Religious Publishing Sector Secures Deals for Historical Romance, Poetry, and Theology
Major religious publishers have announced a slate of new acquisitions spanning historical fiction, seasonal poetry, and theological scholarship, with release dates extending through 2029.
The religious book market has seen a wave of new acquisitions, with publishers securing world rights to a diverse array of titles including a historical romance series, a seasonal poetry collection, and a new translation of a medieval spirituality classic. These deals reflect a continued interest in narrative fiction, devotional poetry, and scholarly theological works, with release dates scheduled between 2027 and 2029.
Historical Romance Set in Ancient Persia
Bethany House has acquired world rights to a three-book historical romance series by Tessa Afshar. The deal was brokered by Wendy Lawton, VP of Books & Such Literary Management, and acquired by Rochelle Gloege, senior acquisitions editor at Bethany House. The series, consisting of *The Perfume Mistress*, *The Jilted Bridegroom*, and *The Unexpected Bride*, is set in ancient Persia during the time of the prophet Nehemiah. The first volume in the series is scheduled for release in the fall of 2028.
Seasonal Poetry and Meditations
Tyndale House has taken world rights to *Wintering* by Laura Wifler, a poet, podcaster, and cofounder of the ministry Risen Motherhood. Acquisitions editor Kara Leonino secured the title, which was represented by Jenni Burke of Illuminate Literary Agency. The collection, slated for a fall 2028 release, features 121 modern poems accompanied by Scripture and meditations. The work traces the seasonal journey from late autumn to deep winter, exploring themes of gratitude and renewal.
New Translation of Julian of Norwich
Basic Books has acquired world rights to an authoritative new translation of Julian of Norwich’s *The Showings*. The translation is by Grace Hamman, a medievalist and author of *Ask of Old Paths*. Eric Schmidt, executive editor at Basic Books, acquired the rights, with the deal negotiated by Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary. Hamman supplements the translation with interpretive essays designed to explain and illuminate this classic work of mysticism and spirituality. The book is set for publication in 2029.
Tolkien Scholarship and Hope
WaterBrook has acquired world rights to a tentatively titled work, *Light and High Beauty: Finding Hope and Encouragement in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings*, by author and pastor Joshua Ray. The deal was negotiated by Trinity McFadden at The Bindery for acquiring editor Jamie Lapeyrolerie. Ray follows the narrative journey of *The Lord of the Rings* while mining Tolkien’s correspondence written between 1937 and 1949. The book is scheduled for publication in the fall of 2027.
Romantic Suspense from Former Police Officer
Tyndale House has also inked a deal for a three-book standalone romantic suspense series by Janice Cantore, a former police officer in Long Beach, California, with 22 years of service. Elizabeth Jackson, senior acquisitions editor at Tyndale House, acquired the rights from Wendy Lawton at Books & Such Literary Management. The first book in the series is set to release in April 2028, with titles and subsequent release dates yet to be determined.
Exploring the Spirituality of Aging
Nelson Books has acquired world rights to *Old Growth* by Courtney Ellis, an author, pastor, and host of *The Thing With Feathers* podcast. Paul J. Pastor, executive editor at Nelson Books, secured the deal, which was negotiated by Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary. The book explores the spirituality and possibilities of aging, pushing back on unhealthy cultural narratives through biblical wisdom and an examination of the natural aging processes of trees and forest ecology. Publication is scheduled for spring 2028.
Interreligious Readings of Sacred Texts
InterVarsity Press has picked up world rights for a tentatively titled work, *Our Shared Women: Reclaiming the Female Body Through Interreligious Readings of Sacred Texts*, by Rachel Pieh Jones. Acquisitions editor Kelli Trujillo acquired the book, which is set for a summer 2028 release. Pieh Jones, a PhD student, author, and ghostwriter, was not represented by an agent for this deal. The book enters the lives of Eve, Hagar, Lot’s wife, Potiphar’s wife, the Queen of Sheba, and Mary, aiming to transform their stories into narratives of creativity, courage, and hope.