Joyce McCullough is an award-winning educator and retired high school English teacher who appreciates Shakespeare and the classics. The author of Look for the Pink Ribbons, Joyce lives in middle Tennessee and enjoys volunteering in her church and in her community. Joyce brings her special picture book Max and Her Stacks to us this fall. You may connect with her through her website at https://www.joycemccullough.com.

Tori Higa is inspired by God’s creation, family & friends, coffee shops, people-watching, and all things vintage. She has always loved making art and recently began pairing her art with the stories she writes to share with young kids. Tori considers it a high honor to make books to inspire kids and encourage their faith journey. Tori currently lives in Southern California with her husband, two kids, and a playful little mutt named Edie. Learn more on her website and social media outlets -  www.ToriHiga.com and @ToriHigaCreates

Shana Gilbert specializes in starting things and storytelling. She has a wide range of teaching interests in film, global justice, and literature – winning awards such as Walmart Teacher of the Year in 2000. She is an award-winning producer/director of several feature films in distribution, including her work in Africa with her social justice documentary Mzungu. Shane first traveled to Uganda in 2005 directing a documentary when she met a family of street kids who changed her life forever. That’s when she met Jesca and when life went from regular to extraordinary. Shane’s two favorite jobs in life are being Jesca’s mom and pointing young people toward an extraordinary life!

Riley Tejcek is a current Active Duty Marine Corps Captain, accomplished Team USA Bobsled Pilot, celebrated pageant winner, dedicated to inspiring young women to chase their dreams fearlessly. With a passion for adventure and leadership, she draws from her unique experiences to empower girls to break boundaries and embrace their own strengths. She is working tirelessly to become the First Female Marine in the Olympics and is excited to have shared her journey so far in her new children’s book, If You Can Dream It, Be It.

Letitia Suk is the author of "A Legacy of Days: Ten Fun Ways to Tell Your Story to the Next Generation," "100 Need to Know Tips for Moms of Tweens and Teens," "Getaway with God: The Everywoman's Guide to Personal Retreat," and "Rhythms of Renewal." Tish is also a Retreat Leader, Speaker, and Personal Life Coach. She loves to speak and write to women of all ages about creating and celebrating an intentional life and establishing life-giving practices in each season along the way. She and her husband Tom, a marriage and family therapist, live in the Chicago area and are parents of 4 grown children.

Elizabeth Brickman is a compassionate expert in the world of financial advising and spiritual wellness. Better known as The Caring Advisor, Elizabeth is also a multi-award-winning author whose new series, TITLE, will change readers’ lives. As a wealth-confident woman in a profession dominated by male voices, Elizabeth adds a unique perspective that enriches hearts as well as portfolios.

Through her writing, speaking, blogging, and THE CARING ADVISOR PODCAST, which has reached audiences in 21 countries and 378 cities, Elizabeth offers a distinctive approach to wealth. She helps her audience develop the inner resources of high achievers by tapping into God's power to grow their financial and relational lives with confidence and Christ-centered happiness. Her spiritual insights are rich, loving, and light-hearted.

A former, nationally recognized, award-winning financial advisor and president of her Registered Investment Advisory firm, Elizabeth has a proven track record of success. For twenty-five years, she served private clients from every walk of life in eighteen states. She was regularly quoted in the nationally syndicated financial press and was a periodic guest on Business Financial News radio.

As a Certified Kingdom Advisor, Elizabeth is credentialed to provide financial counsel from a biblical worldview.

Elizabeth offers a much-needed perspective, connecting finance to emotional and spiritual wellness. Her style is engaging, approachable, and fun. She motivates her readers to achieve victorious breakthroughs via innovative, faith-based strategies.

Elizabeth loves her life in sunny South Florida with her beloved husband of over thirty years and her pet orchid, Ophelia. Elizabeth is happiest when tucked in her home library, cappuccino in hand, reading, writing, thinking, and praying.

JULIE LAVENDER holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, taught public school, and homeschooled her four children. Her family now includes two sons-in-love and three grandchildren. Julie is married to David, a former Navy Entomologist and current wildlife biologist. They live in south Georgia, and she likes it best when her home is filled with family and the smell of gingerbread.

Sue Schlesman is an award-winning author, teacher, and church leader. In 2020, Sue won a Selah Award for her nonfiction book Soulspeak: Praying Change into Unexpected Places. Sue is a top-contributor to Salem Web Network radio ministry and Crosswalk.com. Sue has taught children of every age and sponsors children in poverty around the world.  She loves traveling, reading, missions, art, and dessert. Sue has a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Theology and Culture. Sue is agented with Karen Neumair at Credo Communications.

Bob B. Bridge, aka Triple B and Bobby B., is a writer born in Evansville, Indiana, now retired and residing in Bedford, Indiana.

Nan Carlton is a writer and illustrator of children’s books. She's originally from western North Carolina. Today, she and her husband divide their time between Richmond, Va. and Cape Charles, Va.

Nan holds degrees in music education from Lenoir-Rhyne University (BME) and Appalachian State University (MA). Her work experiences include public school music teacher, church choir director, and private piano and flute instructor. Nan enjoys reading, traveling, playing the mountain dulcimer...and chocolate.

You Can’t Judge a Bee by Its Color is Nan’s second picture book.

 Connect with Nan at www.nancarlton.com.

When Mary Anne Quinn was a little girl, her mom read to her every day. It’s no surprise, then, that she grew up to be a reading teacher, helping children fall in love with reading and stories for over thirty years. Her own stories – whether for kids or kids at heart – always invite her readers into playful, creative, honest interaction with Jesus, who is always glad to be with us.

Mary Anne and her husband, John, live in the Chicago area. They enjoy birding in local forest preserves, relaxing at the beach, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs. Learn more about Mary Anne and connect with her at www.all-his-kids.com.

Enjoying quality family time is a passion for Jennifer Bosma. Married for 35 years with three grown daughters and three granddaughters, Jennifer is a retired teacher and now serves in women's ministry. She has authored two Christian children's books / Know the Plans and The Baby Garden.

Jennifer has a podcast for moms called, Front Parking Spot. In her spare time, she loves to explore new places and enjoy the great outdoors. Learn more at jenniferbosma.com.

For years, Staci Pealock carried shame and condemnation from her past, believing hurtful words from her childhood that stayed deeply rooted in her heart. God has healed her heart and she knows her true identity in Christ. Staci spends her time loving and leading women through her ministry called L.A.M.B.S. (Love And Ministry Between Sistas). Staci and husband, Todd, reside in the Northeast Georgia mountains. They have two children, and five grandchildren who fill her heart with indescribable joy.

Sarah Philpott, Ph.D, is the author of the award-winning books: Loved Baby: 31 Devotions Helping You Grieve and Cherish Your Child After Pregnancy Loss and The Growing Season: A Year of Down-on-the-Farm Devotions. Sarah lives on a Tennessee farm where she raises her four mischievous children and is farm wife to her high-school sweetheart. These days Sarah spends her days cleaning up peanut butter & jelly off the counter, dreaming of traveling the world, and chasing her children around the farm. She doesn't believe in sharing desserts. Life is too short to share chocolate! Sarah is a lover of coffee (black), river days, ocean waves, and all things Hemingway. You can find Sarah at allamericanmom.net.

Jenny Williams is the artist and author behind Carrot Top Paper Shop, an online shop for bookish kindred spirits founded in 2015. She is passionate about nurturing creativity and approaching every aspect of life with a heroine mindset. Jenny lives in a little house in the big woods with her family, just outside of Oklahoma City. Find her online at artistjennywilliams.com and @carrottoppapershop on Instagram.

Lorilee Craker is the author of 16 books, including Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter and Me; the Audie Awards nominee Money Secrets of the Amish; the New York Times bestseller Through the Storm with Lynne Spears and the ECPA bestseller 

My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, she lives in Grand Rapids, Mich., in a century-old house with her husband, pets, and various international students from all over the world. She is the proud parent to three young adults, and the plant parent of about 100 green, leafy babies. Find her on Instagram @thebooksellersdaughter, or on the Eat Like a Heroine podcast, which she cohosts with Jenny, everywhere you listen to podcasts. 

Helen McIntosh, EdD, Counseling Psychology, is a counselor, educator, and coauthor with her daughter Blythe Daniel on I Love You, Mom! and Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. From her professional experience, Dr. McIntosh authored Messages to Myself and Eric, Jose & The Peace Rug®. Her work has appeared in Guideposts, ParentLife, and HomeLife magazines. She resides in Georgia with her husband Jim. They have two children and five grandchildren. Blythe Daniel is the coauthor of I Love You, Mom! and Mended: Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters, which she wrote with her mother, Dr. Helen McIntosh. She worked for HarperCollins Christian Publishing in marketing and publicity, and enjoys her works as a literary agent. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three teenagers, including her author son William Daniel. William Daniel is a middle schooler, competitive gymnast and the author of You’re Joking Me: Jokes for Kids by a Kid. He enjoys telling jokes and making his family and friends laugh. He plays saxophone and wants to be a pilot. He has an older sister, Maris, and a twin sister, Calyn, also an author. William lives in Colorado with his family.

Kathryn Nixon is the proud mother of two boys, Chase and Luke, and  two labs, Fenway and Tuffy.  She  has been married for almost 30 years to husband, Trot.  She works as a Mother/Baby RN at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, in Wilmington, NC.   She is Co-Owner of Two Oysters and also the author of two children’s books: The Spirit In Baseball and The Spirit In Football. 

Wendi is the love and prayers behind X Hope Inc. A graduate of the University of Nevada Reno where she cheered 4 years on scholarship and ended her college cheer career as a National cheer judge and ESPN2 announcer.  After years of teaching elementary school and judging cheer, she has now dedicated herself wholeheartedly to support the goals of X Hope Inc.  Her passion is to see every child placed in a forever family and will give all of her extra time, talents, and treasures to empower one family at a time.  Wife to Rick, Wendi is mother to six wonderful kids, including her son that she and Rick adopted from Africa and their youngest son, adopted through Sacramento County. Wendi is also a mother-in-law and new grandmother of three precious little ones.  Wendi is on the ground 3-4x per year at Redeemer House Children’s Home in Uganda to oversee and work side-by-side with the international ministries of X Hope, also known as Redeemer House Ministries.  Wendi is a missionary team lead and brings teams of 6-14 to serve alongside her at Redeemer Children’s Home and Redeemer Academy. Wendi Cross is the co-founder and executive Director of X Hope Inc, has spoken at numerous community and private events.  Wendi’s desire is to share their families’ personal experiences of international and local adoption, foster care, mission work, orphan care, and parenting insight to spur others on to dream big and take action. Her new book, Never Alone is proof that even when we feel alone, God is nearby.  With her bachelor’s degree in Education, teaching has been a life calling.  Her resume of speaking engagements includes school assemblies, Good Day Sacramento and Studio Live, ESPN2, live Radio interviews, Rotary Clubs, Bible Study groups, Adoption and Foster Care Groups, Moms groups, Chamber events, various women’s events, NFL holiday dinners, youth conferences, National conferences, and a variety of Church Services.  Wendi speaks and writes with much transparency and you will leave inspired to make a difference one child and family at a time, beginning with your very own family and expanding your influence across the street and across the seas. Wendi’s words will cheer you on in life and love. Once a cheerleader, always a cheerleader. You can book Wendi to speak at your next event by visiting www.wendicross.com or sending an email to wendi@xhopemissions.org

Like a dramatic movie, Mike Hardy’s life tells a true story of redemption. His hope is that God might use his story to help others find true peace. With a master’s degree in Religious Education, Mike has spent over a decade teaching adult life groups and Sunday School classes, and serving as a volunteer preacher at the Orlando Rescue Union Mission. Married for ten years to his best friend, Judy, the Hardy’s make their home in the Sunshine State where they continue to follow God’s calling for their lives.  

James C. Magruder writes reflective essays and contemporary Christian fiction that encourages readers to pause and reflect on the most meaningful moments in life. He is author of The Glimpse, an inspirational novel currently available at WestBow Press, Amazon, and most online booksellers.

He has had articles published in Writer’s Digest, nine Chicken Soup for the Soul books, HomeLife, and several other national publications.

He is an award-winning advertising copywriter and executive speechwriter and has enjoyed a rewarding career as a Senior Marketing Communications Manager with a Fortune 200 company.

When Jim isn’t breaking into a new publication, he’s breaking boards as a martial artist. He has earned a third-degree Black Belt in Okinawan Karate (Wax On, Wax Off).

Visit his website at jamescmagruder.com to read his blog and sign up for his popular newsletter, PAUSE MORE. RUSH LESS., about maximizing your life—by slowing the pace you live it.

Billie Jauss is the author of Making Room: Doing Less So God Can Do More and Distraction Detox. Billie is a national speaker and the host of The Family Room podcast. Billie and Dave, a Major League Baseball coach, spend the summers chasing baseball and the off-season in southwest Florida.

Deanne rallies people to adventures to help relationships and communities thrive. After obtaining her master’s degree and working as a speech-language pathologist, she shifted to full-time work with the college campus ministry of Cru in 2014. She enjoys exploring hard questions about the Bible from college women in the U.S. and overseas. God’s gift of adventure and noble quests motivates Deanne for each new day, including hobbies like equestrian vaulting and aerial silk acrobatics. She is married to Robert, the cowboy of her dreams, and finds adventures in the mountains near their Montana home.

Cindy Schmidler’s passion is to motivate others to overcome hardships triumphantly with God at the helm. Cindy understands heartache as a 4 time cancer survivor and overcomer you can read in her book “tragedy turned upside down” her harrowing experiences.

She’s an author, motivational speaker, counselor, teacher, life coach and all around inspirer. Cindy posts, “daily treasures“ short, how to triumph videos, to social media sites. her goal: encourage you!When not leading Bible studies, speaking, or mentoring women, Cindy loves to spend time with her super smart, dapple, wiener dog Willie and hang out with her beloved husband, John, son, Adam and daughter-in-law Rose.

Sally Cressman is an award-winning writer who has written children’s Sunday school curricula, devotionals, and articles and has served in children’s ministry for over thirty years. Her publishing credits include LifeWay Kids Ministry, Focus on the Family, Moms in Prayer, and the Nashville Christian Family magazine. Sally and her husband of thirty-four years enjoy a relaxing rhythm in their home south of Nashville.

Larry Dugger is lead pastor at Family Church in Lebanon, Missouri, where he speaks to thousands each week through teaching, writing, social media, and television. He is the best-selling and award-winning author of 40 Days to Defeat Your Past, He Calls Me Friend, Raised Hunting, The Ultimate Hunter’s Handbook, and Unshakable. Larry and his wife Karen, have two sons, and make their home in the Ozark mountains of Missouri.

Author, speaker, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D., is a freelance writer/content editor. She works for Iron Stream Media as a book coach, editor, and sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She’s a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She was a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of 540 Writers Community and Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.” She lives in Florida with three of her four daughters, her grandson, her husband, and two fur babies.

Melissa J. MacDonald worked for 10 years as the Children’s Disciplemaking Specialist for The Christian and Missionary Alliance. While there she created and founded cmalliancekids and was the creator and dean for the Children’s Disciplemaking Leadership Certificate. Mel currently serves as the interim executive director for INCM (International Network of Children’s Ministry). She’s known for her unique style of speaking. Blending humor, truth, and real-life examples she keeps her audience engaged and inspired. She resides with her husband and somewhat naughty puppy in Iowa where she is actively involved in her own small church. She and her husband are foster parents and reside in Iowa. Find out more at www.melissajmacdonald.com

CECIL STOKES is an Emmy award-winning writer, producer and director of over 500 television shows, films and commercials. After adopting his amazing son, Boone, from foster care, Cecil became a single dad and now travels the country with Boone sharing their story of adoption. Whether he’s writing books, creating tv shows, or on the road with his son, Cecil is deeply passionate about storytelling and is always ready for God’s next adventure. www.BooneandMe.org

Beth Guckenberger and her husband, Todd, live with their family in Cincinnati, Ohio, where they serve as co-executive directors of Back2Back Ministries. After graduating from Indiana University with degrees in education, the Guckenbergers moved to Monterrey, Mexico. Since founding the international arm of Back2Back in 1997, they have hosted thousands of guests on the ministry campus. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised ten children.

Beth is the author of nine books, including a devotional titled Reckless Faith: A 40-day journey to saying yes. She is also the author of Start With Amen, Reckless Faith, Relentless Hope, Tales of the Not Forgotten, and several others. Beth is the recipient of the 2013 International Network of Children’s Ministry Legacy Award and the Cincinnati Christian University Salute to Leaders Award for the impact made on children internationally. She travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings, and church services. Her style is based in storytelling and she draws from her vast field experience as a missionary and parent of ten children for illustrations of biblical concepts.

Shari Rigby made her start modeling and doing commercials. After moving to Los Angeles, she began a career in acting at an age when most actresses were retiring. Her most recent feature films include Not Today, which received seven awards, and October Baby, named one of the Top 15 Impressive Box Office Performances of 2012 by CNN. She has leading roles in the upcoming TV show The Summers Sisters and feature film Boonville Redemption. Shari now speaks to thousands of people at churches and conferences, and is a regular guest on radio and television programs appearing on CBN, TBN, American Family Radio, Focus on the Family, K-Love Radio, and many more. She is founder of The Women in My World, a group for women focusing on identity, purpose, ministry, and living in Hollywood. Shari is also a devoted mother to two boys, Donnie and Levi, and has been married to her husband, Matt, for seventeen years.

Mrs. Christy Stutzman is an entrepreneur, former teacher and wife of former US Congressman Marlin Stutzman. She has written for multiple news organizations including The Washington Times, and The Daily Signal. As state legislator, she authored several amendments and bills including the protection of veterans’ monuments, memorials, and women’s sports programs. Honored to work as Congressional Liaison and Communications Director for Live Action on Capitol Hill, Stuzman led several efforts to unify members of Congress on pro-life initiatives. Stutzman served on the State Board for Indiana Right to Life for 3 years and is currently serving as a board member of Re-Protection, a 501 C-3 advocacy enforcement group focused on helping states enforce existing laws that protect life. She resides in Middlebury, IN with her husband Marlin and her two sons, Payton and Preston.

Jill Roman Lord is a wife, mother of three amazing kids, runner, author, writer, nurse anesthetist and Jesus lover. Jill is the author of several award-winning books. It is her desire in her writing to draw children closer to Jesus and to provide books that parents (or grandparents or caregivers) can enjoy reading with the kids snuggled on their laps. Find out more about her at jillromanlord.com

Beth Marshal is an award-winning author, with her next nonfiction book to be released in the fall of 2023.

Dr. Rhett Wilson, Sr. is an award-winning freelance writer and editor with his debut nonfiction book to be released in the fall of 2023.