The Christian Authors Network (CAN) presented three retailers with books valued at $3,300 total at the Munce Christian Product Expo (CPE) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The event ran Sept. 21-23, with training and a personality party Sunday where authors signed copies of their books.

Winners of the book bundles were: Ellen Meece, owner, Handfuls on Purpose, Marion, Illinois; Deb Woodard, owner, Bethany Book and Gift, Baxter, Minnesota; and Kris Jodon, manager, The Bookstore at Chapelwood, Houston. Retailers who attended the event received gift bags containing bookmarks featuring CAN members’ books and their 2015 releases.

Meece was surprised to win, but decided she would use the books for a special purpose.

“It’s almost Pastor Appreciation Month,” she said. “I plan to give copies of books won to local pastors.”

CAN authors who signed complimentary books at CPE were Cec Murphey, Stolen; Cynthia Ruchti, As Waters Gone By; Dianne Barker, I Don’t Chase the Garbage Truck Down the Street in My Bathrobe Anymore; Karen Whiting, Nature Girl and The One Year Devotions for Active Boys; and Katrina Cassel, Promises for God’s Princesses.

CAN also honored two retailers whose stores celebrated significant anniversaries this year. Dennis and Andrea Lovvorn of The New Covenant Christian Bookstore in Shelbyville, Tennessee, marked their 20th year in business.

Woodard worked at Bethany Book and Gift for 18 years before she and her husband, Mike, purchased it eight years ago. They recently celebrated the store’s 75th year in business.

“I was shocked! Thrilled!” Woodard said. The unexpected gift was, “a tremendous honor and a privilege. It was a blessing and a great boost to us. It will be fun to share some books with others.”

On Monday morning, CAN gave a presentation that included new retailer resources accessible at its website, christianauthorsnetwork.com.

“I love hearing from the heart of authors and the behind-the-scene stories,” Woodard said. “It’s great to connect with CAN authors at CPE.”

Munce Group President Kirk Blank sees author-retailer relationship as important.

“Connecting with authors is a critical element for the success of Christian retailers,” Blank said. “Christian Authors Network has provided so much value to the efforts of the Munce Group at CPE Murfreesboro 2014 as well as throughout the year such as Kid’s Day and Summer Reading Program. Special thanks to Karen Whiting for organizing the CAN Author Breakfast. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with CAN.” 

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