This ad is in the November/December issue of Maranatha News.

If you'd like to print it off to post it in your store, library, or church, there's a PDF you can download on our media page. 

November 7, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

“Sometimes all you need is a reminder that there is something good in the world. A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stimulate the Mind and Delight the Spirit is a combination of short stories, poetry, and works of memoir picked for their inspirational nature, dedicated to finding a shining light in our lives that so often turn dark. The stories within are touching and poignant, and will help readers remember that there is something after the worst of it all. A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cideris a follow up to the previous acclaimed volume, and the sequel executes the original’s purpose masterfully.”

Midwest Book Review, June 11, 2011

Markham, Ontario—Thirty-seven Canadian writers are making history by conducting the most extensive launch ever done for a Canadian Christian book. Since A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stimulate the Mind and Delight the Spirit was released in May, the book’s writers have participated in more than 150 readings and signings in seven provinces.  

A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is an all-Canadian book that is receiving five-star reviews. The inspirational collection of stories by writers who share a Christian faith perspective contains short fiction, poetry, and personal experience articles, all of which provide hope and encouragement.

The contributing writers have held launch events at venues ranging from bookstores, public libraries, churches, and conferences to farmers’ markets, craft shows, summer camps, and apple harvest festivals. The authors are carrying out promotional events throughout autumn—the perfect season for relaxing with a heart-warming book while enjoying a cup of hot apple cider. 

Michaels Family Books in Pickering, Ontario, has hosted a number of in-store events featuring readings by some of the Hot Apple Cider writers. Staff member Carrie Jeffrey says, “A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider is a warm, cozy read on a cold night. Filled with inspirational stories, both fiction and non-fiction, it is guaranteed to identify with readers of all ages. It is so refreshing to have a Canadian-authored book that all Canadians can be proud of! A Second Cup is a wonderful gift—just in time for the Christmas season!”

Everyone involved in the Hot Apple Cider anthology series is a member of The Word Guild, a national association of almost 400 Canadian writers and editors who are Christian. Editors N. J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles co-founded this organization in 2001. 

The first book in this groundbreaking series, Hot Apple Cider: Words to Stir the Heart and Warm the Soul, has nearly 45,000 copies in circulation. A Second Cup is well on its way to bestseller status as well. 

Both books are published in Canada by That’s Life! Communications. 

To download and print free Study Guides for individuals or groups, find out about author signings or readings in your area, or book one of the writers for your store, church, or discussion group, for Hot Apple Cider, go here, and for A Second Cup go here.

Go here to download the complete press release as a Word document.

Excerpt from a review by Nichole Forbes, Friday, 27 May 2011

"… the vast majority of the entries were hope filled nuggets of wisdom, and a sip was just enough! People wrote of triumphs, joys and sorrows in a way that was deep and soulful and pleasing. The most fulfilling part of each essay and story was that the peace and love of God was the main character. The ever present protection and guidance of our Heavenly Father was the reoccurring theme in each piece and as I read on I began to feel that truth fill my heart….Although apple cider still isn’t my thing, A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider, edited by N.J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles, is exactly the type of warm assurance, in satisfyingly small sips, that we could all use throughout the course of a busy day."

Read the complete review

Reading from the story "A Personal Makeover: Inside and Out" from A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider.

Here’s what’s happening in the Hot Apple Cider headlines:

(Updates from Wendy Nelles)

Thanks to Glynis Belec, her book reviews of Donna Dawson's and Robert
White's books work in a nice mention of A Second Cup of Hot Apple
Cider in her bio and her launch April 30 at Zeal for Teal. In today's
Kitchener Waterloo Record.

http://www.therecord.com/whatson/books/article/524451–books-what-they-re-reading

Also found this from today's Peterborough Examiner re: the farmers
market book launch May 7.

http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=3100282

Have found one of the first Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider reviews, published in the April 29
issue of The Kitchener-Waterloo Record.

Done by Joanne Guidoccio, a Guelph writer. She singles out writers from south-western Ontario and
talks about Chapters Waterloo signing by The Group of Five.

“I had planned to read one short piece in this book each evening, but
found I couldn't put the book down. Each heart-warming story, article
and poem provides encouragement and reassurance that God is at work in
our lives. The book follows in the successful footsteps of the
first volume, Hot Apple Cider, which achieved bestseller status in
Canada."

http://www.therecord.com/print/article/524430

One of Wendy's press releases was recently published in the Burford Times.

In other news:

An update from Dorene Meyer that A Second Cup made the bestseller list for the week of April 17. That means it was listed in the Winnipeg Free Press as a Manitoba best-seller and also posted in their store as a best-seller.

From Kimberley Payne: Cheryl Rogers, publisher of New Christian Books in the States has posted a short announcement about HAC2 with a link to Amazon for purchase.  

To TWG member Bill Bonikowsky, who began sending write-ups to family and friends all over North America. He felt that getting the book into as many hands as possible would inspire these people to tell others. And they sure did! Here’s what happened:

·         173 books ordered by individuals in Canada, the US and the UK.

·         84 books ordered by Alpha Ministries Canada, for distribution to staff and donors.

·         71 books ordered by Power to Change for distribution to donors.

·         36 books ordered for distribution at a Bible College reunion in Ontario.

In addition, he has mailed bookmarks with accompanying comments to 300 friends and family members in Canada, the US, the UK, France, Peru and Thailand.

Way to go, Bill! Inspiration this good is hard to keep to yourself.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-tip-of-his-hat-rimagefree1361832-resi185162

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.

The Word Guild had a booth at the Ontario Library Association's Superconference Feb. 3 and 4, 2011. N. J. Lindquist ended up helping out and we gave out quite a few copies of Hot Apple Cider and a lot of bookmarks and 1-sheets for A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider.

Click on the above picture to make it larger.

The foreword was written by Ellen Vaughn.

Contributors include A. A. Adourian, Brian C. Austin, Paul M. Beckingham, Bonnie  Beldan-Thomson, Glynis M. Belec, Mary Ann Benjamins, Vilma Blenman, Bill Bonikowsky, Ann Brent, Connie Brummel Crook, Marguerite Cummings, Kevin J. Dautremont, Donna Fawcett, Angelina Fast-Vlaar, Rosemary Flaaten, Ed Hird, Ron Hughes, Evangeline Inman, David Kitz, Marcia Lee Laycock, Les Lindquist, N. J. Lindquist, Heather McGillivray, Heidi McLaughlin, M. D. Meyer, Ruth Smith Meyer, Wendy Elaine Nelles, Kimberley Payne, Judi Peers, Gloria V. Phillips, Johanne Robertson, Denise Budd Rumble, Jayne E. Self, Adele Simmons, Janet Sketchley, Jeannie Lockerbie Stephenson , and T. L. Wiens.

Links and more information coming soon!