NOVEL OF ANTICIPATED FILM ‘UNCONDITIONAL’ AVAILABLE NOW

Gripping Faith-Based Story of God’s Love Shining in Dark Times
Inspired by True Events; Also Inspired Children’s Book—‘Firebird’
BHPublishingGroup.com/Unconditional

NASHVILLE – Sept. 12, 2012 – As the anticipated film UNCONDTIONAL hits theaters this month, the novel it inspired debuted Sept. 1 going more deeply into the riveting story—inspired by true events—of one woman finding faith, joy and meaning after a seemingly senseless, devastating loss.

“The novelization of Unconditional will touch the heart of every reader,” said Acquisitions Editor Julie Gwinn with B&H Publishing Group, the book’s publisher. “This story helps us all see that even in life’s toughest storms, above the clouds the sun is still shining.”

From award-winning author Eva Marie Everson, Unconditional is inspired by the true story of Joseph “Papa Joe” Bradford—an African-American man who went from standout student to prison inmate where he had to fight to stay alive. A computer-hacking crime sent Bradford to jail, and once out he and his wife Denise dedicated their lives to helping under-resourced young people, particularly in Nashville. They established and operate the Elijah’s Heart ministry.

In the book, Samantha Crawford is a celebrated children’s author whose beloved husband is killed in a senseless act of violence. Three years later, still grief-stricken, Samantha plans to take her life, but at the last minute someone needs her help and prevents the act. Reuniting with her childhood friend, “Papa Joe,” she finds her will to live returning as she witnesses his selfless dedication to Nashville’s throwaway kids. And, in the dismal housing projects, she might just find the truth behind her husband’s killing.

Like characters in the story, the film and book will help the lives of needy children through raised awareness and by many ministry partnerships nationwide. A children’s book, Firebird, which figures prominently in the film, also debuted Sept. 1 from B&H Publishing and echoes the theme that God’s love shines through people and circumstances no matter how dark things seem. Similarly, another B&H book—a study guide featuring clips from the film—offers a four-week, biblically based study designed to help participants identify and overcome their fears and learn to help those in need.

Unconditional is available now.

For information about Unconditional, visit: BHPublishingGroup.com/Unconditional

For information about the film, visit: UnconditionaltheMovie.com

Facebook.com/UnconditionaltheMovie

‘OCTOBER BABY’ NOVEL—IN STORES SEPT. 1

CNN Ranks ‘October Baby’ Among ‘15 Most Impressive Box Office Performances’ for 2012

ASHVILLE – July 18, 2012 – OCTOBER BABY, a limited-release indie film, surprised moviegoers and critics alike when, against stiff competition, it opened this February at No. 8 at the box office. The film’s sensitive story about the value of life—wrapped in humor, romance and drama—earned it a spot among CNN’s 15 Most Impressive Box Office Performances for 2012.

Now, on Sept. 1 from B&H Publishing Group, comes the hit film’s novelization. Fans will be eager to know that October Baby the novel delves deeply into characters’ backgrounds, taking readers on an extended journey through their lives, and still packs the movie’s emotional punch and entertainment.

“In October Baby the novel fans and newcomers get the same charm, the same uplifting story, with a whole lot more,” B&H Acquisition Editor Julie Gwinn said. “The deeper journey with these characters moves closer to the tagline for both book and film: ‘Every Life Is Beautiful.’”

October Baby is written by New York Times best-selling author Eric Wilson and the film’s co-writer Theresa Preston. Wilson is well known to Christian fiction readers for his novelization of the hit films from the Kendrick brothers, Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel. He also writes original novels at the intersection of the spiritual and physical worlds. For first-time screenwriter Preston, October Baby extended her passion to create stories that move and inspire.

October Baby is the inspiring story of Hannah, a college student whose rising anxiety and sudden physical collapse uncover surprising news about her birth. Hannah learns from her parents that she was adopted, having survived a failed abortion attempt. Bewildered and angry, Hannah turns to her oldest friend, Jason. Encouraged by his adventurous spirit, she joins his friends on a road trip, now her journey to find her hidden past and hope for the future. Along the way, Hannah finds that every life is beautiful, and that life can be far more than anything we plan.

The film that inspired the book made it to CNN’s Impressive Box Office list alongside megahits such at THE AVENGERS and THE HUNGER GAMES. CNN said, “The film surprised analysts with an eighth-place finish in its debut weekend, after earning $1.7 million from 390 theaters. . . . what makes OCTOBER BABY’s run so impressive is that it reached that level with minimal media attention and no buzz in New York or Los Angeles, where many indies thrive.”

October Baby is a trade paperback book; it will be available at Christian retailers nationwide and online. Suggested list price is $15.99.

To learn more, visit: BHPublishingGroup.com