Book, Media Tour Kicks Off September 6

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—New York Times bestselling author Brenda Warner is set to release her memoir, One Call Away: Answering Life’s Challenges with Unshakable Faith (Thomas Nelson) on Sept. 6, 2011, detailing her stranger-than-fiction life circumstances both before and during her marriage to NFL quarterback Kurt Warner.

“This book started out being a way of telling my kids why I am the way I am,” said Brenda Warner. “However, I have found by sharing my story through the years that people find hope and encouragement in it, and hopefully One Call Away can help someone else get through some dark times of their own.”

In One Call Away, Warner offers real-life advice to single moms, parents of children with special needs, people who are grieving unexpected deaths, and others struggling in the face of difficult circumstances.

“In my life I went from being a Marine, living with honor, courage and integrity, to being in line with food stamps, still living with honor, courage and integrity—same person—but with food stamps,” said Warner. “I would like the reader to know that circumstances don’t determine who you are, and they are not a measure of God’s love for you.”

As Warner puts it, her faith and God’s strength enable her to face challenge after challenge: an accident that leaves her son blind and brain damaged, a crumbling marriage, a tornado that kills her parents, a new relationship with promising football player Kurt Warner, and the pressures his sudden success brings to their growing family.

Warner will kick off her book and media tour, joined by her husband, Kurt, on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011. The book signing events are:

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011 4-6 p.m.:  Book Ends—Ridgewood, NJ

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 7 p.m.: Barnes & Noble–Ladue, MO

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011  7 p.m.: Berean Christian Store–Mesa, AZ

Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 7 p.m.: Barnes & Noble store–Scottsdale, AZ

The Warner’s will be featured on the FOX News Channels FOX & Friends, Hannity, Good Day New York, Good Day LA, Access Hollywood Live, NFL Network and various other television, radio and print outlets.

This summer and fall, Warner is also a featured speaker at Women of Faith events throughout the U.S., the nation’s largest live events for women, including:

Anaheim, Calif., Sept. 9-10, 2011

Spokane, Wash., Sept. 16-17, 2011

Phoenix, Sept. 23-24, 2011

Portland, Ore., Oct. 7-8, 2011

Kansas City, Mo., Nov 4-5, 2011.

ABOUT BRENDA WARNER:
Brenda Warner is a speaker, philanthropist, and New York Times best-selling author. She is the mother of seven children, a registered nurse, and a Marine. But most of all, she is a storyteller who candidly shares her struggles in hopes that her life experiences can help other women. Brenda is also Vice President of the First Things First Foundation, and organization she co-founded with her husband, former NFL player Kurt Warner. Follow Brenda on Twitter at: @WarnerBrenda.

###

Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our websitewww.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Stephanie Newton

Senior Publicist

tel: (615) 902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

twitter: @stephnewton

Since its release in early November 2010, sales momentum for Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has continued to surpass every expectation. For the week of August 15, Heaven Is for Real is listed as the #1 best-selling non-fiction paperback title at Portugal’s three largest retailers – FNAC, Bertrand, and Continente.

Heaven Is for Real also is listed currently at #1 by New York Times (paperback nonfiction), #4 (all books) by USA Today, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by Publisher’s Weekly, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by National Public Radio, and #1 (all books) by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, the four millionth copy of the acclaimed title has recently been printed.

“My favorite moments in publishing are those in which ideas and stories are so powerful that they transcend cultural, geographical, and linguistic boundaries,” says Daisy Hutton, Vice President of Licensing and Export Sales. “Such moments bring us together and help us to remember what unites us all as human beings.  This story of hope and transformation has touched so many lives in so many places.  José Prata and his team at Lua de Papel have done a beautiful job reaching readers in Portugal with Colton and the Burpos’ story. We look forward to the many other translated editions that will publish this fall and to the continued response of readers around the world to this amazing little book.”

The contract, including licensing rights, for Heaven Is for Real was handled by Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications.

Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (Thomas Nelson, 978-0-8499-4615-8, $16.99, November 2010) is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to heaven. The family didn’t know what to believe, but soon the evidence was clear.

Written in the first-person narrative of Colton’s father, Todd, and by New York Times best-selling author Lynn Vincent, Heaven Is for Real walks readers through the revelation of Colton’s trip, his parent’s initial uncertainties, and the lessons learned by such a small child.

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. His wife Sonja is a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, an active eleven year old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times bestselling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of nine books, Vincent worked for eleven years as senior writer, then features editor, at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine where she covered politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lynn is also a lecturer in writing at the World Journalism Institute and The King’s College in New York City.

###
Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact: Stephanie Newton

Senior Publicist

tel: (615) 902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

twitter: @stephnewton

Scott MacIntyre to Release Autobiography By Faith, Not By Sight in May 2012

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Thomas Nelson, Inc., is pleased to announce the acquisition of American Idol finalist and accomplished singer/songwriter Scott MacIntyre. MacIntyre has signed a one-book publishing agreement for his literary debut, By Faith, Not By Sight – an autobiography chronicling his journey as a musical prodigy, blind from birth, and the medical miracle that helped save his life in 2007. The book will be in stores May 2012.

Though only 26 years old, MacIntyre has lived a story worth telling. He has achieved more as a blind twenty-something than most do in a lifetime without physical impairments. His tale begins at the age of three when he first played the piano by ear and includes an impressive education, graduating college at age 19 and receiving his master’s in music overseas.

“Scott MacIntyre continues to inspire people all over the world with his remarkable commitment to perseverance in times of adversity and overcoming what many would consider a disability,” says Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson. “His appearance on American Idol is just one small part of this amazing young man’s life. I can’t wait for others to experience his character and passion. We’re thrilled to be partnering with him on this important book.”

While MacIntyre’s list of accolades is impressive—honored guest at the White House, played with musicians such as Alice Cooper and Jason Mraz, headlined concerts in the U.S. and abroad—he attributes glory and success to his Christian faith which remains central to his message.

Baugher believes in the life-changing potential of MacIntyre’s written story: “For Scott, his blindness is merely part of who he is and his much broader story will astound, challenge, and most of all inspire.”

Scott MacIntyre is represented by Frank Breeden, Managing Partner of Premiere Authors Literary Agency (Nashville & Washington, DC).

You can learn more about Scott MacIntyre online at www.scottmacintyre.com, and follow him on Twitter @ScottDMacIntyre.

SCOTT MACINTYRE AND MATT BAUGHER ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.

###

Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Newton

Publicity Manager

tel: (615)902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

Since its release in early November 2010, sales momentum for Heaven Is for Real by Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent has continued to surpass every expectation. On July 17, Heaven Is for Real moved up to the #1 position on the Canadian Globe & Mail best seller hardcover non-fiction list.

Heaven Is for Real also is listed currently at #1 by New York Times (paperback nonfiction), #6 (all books) by USA Today, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by Publisher’s Weekly, #2 (nonfiction paperback) by National Public Radio, and #1 (all books) by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.

In addition to being ranked near the top on numerous best seller lists, the 4 millionth copy of the acclaimed title has recently been printed.

“We’re thrilled to see Heaven is for Real hit #1 on The Globe and Mail best seller list,” said Rod Schumacher, Director of Export for Thomas Nelson, Inc. “To my knowledge, this is the first time a Thomas Nelson title has occupied the top spot on an international best sellers list; it’s great that Colton’s story of hope and inspiration is one that resonates with people all over the world.”

In March 2003, Todd and Sonja Burpo were on the verge of their worst nightmare – losing a child. Their 4-year-old son Colton’s appendix had unknowingly burst days before, and he was now fighting a life-threatening infection. To save Colton, surgery was the only option. But what would happen during that surgery was more than healing through modern medicine.

Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back (Thomas Nelson, 978-0-8499-4615-8, $16.99, November 2010) is the true story of the Burpo family and Colton, who during his life-threatening illness and sudden surgery, slips from consciousness and enters heaven. He narrowly survives. Several months later while passing by the same hospital that saved him, Colton begins talking about his experiences during surgery and making a trip to heaven. The family didn’t know what to believe, but soon the evidence was clear.

Written in the first-person narrative of Colton’s father, Todd, and by New York Times best-selling author Lynn Vincent, Heaven Is for Real walks readers through the revelation of Colton’s trip, his parent’s initial uncertainties, and the lessons learned by such a small child.

The Burpo family is represented by Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications.

Todd Burpo is pastor of Crossroads Wesleyan and a volunteer fireman. His wife Sonja is a children’s minister, busy pastor’s wife, and mom. Colton, an active eleven year old, has an older sister Cassie and a younger brother Colby.

Lynn Vincent is the New York Times bestselling writer of Same Kind of Different as Me and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of nine books, Vincent worked for eleven years as senior writer, then features editor, at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine where she covered politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, Lynn is also a lecturer in writing at the World Journalism Institute and The King’s College in New York City.

###
Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Newton

Publicity Manager

tel: (615)902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com

Beloved Evangelist Helps Readers “Live Life to the Very End”

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well to Release October 18, 2011

(Nashville, Tenn.) – Thomas Nelson, Inc., announced today that in October 2011 world-renowned preacher, evangelist and author Billy Graham will release his first major trade book in more than five years: Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well.

“Billy Graham, by the grace of God, has singlehandedly guided millions to faith,” says Matt Baugher, Vice President and Publisher at Thomas Nelson, Inc. “His legacy as an evangelist is unmatched. Now in his nineties, he is reaching out to help all of us again by picking up the pen one more time, and we at Thomas Nelson could not be more honored to play a part in this eternal message. Nearing Home is hands down one of the most important works that Mr. Graham has ever written and one of his most vulnerable. Time catches up to all of us.  At his age, with all that has come before, he is in a unique position to guide all of us on what it means to finish well in this life. God bless Billy Graham.”

In this moving narrative, Billy Graham shares his personal experience of growing older, but also teaches some important lessons on how to view our time here on Earth. He says that the Bible makes it clear that God has a specific reason for keeping us here. So what is His purpose for these years, and how can we align our lives with it? How can we not only learn to cope with the fears and struggles and growing limitations we face but actually grow stronger inwardly in the midst of these difficulties?

“The best way to meet the challenges of old age is to prepare for them now, before they arrive,” says Dr. Graham. “I invite you to explore with me not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment—and even joy—that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day.”

“We have worked with Dr. Graham on the creation of this project for several years. As the content developed, we had a growing sense that this book would be destined to impact literally generations of people. It is perhaps the best guide available on living every day to the fullest,” says Senior Vice President and Group Publisher for Thomas Nelson, David Moberg. Thomas Nelson, Inc., (through its acquisition of Word Publishing in 1992) has been Dr. Graham’s trade book publisher since 1975, and has enjoyed numerous million-copy bestsellers with Dr. Graham over those thirty-five years.

This major trade release, with a hard street date of October 18, 2011, will be supported by an extensive national marketing campaign. The campaign will include national advertising, multiple retailer merchandising options, and advance reader’s copy distribution. Nearing Home will be simultaneously released internationally, and in Spanish through Thomas Nelson’s division, Grupo Nelson.

MATT BAUGHER, representing Thomas Nelson, and A. LARRY ROSS, representing Billy Graham, are available for interviews.

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
Billy Graham
Available: October 18, 2011
Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Hardcover, ISBN 9780849948320, $19.99
Spanish, Trade paper, ISBN 9781602557017, $13.99

###
Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Stephanie Newton

Publicity Manager

tel: (615)902-2320

email: snewton@thomasnelson.com