Bestselling Jesus Calling® brand celebrates 10 years and 10 million sold

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The award-winning devotional that has inspired a generation recently reached a milestone: the Jesus Calling® brand has sold over 10 million units. "Jesus Calling," first released in 2004, is currently ranked No. 3 on the "Wall Street Journal" Hardcover Nonfiction Bestseller list.  This is the tenth consecutive week the devotional has held a top five ranking on the list, at one point reaching the No. 1 spot.  "USA Today" listed "Jesus Calling" in the top 100 books of 2013, selling more copies than "Lean In" and "50 Shades of Grey."

"Each year 'Jesus Calling' sells more than the year before," said Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher of HarperCollins Christian Publishing Gift Books, Tommy Nelson Children's Books and New Media.  "People love this book and many have purchased five, fifty or even five hundred copies to give to others."

Bestselling author and missionary, Sarah Young, wrote "Jesus Calling" as a reflection of what she heard Jesus saying during her prayer time.  Young describes the book as Jesus' words of hope, guidance and peace placed in her heart based on the Scriptures. Compiling these messages, Young created a devotional written from the perspective of Jesus speaking directly to the reader. The 365-day devotional, now available in 26 languages, has consistently appeared in the "Wall Street Journal," "Publisher's Weekly," "USA Today," and ECPA bestseller lists. Young's bestselling title has also been featured in the "New York Times" and "Christianity Today."

"We often hear of how 'Jesus Calling' has touched someone in a deeply personal way, helping them experience a more loving and peaceful relationship with God," Minchew added.  "It is an honor and privilege to work alongside Sarah on this life-changing book."

The "Jesus Calling 10^th Anniversary Expanded Edition" will be released this September, commemorating and celebrating 10 years of "Jesus Calling" touching lives all over the world.  The 10th-anniversary special edition includes more than 100 additional Scriptures personally selected by Young, all wrapped in a beautifully redesigned package.

The Jesus Calling line has expanded to other products for both adults and children:  devotionals "Jesus Lives" and "Dear Jesus"; a "Jesus Calling" devotional Bible; and for children, the 365-day devotional "Jesus Calling For Kids" and the "Jesus Calling Bible Storybook." Another favorite devotional, "Jesus Today," was named the 2013 ECPA Book of the Year. The multi-formatted product line also includes eBooks, apps, audio books, calendars, greeting cards and music. 

Thomas Nelson is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson, is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

Sarah Young's devotional writing is helping untold numbers of women and men in their quest for intimacy with Jesus. Sarah has been featured in the "New York Times," the "Wall Street Journal," "USA Today," and "Christianity Today" and has sold more than 10 million books worldwide. Her book "Jesus Today" received the ECPA Christian Book of the Year award for 2013. Sarah has a degree in philosophy from Wellesley and holds graduate degrees in counseling from Tufts, Covenant Seminary, and Georgia State. Sarah and her husband lived overseas for decades, counseling and planting churches in Japan and Australia. They currently live in the United States.

SOURCE Thomas Nelson