Pages and People: An inside look into Baker Book House

If you love stories that keep you turning pages late into the night, this episode is for you.We’re joined by Dana Mentink to talk about Fire Mountain, the first book in her Elements of Danger series—full of suspense, adventure, and just the right touch of romance.Along with Chris Jagger and Su Hecht, we unpack what makes this story work and why readers are excited about what’s next.The best part? The newest book in the series is out now—and currently 40% off online.📚 Start the series here: Fire Mountain → https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/fire-mountain🔥 Continue with the latest release: Raging Waters → https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/raging-watersCome see us at Baker Book House or explore online to start reading today.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we dive into the world of storytelling with authors Jen Turano and Katie Powner. Discover the humor, heart, and insights they bring to their writing and learn about their latest books. Get "A Lesson in Propriety" here and "When the Road Comes Home" here, both available at a 30% discount on Baker Book House.Key Highlights:Jen Turano and Katie Powner share their unique perspectives on storytelling.Explore the themes and inspirations behind their latest works.Special promotions: 30% off select titles at Baker Book House.Celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month with thoughtful gifts and new releases.Upcoming events and book signings at Baker Book House Events.Call to Action:If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, share, and leave us a review. Join us next time for more engaging stories and author insights at Baker Book House.Send us Fan Mail

Two powerhouse authors join Pages & People! • Mary Marantz shares from Underestimated on perfectionism, courage and showing up. • Rachel Hauck takes us back to Sea Blue Beach with a heartfelt second-chance romance.Buy the books: – Underestimated by Mary Marantz – The Sands of Sea Blue Beach by Rachel HauckIn-store deals mentioned: – Tauren Wells — Joy Bomb (40% off) – Max Lucado — Tame Your Thoughts (40% off) – Fresh devotionals, select Bibles (20% off), used fiction just $5.Events: Spanish Storytime (Sept 20 & 27, 12–1:30 PM), Laura Sassi reading (Sept 23, 6–7 PM), Crowned Free apparel now in-store.Send us Fan Mail

In this special episode, Su Hecht and Pete McGowan take a look back at the incredible guests we’ve welcomed to Pages and People. From meaningful themes to unforgettable moments, they reflect on the conversations that have shaped this podcast so far.Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just tuning in, this episode offers a great overview of the heart behind our show—and the stories that continue to inspire us.In this episode:Favorite insights from past authorsUnexpected moments and recurring themesReflections on how these conversations shaped our thinkingBe sure to subscribe so you never miss a future episode.For upcoming events, author signings, and in-store happenings, visit:bakerbookhouse.com/eventsSend us Fan Mail

Pages & People – Episode for April 3, 2025Welcome to another episode of Pages & People, where we dive into the latest books, upcoming events, and everything happening at Baker Book House!Featured Authors & Books📖 Malcolm Foley – The Anti-Greed Gospel Malcolm Foley, a Black Christian historian, challenges the common understanding of racism, revealing how greed—not hate or ignorance—has always been at its core. The Anti-Greed Gospel explores the history of racial violence in the U.S., exposing how wealth and power have fueled exploitation. Through deep theological insight, Foley calls on the church to resist greed, embrace generosity, and take meaningful steps toward racial justice.🔗 Get The Anti-Greed Gospel here📖 Sarah Sundin – Midnight on the Scottish Shore Bestselling historical fiction author Sarah Sundin returns with Midnight on the Scottish Shore, a gripping World War II-era novel set in Scotland. Packed with espionage, romance, and wartime suspense, this book transports readers into a world of high-stakes missions and unexpected love. Sundin’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this a must-read for history lovers.🔗 Get Midnight on the Scottish Shore hereIn-Store & Online Highlights🎬 The Chosen – Season 5 Last Supper Now in TheatersA powerful way to experience Easter and the Gospels.Seasons 1-4 available on DVD in-store.Tie-in novels, graphic novels, and kids’ activity books available online.📚 Glenys Nellist Book Signing EventSaturday, April 12 | 2-4 PMMeet Glenys Nellist as she signs and discusses her books.Her latest release, God’s Perfect Peace, is a perfect bedtime story and Easter gift! 🔗 RSVP for the event here📖 New Release – Holy Hurt by Hillary L. McBride (Available April 15)Explores the reality and deep impact of spiritual trauma.Offers healing steps through clinical research and personal stories.Written by award-winning psychologist Hillary L. McBride. 🔗 Preorder Holy Hurt & Save 40%Special Segment with Rayce PattersonOur Associate Marketing Manager, Rayce Patterson, joins us to share insider details about upcoming store events, exciting book deals, and more happening at Baker Book House!📌 Don’t forget: You can find deeper discounts on both The Anti-Greed Gospel and Midnight on the Scottish Shore at BakerBookHouse.com, with free shipping available!🎧 Listen now and stay connected for more author interviews, book recommendations, and exclusive deals!Send us Fan Mail

Featured GuestsAlicia MichelleAlicia Michelle is an author, speaker, and certified neuro coach specializing in helping people manage their emotions through both science and scripture. Her latest book, Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture, provides a practical roadmap for breaking free from emotional overwhelm and building a mindset rooted in faith and resilience.🔗 Get your copy: Emotional ConfidenceLaura FrantzLaura Frantz is a Christy Award-winning author known for her immersive historical fiction. Her latest novel, The Indigo Heiress, transports readers to the 18th century, weaving together themes of love, heritage, and the indigo trade. With her signature attention to historical detail, Laura creates captivating stories that bring the past to life.🔗 Get your copy: The Indigo HeiressUpcoming Events & Exclusive Deals📚 Spring 6-Day Sale – Shop & Save Big!Get incredible discounts on a wide selection of books during our Spring 6-Day Sale! This is your chance to stock up on amazing reads at unbeatable prices.🔗 Shop now: Spring 6-Day Sale✍️ Midwest Author Meetup 2025 – Connect with Authors & Readers!Join fellow book lovers and writers at the Midwest Author Meetup 2025, a gathering designed to inspire and connect authors and readers alike. Don’t miss this chance to network and hear from talented storytellers!🔗 Reserve your spot: Midwest Author Meetup 2025🌊 Featured Book: Sunrise Reef by Irene HannonLooking for your next great read? Sunrise Reef by Irene Hannon delivers a powerful story of hope, love, and second chances. Perfect for fans of heartfelt fiction with deep emotional impact.🔗 Get your copy: Sunrise ReefSpecial Offer📖 Get deeper discounts on Emotional Confidence and The Indigo Heiress at BakerBookHouse.com, with free shipping available!Stay ConnectedEnjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow book lover! Follow us for more author interviews, bookstore events, and exclusive deals.Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Episode 5 of Pages and People! In this special holiday episode, your hosts Su Hecht and Pete McGowan take you on a journey through two thought-provoking books that are sure to inspire and challenge you.Featured Authors & Books:Diane Arnold – 12 Habits for a Sound Mind and Joyful Life: Your Road Map to Overcome Daily Stresses and MessesDiscover practical, faith-centered strategies to navigate the stresses and messes of daily life while cultivating a joyful mindset.📚 Get your copy here (30% off)Jennifer Powell McNutt – The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church TodayExplore the profound legacy of Mary Magdalene and the lessons her life offers to the modern Church.📚 Get your copy here (30% off)Upcoming In-Store Events:December 14th:CrossWise Christmas ConcertEnjoy a festive evening of music with local Christian band CrossWise! They’ll perform a mix of Christmas classics and original songs.⏰ 5:30–6:30 p.m.📍 Baker Book HouseDecember 17th:Meet the Author: Phylicia MasonheimerPhylicia will be signing copies of her latest book, Every Home a Foundation, and hosting a Q&A session about building faith-centered homes.⏰ 7:00 p.m.📍 Baker Book HouseIn-Store Holiday Promotions:December 16th–21st:Last-Minute Christmas Shopping DiscountsExclusive in-store deals on amazing gift ideas. Stop by Baker Book House to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.Holiday Hours Begin November 29th:Check out our extended holiday hours and plan your visits!📅 See store hours here.Stay Connected:If you enjoyed this episode, please:Subscribe to Pages and People wherever you get your podcasts.Share this episode with a friend who loves books, faith, or both!Follow us for updates on future episodes and in-store events.Thank you for listening, and from all of us at Baker Book House, we wish you a joyful and blessed holiday season! 🎄Send us Fan Mail

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Pages and People, we’re giving you an inside look at two incredible books and authors. Join us as we explore themes of embodiment, cultural understanding, and fresh perspectives on Scripture.Jeannine Hanger shares insights from her latest book, Engaging Jesus with Our Senses. This unique take on the Gospels invites readers to experience Scripture through physical senses, reflection, and practical applications. With tools like sensory practices and a foreword by Grant Macaskill, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their connection to Jesus. Order your copy here.Danny Carroll introduces us to his thought-provoking book, Reading the Bible Latinamente. In this work, Carroll offers fresh ways to approach the Bible through the lens of Latin American culture, history, and experiences. It’s an eye-opening read for anyone interested in understanding the richness of Scripture through diverse perspectives. Order your copy here.Featured Store Updates:Holiday Hours begin November 29th! Check out our extended hours, including the cafe, to help you shop for the season.Don’t miss our Thanksgiving Sale and the upcoming 12 Days of Christmas Sale, where you’ll find 12 of this year’s bestselling books at incredible discounts. Visit BakerBookHouse.com for details.Upcoming Event:Local Author Quentin Schultze: Join us in-store on December 10th from 7:00-8:30 pm as Quentin shares from his new book, Life Lessons from the Holiday Classic: A Christmas Story. RSVP online to save your spot for this festive event!Connect with Us:Subscribe to Pages and People wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to let us know what you think!Share this episode with a friend to spread the joy of books this holiday season.For more information on upcoming events, sales, and featured books, visit BakerBookHouse.com.Thank You for Listening!We’re so grateful for you, our listeners. From all of us at Baker Book House, have a happy Thanksgiving, and we’ll see you next time on Pages and People!Books Mentioned in This Episode:Engaging Jesus with Our Senses by Jeannine HangerReading the Bible Latinamente by Danny CarrollSend us Fan Mail

Welcome to this week’s episode of Pages and People! Join hosts Pete McGowan and Su Hecht as they dive into the world of books, authors, and community at Baker Book House. In this episode, we feature two incredible authors, Ethan Jones and Tessa Afshar, who bring unique perspectives to their works. Ethan Jones shares insights from his new book Psalms in an Age of Distraction, while Tessa Afshar discusses her latest release, A Queen’s Cook, in a special interview with Su and our Fiction Buyer, Chris Jagger.In addition, our Customer Service Supervisor, Toni Olsen, joins us to recommend a curated selection of books for the upcoming holiday season—perfect for gift-giving or for your own winter reading list. Plus, stay tuned for exciting store announcements, including our extended holiday hours and details on our Annual Bible Sale.Episode SegmentsEthan Jones: Psalms in an Age of DistractionEthan’s book sheds new light on the Psalms and their relevance in our modern, fast-paced lives. This is an inspiring conversation for anyone looking to find grounding and meaning through these timeless texts.Order Psalms in an Age of Distraction here.Tessa Afshar: A Queen’s CookTessa joins Su Hecht and Chris Jagger for an insightful discussion on her latest release, A Queen’s Cook. Drawing from her Persian heritage, Tessa brings depth and authenticity to this historical and biblical fiction work. Her exploration of culture, resilience, and faith makes A Queen’s Cook a must-read.Order A Queen’s Cook here.Toni’s Holiday Book RecommendationsToni Olsen recommends three thoughtful reads for the holidays:The Matter of Little Losses: Finding Grace to Grieve the Big (and Small) Things by Rachel Marie Kang - A gentle guide to finding grace in moments of loss, both big and small.So Many Lions, So Few Daniels: Living without Compromise in a World in Need of Truth - An inspiring call to live boldly in faith, even amidst challenge.All Manner of Things by Susie Finkbeiner - A touching story of family and resilience, set during the Vietnam War era.Store AnnouncementsAnnual Bible SaleOur Annual Bible Sale is happening November 23rd! For that Saturday only, in-stock Bibles are 40% off, and used books are 20% off. Remember, there are no holds or rainchecks, so plan to visit early!Extended Holiday HoursBeginning the day after Thanksgiving, Baker Book House and our café will have extended hours for your holiday shopping convenience.Listen, Subscribe, and ShareIf you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe to Pages and People and share it with friends! Stay tuned for more conversations, book previews, and exclusive updates from Baker Book House.Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Pages and People, co-hosts Pete McGowan and Su Hecht take listeners on a journey through the world of Baker Book House, exploring the rich landscape of Christian literature. The episode features insightful conversations with Chris Jagger, the fiction buyer at Baker Book House, and authors Robin Jones Gunn and Misu Andrews. Chris shares her experiences in the evolving world of Christian fiction, while Robin discusses her latest novel, 'Tea with Elephants,' and the importance of friendship in storytelling. Mesu delves into her passion for biblical historical fiction, highlighting her new series on King David's brides. The episode emphasizes the significance of community, storytelling, and the transformative power of literature.Episode Highlights:Featured Authors and Their Books:Robin Jones GunnBook: Tea with ElephantsPurchase hereMesu AndrewsBook: BravePurchase hereFeatured Books:The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara BrunsvoldPurchase hereAcross the Ages by Gabrielle MeyerPurchase hereUpcoming Events:Christmas Author Talk with Lynn AustinDate: November 7th, 7-9 pmReserve your spot hereStorytime with Kate RietemaDate: Saturday, November 9thReserve your spot hereSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of Pages and People, co-hosts Pete McGowan and Su Hecht dive into Christian literature and thought-provoking conversations with authors Steve Bezner and Shirley Mullen. Together, they explore how faith intersects with culture, the call to serve over preaching, and navigating the courageous middle in a polarized world. Tune in for an engaging discussion that challenges you to embody kingdom values and inspire meaningful conversations in today's divided society.Featured Authors and Books:Steve Bezner, author of Your Jesus is Too AmericanIn this powerful book, Bezner confronts the cultural entanglements of American Christianity, challenging readers to rethink their view of Jesus and the gospel. His writing urges Christians to focus on Jesus' true teachings rather than conforming to cultural expectations.👉 Get Your Jesus is Too American hereShirley Mullen, author of Claiming the Courageous MiddleMullen’s book explores the tension of living faithfully in a polarized world. She advocates for finding the "courageous middle"—a place of balance between extremes—where Christians can navigate complex cultural issues with grace and understanding.👉 Get Claiming the Courageous Middle hereUpcoming Events:Tonight, October 17th:Even After Everything—Book Release & Q&A with Stephanie Duncan Smith, joined by author Aundi KolberFrom 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, join us for a conversation about healing, resilience, and faith.👉 RSVP for the eventSaturday, October 19th:Book signing and discussion with Naomi Stephens, author of Burning of Rosemont AbbeyDive into the world of historical fiction as Naomi discusses her latest release.👉 RSVP for the eventSend us Fan Mail

In this episode of Pages and People, hosts Pete McGowan and Sue Hecht explore the intersection of faith, politics, and community through insightful conversations with authors Kaitlyn Schiess and Skot Welch. They discuss the importance of critical thinking, curiosity, and the role of the church in fostering unity and understanding in a divided world. The episode highlights the mission of Baker Book House and the significance of engaging with diverse perspectives in literature and life.  Visit our website @ Baker Book House - New, used, and bargain Christian books - or better yet come visit us @ 2768 East Paris Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546Books Mentioned in This Episode:Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn SchiessIn Ballot and the Bible, Kaitlyn Schiess offers a thoughtful exploration of how Christians can engage with politics, balancing their faith with their civic responsibilities. This timely book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the intersection of faith and politics in today’s world.Buy it hereUnfractured by Skot WelchSkot Welch presents a powerful guide to healing the fractures in our relationships, communities, and churches. In Unfractured, he shows us how to move toward unity and reconciliation, addressing the deep divides in our society with both compassion and conviction.Buy it hereFollow Skot Welch on his website: Get UnfracturedThe Burning of Rosemont Abbey by Naomi StephensIn this historical novel, Naomi Stephens crafts a gripping mystery centered around the destruction of Rosemont Abbey. With vivid characters and a suspense-filled plot, The Burning of Rosemont Abbey will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover dark secrets buried in the past.Buy it hereSpecters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo WrightSpecters in the Glass House is a hauntingly atmospheric story that blends gothic suspense with elements of historical fiction. Jaime Jo Wright masterfully weaves a tale of mystery, danger, and redemption that will captivate readers from the first page to the last.Buy it hereUpcoming Live Events can be found @ Events - Baker Book HouseSend us Fan Mail