Best-selling novelist Karen Kingsbury served as host during the International Christian Retail Show Heart of the Author Luncheon, held in the Korbel Ballroom on Tuesday with an attendance of around 200.

Kingsbury opened the event telling the room comprised of mostly retailers that "we love and appreciate what you're doing. We are not down, and we are not out. ...We consider you our co-workers."

Along with Kingsbury, who revealed the inspiration behind her upcoming release Shades of Blue (Zondervan), which centers on the abortion issue, 18 other authors gave attendees a peek inside their newest releases. Participants included Terri Blackstock, Jamie Carie, Patti Hill, Arron Chambers and Brenda Garrison.

Kingsbury revealed that as a teenager she was pressured to drive a friend for an abortion appointment and has recently met with that friend years later to seek her forgiveness. Blackstock said the inspiration for her upcoming novel Intervention came from struggling with her daughter's addiction.

Deborah Reilly, manager of Together in His Name bookstore of North Hampton, N.H., said the stories behind the books would help her guide customers in making product decisions, especially in light of the personal stories some of the authors shared.

"I already know some people who have to read some of these books," she said. "We go through some hardships so we can share with others."

Along with hearing from authors, Kerusso President and CEO Vic Kennett also appeared to speak to the crowd about his company's partnership with Compassion International.

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