Exhibitors at Unite 2016 promoted key upcoming book and Bible titles, from Sarah Young's Jesus Always devotional (Thomas Nelson, October) to Joni Eareckson Tada's Beyond Suffering Bible (Tyndale House Publishers, October) . 

Other soon-to-come titles include Ann Voskamp's highly anticipated new book, The Broken Way (Zondervan, Oct. 25), and Jonathan Cahn's The Book of Mysteries (Charisma House, Sept. 6). The holiday season will feature many high-profile authors, including Max Lucado (Because of Bethlehem, Thomas Nelson) and Beth Moore (first novel The Undoing of Saint Silvanus, Tyndale), both of which release in September.

In the growing Young Adult category, B&H Publishing Group releases the second book of Priscilla Shirer’s "The Prince Warriors" trilogy, The Prince Warriors and the Unseen Invasion, in October and the third in February 2017. And Anchor Distributors is promoting the fantasy series "The Amazing Adventures of Harry Moon," which targets children 8-13. Jim Armstrong, marketing specialist and graphics manager, said the series was “like a 'Harry Potter' but from a Christian perspective.”

The Museum of the Bible and Worthy Publishing Group showed off the first books under their joint imprint, Museum of the Bible Books. The first slate of books is scheduled for fall, with additional titles planned to coincide with the museum’s opening in late 2017.

The recently formed Gilead Publishing has launched its bold strategy of flooding the market with genre fiction. In April, Gilead acquired science fiction and fantasy publisher Enclave, which partnered Gilead President and Publisher Dan Balow and Enclave President Steve Laube. The two also work together at The Steve Laube Agency.

Jon Weece, Thomas Nelson author (Me Too, Jesus Prom) and pastor at Southland Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky, shared a strong gospel message with church bookstore managers and volunteers Monday evening in the Church Bookstore Connection Center reception. Weece taught on how love listens to and looks at people, a fitting message for the ministry of the church bookstore.

The show floor was filled with Bibles of varying translations and formats. B&H Publishing Group encouraged retailers to get acquainted with its Christian Standard Bible (CSB) translation, the newly completed revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). The CSB text will be available in a full line of Bibles for readers of all ages, with initial products releasing in March 2017. Baker Publishing Group and David C Cook also will be using the CSB. Baker’s first release with the CSB will be the Baker Illustrated Study Bible available in late 2017, and David C Cook will use the new translation for a new church-wide Scripture-engagement initiative. The website csbible.com includes translation information, transition plans and more.

Tyndale House Publishers is releasing the Beyond Suffering Bible in the New Living Translation from Tada, who has lived her entire adult life as a quadriplegic. And Christian Art Gifts is releasing NKJV Bibles featuring the wisdom of Angus Buchan, a farmer-turned-evangelist whose life story was told in the book and film Faith Like Potatoes.

Show lanyards featured promotional material for the Modern English Version (MEV) translation. Charisma Media’s Jill McInturff said retailer response to the MEV was very strong on the show floor. Charisma House is releasing The Promises of God Creative Journaling Bible in hardcover Oct. 18.

“From what I’ve seen from the stores that have stopped by the booth, it seems to be a very positive thing,” McInturff said.

Best-selling author and speaker Sheri Rose Shepherd is also teaming up with Tyndale to create Thrive, a journaling devotional Bible for women, releasing in September.

Creative products are in high demand in the industry. Journaling Bibles and coloring books remain top sellers, while some vendors have begun experimenting with other artistic product types. For example, Warner Press releases next month The Colors of God’s Love, which combines devotionals, Scripture and coloring book components, and the Speed Sketch curriculum, which uses coloring segments to encourage biblical literacy among kids.

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