: I’m so excited! The way everything has come together for the Suspicious Minds Mystery Dinner Theater is truly because of a Higher Power. I had the crazy idea to write a mystery dinner theater for the release of my book. But doors began opening up and it’s evolved into something much bigger. I actually have a troupe of actors who are willing to perform the play several times in the summer and once a month after that. Churches, libraries, schools and clubs are hosting the event—they’re in charge of the food and advertising. Any donations for the event will go directly toward whatever project they’d like. The actors will come in and act, giving them an outlet for their talents. And I’ll sell my book afterward, a portion of the proceeds going toward whatever cause is featured. It’s going to be a blast! We still have some dates open. If anyone is interested, they can email me at cebarritt@yahoo.com for more information.

Q: Do you ever find it hard to balance being a mom and writing?

A: Definitely! But I’m learning to trust my gut to know when I’m off-balance. Then I need to take time to evaluate how I’m spending my hours. Life is constantly a process of learning, changing and adjusting!

Q: What’s next for you?

A: I’m writing the third book in the Squeaky Clean Mystery series. Gabby, of course, has to get into some more trouble! But she also explores her relationships… from friendships, to romance, to God. She has some unresolved issues from her past that she needs to lay to rest. And, of course, she has crime scenes to clean!

Visit Christy’s website www.christybarritt.com for more information!

The Charles Marshall Comedy Blog Tour Continues . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:30:00 +0000

As the Charles Marshall I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier blog tour continues, here are some additional stops you may want to check out:

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall Begins Blog Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 +0000

Christian funny man Charles Marshall begins his blog tour on Friday (August 15), talking with bloggers about his comedic ministry and the release of his new book I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier (Kregel 2008).

Charles began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, most anywhere that books are sold.

Current stops on the I'm Not Crazy, But I Might Be a Carrier blog tour include:

Mimi's Pixie Corner
Bibliophile's Retreat by ForstRose
Novel Spotlight
Upon Reflection
Books, Movies, and Chinese Food
Ponderings from My Heart
Another Road to Ramble
Deena's A Peek at My Bookshelf
I Need to Read
Window to My World
My Life
Corn Husker's Academy
A Book Lover
Christy's Book Blog
Reviews by Heidi
Write by Faith
His Reading List
Creative Madness that Makes Me Myself
Lynnae's Bookshelf
Book Junkie Confessions
Great Reads from Jasmine
Heart for God
Critty Joy
Christian Work at Home
Carolyn's Serenity
Faith Webbin
Todd's Straitjacket Chillers
So Many Books . . .
Iz it Jo Reading
Sparks of Lava
Stifled Scream
Daughter of the King
Laura Williams' Musings
A Spacious Place
Books Galore
Seven Dogs and a Baby
Cece Lane
The Blog Tour Spot
Sunny Island Breezes
Incurable Disease of Writing
Somewhat Official Woodside Bible Blog
Bow of Bronze
Christian Fiction
Can See God
Word Up!
Quiverfullfamily
4 the LOVE of BOOKS
There is a Season
Rhonda's Beach Reads
I Don't Wanna Blog
Cathi's Chatter
Faith-Walkin
Private Reflections
Bookmark Cafe
Froggy Reviews
Wandering, Wonderings of a Whacked-out Woman
Open Book
My Book Reviews

ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.

For more information on Charles and his comedic ministry visit www.charlesmarshallcomedy.com!

New Fiction Book Trailer: AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:36:00 +0000

AN IRISHWOMAN'S TALE: A Novel
by Patti Lacy
978-0-8254-2987-3
$13.99p · 320 pages · FICTION/Christian/General
Release date: July 2008

Available Now!

Mary Freeman's life has taken her a long way from a family that didn't want her, and a long way from her Irish home, to the Midwest United States. Now married with two teenage daughters, Mary's loneliness and torment are as acute as ever. It takes a crisis in her daughter's life—and the encouragement of a plucky Southern friend—to propel Mary back to the rocky cliffs of her home in County Clare, Ireland.

Patti Lacy graduated from Baylor University in 1977 with a B.S. in education. She taught at Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois, until she retired in 2006 to pursue writing full time. She has two grown children with her husband, Alan, and lives in Illinois.

Wisdom for the College-Bound

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:17:00 +0000

Monday's Point of View radio program focused on issues that college students face as they attempt to remain Christian on their college campuses. Host Kerby Anderson talked with author and philosopher J. Budziszewski, as well as pastor and Kregel author Jonathan Morrow. The two-hour program dedicated both hours to dealing with the different philosophies, religions, worldviews, and ideas that Christian college students face. During the broadcast, Jonathan Morrow shared insights for parents and students from his book Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey (Kregel 2008), and offers tips for how to survive the college years.

To hear Monday's broadcast, click HERE.

How do you grow spiritually?
How do you share your faith in a hostile environment?
How do you manage your time so that you can study and have fun?
Are there good reasons to be a Christian?
How should you view issues like dating and sex as a Christian?

Grounded in his personal experience as well as biblical truth, Morrow writes short, easy to read chapters packed with good advice. Each chapter is summarized into “big ideas” and includes a handy list of related resources.

Featured Author Web Site: Traveling Home by Charlotte Hill & Don Waite

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:29:00 +0000

Learn more about the new book Traveling Home: A Young Man's Story of Courage and Faith (by Charlotte Hill & Don Waite) by visiting the book's website. Read news and reviews about the book, read an excerpt, learn more about the authors, find local book signings and events, sign the guestbook, order a copy of the book, and much more!

Click on the image below to be taken directly to the site!

Kregel Fiction Author Signs Books in Her Hometown

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:31:00 +0000

Fiction author Melanie Dobson recently took some time to stop into a local coffee shop in her Oregon hometown, to greet fans and sign copies of her most recent book The Black Cloister: A Novel.

Melanie is an author as well as the owner of the publicity firm Dobson Media. A former corporate publicity manager at Focus on the Family, Melanie has worked in the fields of journalism and publicity for more than twelve years. Melanie lives in Oregon with her husband, Jon, and their two adopted daughters, Karly and Kinzel. She is also the author of Together for Good: A Novel.

In The Black Cloister, Elise travels to Germany to unearth the secrets of her late mother’s past, only to find something more horrible than she ever could have suspected.

For more information, be sure to visit www.melaniedobson.com.

Shelly Beach's First Novel, Hallie's Heart, Chosen for Prestigious 2008 Christy Award

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:04:00 +0000

Hallie's Heart wins the Christy Award in the Lits category.

The winners of the 2008 Christy Awards were announced Saturday evening, July 12, and Kregel author Shelly Beach, author of Hallie's Heart: A Novel, was among the recipients, winning in the Lits category. The ninth annual Christy Awards banquet was held at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida, prior to the opening of the annual International Christian Retail Show. Beach was in attendance to accept her award.

The well-respected Christy Awards—named in honor of Catherine Marshall's novel Christy—have recognized novelists in several genres of Christian fiction since 1999. Previous winners include Jerry Jenkins, Ted Dekker, Beverly Lewis, Karen Hancock, and Kregel's own Debbie Wilson.

The setting of Hallie's Heart is based on a number of local features from the community in which Beach grew up-Muskegon, MI. Beach's main character, Mona VanderMolen, an antique dealer in a small West Michigan town, is trying to keep her business alive. As Mona faces the uncertainties of her own future, Hallie, her fifteen-year-old niece, suddenly arrives on her doorstep. Guilt-ridden over her sister's drowning several years earlier, Hallie has run off to her aunt's cottage. As the two women work through their problems and learn to forgive, an unfortunate accident threatens to tear them apart once again.

Beach hopes Hallie's Heart will help readers better understand "the message that a loving God stands with open arms, ready to forgive us and accept us, wherever we may be-whether we're a fifteen-year-old teenager struggling with guilt or a middle-aged woman struggling with anger toward her father; and the message that we're responsible for taking steps to restore relationships and forgive those who have wounded us."

Shelly Beach is a Christian communicator who speaks at women's conferences, retreats, seminars, and writers' conferences. She is a college instructor and writing consultant in Michigan, and is also the author of Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Discovery House Publishers, 2007), which was a finalist for the 2008 ECPA Christian Book Awards in the Inspirational & Gift category.

Kregel publisher Dennis Hillman, who also attended the banquet in honor of the Kregel nominee, commented, "We applaud Shelly for producing such exceptional and creative fiction. We are elated that Hallie's Heart is being recognized as the superior work of fiction that it is."

For more information about Shelly Beach, visit her website: www.shellybeachonline.com.

The complete list of 2008 Christy Award nominees can be viewed at www.christyawards.com.

Blood Brothers Blog Tour Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:26:00 +0000

The Blood Brothers blog tour starts today!

Author Rick Acker begins his tour of the blog world, today.

Sibling rivalry, black market deals, and a dangerous new wonder drug interrupt Ben Corbin’s plans for early retirement in Blood Brothers—the riveting sequel to Dead Man’s Rule.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Karl and Gunnar Bjornsen have built a pharmaceutical empire from the ground up. Now they are developing a revolutionary new drug, a neural stimulant that increases strength and intelligence, but its potential for success is rapidly destroying them. Warring for control of the company and the drug, Karl sues Gunnar, and Gunnar hires Ben to defend him. But the case involves more than bitter sibling rivalry. Signs of embezzlement, black market deals, and the grisly consequences of the Bjornsens’ new drug begin to emerge. Soon, Ben and his wife, Noelle, find themselves in Norway where the case takes a personal and violent turn.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rick Acker does his best work while traveling, and he pecks out pages every day on the commuter train to his “real job” as a San Francisco attorney. He met his wife, Anette, in their college biology lab when he impressed her with his fish expertise . . . and made the best catch of his life. Rick’s other books include Dead Man’s Rule and the Davis Detectives series for tweens.

Follow the tour by visiting the various links below:

Also, visit the Novel Journey blog to read a recent review with author Rick Acker.

Download the Book Club Reading Guide.

For more information about Rick Acker and his books, visit www.rickacker.com.

Nancy C. Anderson speaks to a women's group about marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:47:00 +0000

Click below to visit Nancy C. Anderson's blog and watch as she speaks to a recent retreat group of 300 women about how God saved her marriage.

The Flower of Grass

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:01:00 +0000

The Flower of Grass: A Novel
by James E. Robinson
Monarch Books (U. K.) and Kregel Publications (U. S.)

ABOUT THE BOOK: John Allen returns to his Tennessee home after the death of his alcoholic, abusive father. He has been gone 16 years and has become a successful writer, but with major addiction problems of his own. Now he struggles to make amends with his careworn sister and dropout younger brother, and perhaps, to pick up the pieces of his teenage love affair with Jessie. But Jessie has grown tired of waiting for letters that ceased to come and has married. At what cost might their love be rekindled? An exquisitely written, passionate and thoughtful novel, this is a classic love story framing deeper themes of mortality and passing time, the true nature of faith, and the delicate balance of human relationships.

For more information, visit www.jameserobinson.com.

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall on Today's Harvest Show!

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:33:00 +0000

Wacky Christian comedian Charles Marshall says that his comedy has a purpose. Today, he sat down to talk with the folks at The Harvest Show on LeSea Broadcasting. Click on the image below to be taken to the link for today's show, where you can watch Charles talk about his newest projects.

If you cannot see the video image, click here.

For more information visit www.charlesmarshallcomedy.com!

Watch Charles Marshall on YouTube!

If you cannot see the player below, click here.

The Black Cloister Book Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:03:00 +0000

The Black Cloister is a suspense novel about two young women—one who is traveling across Germany in search of answers about her past and another who is trapped in an abusive religious cult and doesn't know how to break free.

Find out more by visiting author Melanie Dobson's Web site.

Click here if you cannot see the video below.

Christian Comedian Charles Marshall on Airline Security

noreply@blogger.com (Kregel Publications) — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:40:00 +0000

If you cannot view the video below, please click here to see it.

Charles Marshall began his career on stage as a singer/songwriter. When his singing voice gave out, he turned to stand-up comedy and was much more successful. He is now a nationally syndicated Christian humor columnist and has contributed to Focus on the Family magazine. He is the author of Shattering the Glass Slipper: Destroying Fairy Tale Thinking Before It Destroys You and has filmed two stand-up comedy videos, I'm Just Sayin' and Fully Animated.

His new book I'm Not Crazy, but I Might Be a Carrier: Infectious Inspiration from Comedian Charles Marshall is now available, just about anywhere that books are sold.

ABOUT THE BOOK . . .
Charles Marshall is a comic expert on daily living, because life is crazy and so is he. More than a decade of experience in comedy has given Marshall a quick wit and sharp edge, and his love of God and people has cultured a warm heart. He's already shared his outrageous insights with thousands through his syndicated column "Laughing Matters", as well as entertaining audiences at hundreds of stand-up performances across the nation. Now his versatile and vibrant humor has been collected in this new book. Each of these hilarious sketches gracefully segues into an encouraging and pertinent Christian message, reassuring readers that life may be a zany ride, but God is at the controls.