New inspirational anthology follows in the footsteps of the groundbreaking first volume, Hot Apple Cider, an innovative, all-Canadian bestseller whose grace-filled stories received an enthusiastic response from thousands of readers.
Markham, Ontario – Building on the unprecedented success of the initial volume, A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider will be launched across Canada just in time for Mother's Day gift-giving. The first book in this groundbreaking series, Hot Apple Cider, introduced readers to excellent writing by Canadian writers who are Christian. It became a Canadian bestseller, with nearly 45,000 copies now in circulation.
Many readers have been asking for another serving of this attractive and life-impacting book. Like the first book, A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stimulate the Mind and Delight the Spirit is edited by N. J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles and published by That's Life! Communications.
Inside the pages of this exceptional inspirational anthology, readers will discover more than 50 honest stories written from the heart. The book contains moving true-life experience, thought-provoking drama, light-hearted humour, imaginative fiction, and touching poetry.
The short pieces—each of which contains a complete story—make it easy for readers to pick up the book and read something satisfying and uplifting when taking a break from their busy schedules. While there's lots of variety, all of the pieces are filled with hope and encouragement.
“The Hot Apple Cider books aren't sweet and sentimental. Instead, they're empowering, because they reassure you that you're not alone, that God is at work in your life, that good will come out of the struggles you face, and that every person matters,” says publisher and editor N. J. Lindquist.
“We added 40 more pages to this book, so we could fit in extra pieces,” explains co-editor Wendy Elaine Nelles. “We were delighted to discover so many talented writers from across Canada, some of whom are being published for the first time. Among the 37 writers, you'll be sure to find some new favourites.”
The book has already garnered many enthusiastic endorsements. Lando Klassen, a bookseller for 38 years and owner of House of James in Abbotsford, B.C., says, “I found the stories inspiring and motivating. I highly recommend this volume.” Toronto business entrepreneur Pauline Christian, named one of Canada's Top 20 Women in 2010 by Women's Post, says, “This comforting and encouraging book should be in every home, library, church, and school.”
To date, the first volume has sold nearly 15,000 copies; through expanding its strong fan base, A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is sure to become even more popular.
As was the case with Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul, everyone involved with this book is a member of The Word Guild, an association of nearly 400 Canadians who write from a Christian faith perspective. Lindquist and Nelles co-founded this nine-year-old organization, and both are passionate about fostering excellence in faith-based writing.
Through The Word Guild, the contributing authors donated half the cost of printing 30,000 additional copies of A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider for World Vision Canada. In turn, this Christian relief, development and advocacy organization is offering the books as gifts to all those participating in Girls Night Out and Couples Night Out. World Vision partners with churches to host community events across Canada that provide evenings of fun, faith and fellowship, and focus on the needs of children around the world impacted by HIV and AIDS. A similar partnership existed for the first book; 30,000 copies of Hot Apple Cider were presented as gifts to women and couples across Canada and the United States.
“Once again, we're thrilled to be able to partner with That's Life! Communications and The Word Guild in offering such a high quality book to all our attendees of Girls Night Out and Couples Night Out events in Canada over the next two years,” says Eric Spath, Manager of Speakers and Events for World Vision Canada.
A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider, which will be sold through bookstores and other retail channels, will be launched nationally this spring, making it the perfect choice for Mother's Day, Father's Day, or summer reading. To find out if there is a booksigning or other event planned for your community, keep watching http://hotapplecider.ca/meet-us/.
The publisher's website
The Word Guild website
Complete Media Release as a pdf or Word document.
Carmen Wittmeier grew up surrounded by bookshelves (two to three layers deep) and vividly remembers the day she, her mother, and her brother exceeded their 99 book limit at the library. Her recognition of her own power to wield words began in her early teens when she forged impassioned love letters between unsuspecting victims.
