A certified tea specialist, Richardson said that a portion of the proceeds from her latest book, The World in Your Teacup, will help build a septic system for the orphanage.

Some second-generation independent retailers are providing "a fresh perspective and excitement" to the industry.

Their efforts--in contrast to other family-run bookstores that have closed or been sold to a Christian chain because relatives were not interested in continuing the business--have been welcomed as a good sign by industry leaders.

"We are excited that someone with Kathy's experience and industry expertise has joined Harvest House at this critical time when international markets are expanding," Harvest House Vice President of Sales John Constance said.

Landrum's publishing experience includes 12 years at Howard Books, most recently serving as a sales manager and overseeing a sales team of more than 200 account representatives through various regional and national gift market management groups.

Prior to working for Howard, Landrum operated her own media company and worked as a television account executive. Landrum's responsibilities at Harvest House will include oversight, development and management of international distributors, international retailers, ministry and other specialty market accounts. A professional speaker, Landrum established a ministry for single mothers.

Brovsky has 20 years experience working as a newspaper reporter with the Associated Press, The Denver Post, Greeley Tribune and Durango Herald. She was part of the Post staff awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1999 for coverage of the Columbine High School shootings. In 2007, Brovsky co-wrote former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb's autobiography, Wellington Webb: The Mayor, The Man, and the Making of Modern Denver (Fulcrum Publishing).

Tucker returns to WaterBrook Multnomah, where she worked from 2005-2006 as receptionist and production assistant. From 2006-2009, Tucker served as assistant director of the college and 20-something ministry of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The owners are looking for a possible purchaser for the Elizabethton, Tenn.-based wholesaler as part of "an ongoing strategic review of our ministry operations," said Doug Lockhart, CEO North America, of Biblica.