Hachette's total earnings before interest and taxes in 2009 increased 24% to approximately $455 million, company officials said. Besides the success of Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" saga, several other titles--including William P. Young's The Shack--were cited in contributing to the growth. Published by Windblown Media, The Shack has sold more than 10 million copies via all retail channels since its release in May 2007.

Doug Ross, president emeritus of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA), has suggested that a group called the International Association of Christian Communicators (IACC) be launched to bring together existing organizations.

Gerald Hicks, co-owner of Perfect Peace Christian Lifestyle Stores in Wichita, Kan., says he is unhappy because Word Distribution is distributing the film to the Christian retail channel only through Family Christian Stores (FCS)--and not via other chains or independent Christian bookstores. Word Distribution officials declined to comment.

Running through March 30, the show is hosted by Christian Retailing magazine, highlighting some of the key new and backlist products from leading suppliers.

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, the movie stars Richard Gere as Parker Wilson, a distinguished scholar who finds a lost Akita puppy at a train station on his way home from work. Despite initial objections from Wilson's wife, Cate (Joan Allen), Hachi endears himself to the Wilson family and grows to be the professor's loyal companion.

To be released by Daywind Music Group and distributed by New Day Christian Distributors, The Cross Soundtrack--which retails for $13.99--features The Katinas; Phillips, Craig & Dean; Keith and Kristyn Getty; Javen; Gold City; Dottie Rambo; Greater Vision; and The Crabb Family.

One of Christian publishing's most celebrated writers is being introduced to new readers, thanks to a variety of new resources from different publishers.

New titles and revised studies from Warren W. Wiersbe--an internationally known Bible teacher, broadcaster, former pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago and author of more than 150 books--are being published by David C. Cook, Baker Books and CLC Publications.