The Word Guild is a growing community of Canadian writers, editors, speakers, publishers, booksellers, librarians and other interested individuals who are Christian. From all parts of Canada and many denominational and cultural backgrounds, we affirm a common statement of faith and are united in our passion for the written word.
Is That True: Discerning Truth in an Age of Deception
By Chuck Stephens and Larry N. Willard
Castle Quay Books
Have we entered an era where AI programs, like xAI’s Grok 4, combined with Quantum Computing power, have made it impossible to discern truth and reality from their sophisticated creations, clever deceptions and outright forgeries? Have prominent members of the traditional media succumbed to political interference in their honest presentation of the news? Has absolute truth suffered a fatal wound with the forceful advent of subjective truth into every area of life? What can we really believe in this age of clever AI deception? In their new book, Is That True? Discerning Truth in an Age of Deception, Larry Willard and Chuck Stephens team up to confront the confusion on these topics. The book is packed with quality talking points and a unique format spotlighting 24 specific areas that are suffering a truth malaise.
About the authors: Chuck Stephens was born and raised in Africa as a “missionary kid,” later spending two decades in Canada. He returned to Africa as a career missionary, serving a total of 40 years in Southern Africa as senior manager at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Leadership. He also spent periods in Angola, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Chuck is an author, writer, activist, and public speaker, with over 15 books published and is an op-ed columnist in the South African media. He holds a master’s degree in communications and a doctor of letters degree in religious studies.
Larry N. Willard, MDiv, is a writer, author, leading thinker on social, political, and religious issues and the founding publisher of Castle Quay Books. He spent 30 years holding several major senior management positions with top Fortune 100 global corporations and served 9 years in various VP roles for Tyndale University in Toronto, and has resided in Canada, Brazil, and the US. Castle Quay Books titles have been nominated for over 131 publishing awards by various groups in Canada and the USA and have won more than 69 top awards from those nominations.
Raising the Dead
By Susanne Dobbin
Castle Quay Books
Best New Manuscript award – Word Guild 2024. Spy thriller and AI mystery. Breanna and Joshua, both scientists involved in medical nano technology, work at the University of Tel Aviv trying to recreate the enhanced soldier program that was destroyed in a factory raid by the Christian watchmen cells to stop the production of killer nanobots and the use of slave labor. The super soldier program had medicinal benefits for humans, including the ability to heal injuries and illnesses, that the scientists want to recreate. But a sinister plan is also afoot.
About the author: Susanne Dobbin worked for over twenty years in child protection before taking early retirement. During the COVID pandemic, she helped seniors as a personal support worker. Writing is her chief self-indulgence, next to reading and chocolate. Being a Christian is primary in Susanne’s life. However, her three grown children and three grandsons run a close second and are truly a blessing from God. Susanne currently resides in Ontario, living close to extended family and wonderful friends. A house full of pets completes the picture. Susanne likes to think she is one cat away from the crazy cat lady designation.
Lucy’s Adoption Song
By Sandee Macgregor
Castle Quay Books
Following the first children’s book Can I Take it to Heaven this new story of Lucy is based on the true story of a family that adopted internationally. Journey with Lucy and her parents as they cross the ocean to meet their new family members, Grace and John. Illustrations by Kim Sponaugle.
About the author: Sandee Macgregor, was educated and trained as a teacher, but she is also an inspired writer, and the award-winning creator and founder of the popular web site Sovereign Radiance. She is the author of two top-selling devotionals, A Mother-Daughter Devotional and Shared Journal Experience for Psalm 119 and A Devotional for Mothers and Sons: Walking in Wisdom Through Proverbs,which both encourage and enable the building of a deeper spiritual bond between a mother and her daughter(s) and her son(s) through reading Scripture, and her first children’s illustrated book targeted at younger children titled Can I Take It to Heaven? Lucy’s Adoption Song is her second children’s illustrated book for ages 5-8 and a follow-up to her first.
Navigating Through Your Trauma
– Processing Emotional Wounding the Genesis Way
by Dr Anna Dos Santos
WestBow Press
Trauma is knitted into the fabric of our human existence and Christians are not exempt from it. This book is meant for Bible-believing people who have experienced trauma and want to understand more about the chaos it leaves in its wake. More than that, they also want to address their emotional pain in a biblically sound and responsible way. The book is also for counsellors and pastors who must help believers who have suffered trauma.
Research has shown that reflective artmaking is one of the most effective ways to process trauma. In the last chapters of the book, readers will get the opportunity to process their trauma wounding with creative artmaking reflections, derived from principles taken from the story of Creation. The same story God told Job after he suffered severe loss and trauma.
About the author: Dr Anna Dos Santos is a clinical supervisor, counsellor and also an art therapist who specialises in trauma work. She has been in practice for more than twenty years and knows that authentic caring, professional and holistic clinical interventions to walk alongside people when they are hurting, is paramount if they want to grow beyond seasons of pain and confusion towards clarity and destiny. Anna facilitates online group art therapy support for people who benefit from creative artmaking and need more support that individual counselling alone.
Missionary on the Silk Road
by Eric Den Hollander
People International
Eric and Tamar travel with high hopes to Uzbekistan to spread God’s Word. Despite years of preparation, they were hardly aware of the unprecedented challenges they would face.
This book is unique among mission books. You are drawn into the adventures and setbacks, the doubts and highlights of the main characters. Their story shows how God leads and can be trusted in every situation. Even though He may seem absent at times, He goes on with His plan. For those preparing for mission work, this book provides indispensable tools. Experienced missionaries will identify with the experiences of the main characters with a smile and a tear. It is a gripping story that constantly makes you think. It offers the reader an honest account, without idealizations or obligatory happy ending.
About the author: As a fifteen-year-old, Eric Den Hollander already experienced a calling to missionary work. After training as an English teacher, he worked with his growing family in Central Asia in the late 1990s. Currently, Eric is an entrepreneur in the ICT industry, but he still spends many a free hour working to carrying out the Great Commission of Jesus.
The Highlander’s Secret
by Rena Groot
Part of: Our House on Heather Wynd (14 books) Secrets, clan wars, and forbidden love. What happens when secrets from the past affect the present?
In 1850, in the rugged Scottish Highlands, Aileen Campbell, the fierce daughter of a clan chieftain, stands at the crossroads of love and loyalty. Her choices could shatter her family – or redefine its legacy.
Fiona Campbell grew up hearing tales of her Highland ancestors – but when she discovers a diary hidden for 150 years within the walls of Number Three Heather Wynd, she is drawn into Aileen’s world of passion, defiance, and the heartbreaking sacrifices of a fearless woman. What secrets from the past, shaped by courage, love, and passion, hold the key to Fiona’s present?
Our House on Heather Wynd is the second series in the multi-author, multi-genre Our House collection. Set along the shore of Loch Ness in the rugged Highlands of Scotland, the village of Bieldfell welcomes all. With stories of redemption and salvation behind every door, you’re sure to find a new tale of romance, intrigue, humour or heart. All you have to do is knock!
About the author: Rena Groot has written for the searchers, the broken-hearted, the dreamers, the ones who love to be inspired, the ones who need encouragement, and the ones who’ve faced sorrow but still dare to believe in beauty. Her books span several genres: historical fiction rooted in the grit and grace of pioneer life, a contemporary story of betrayal and healing, a journal that walks gently with the wounded, a journal that celebrates the wonder of a baby, as well as a child’s book where a bunny’s imagination runs wild. Each story is crafted with a purpose: to whisper truth, stir courage, and reflect the unwavering love of God.
From the rugged paths of the Oregon Trail to the final days of a broken world, Rena’s books explore what it means to hope again after heartbreak, to choose forgiveness over revenge, and to trust God when the road ahead is uncertain. Her characters sometimes wrestle with heartache, hope, and the pursuit of God. Her words are woven to remind readers: beauty can rise from brokenness, and no story is beyond redemption. Rena writes with raw honesty, emotional depth, and unapologetic courage. Her work isn’t just storytelling. It’s truth-telling. It challenges, provokes, and heals. Rena writes to stir the imagination, one heartfelt story at a time.
A Song in the Night
by Felicia Landie
Word Alive Books
Betsy never imagined she’d be hiding a stranger in her home. Risking her and her children’s lives, battling cancer, and praying her husband comes home alive, this young mother must learn to trust God with everything. Based on true events, A Song in the Night tells the incredible story of God’s faithfulness to a family serving in the Dutch resistance during World War II.
About the author: Felicia Landie loves Jesus, her family, and being creative. After attending Millar College of the Bible, Felicia married Mark, authored When Grace Finds You, and had some precious children. As a young mom, Felicia is passionate about sharing Jesus and encouraging other women in their faith. She currently lives in Salmon Arm, British Columbia with her family. Some of her favourite things include going on walks, listening to podcasts, and drinking delicious coffee.
Invisibly Ill and Living with Hope
by Robyn Derksen Olfert
Word Alive Press
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Olfert. The results of your MRI were not normal.” Those words marked the beginning of the second chronic invisible illness for Robyn Olfert. As the years progressed, Robyn went on to add two more major illnesses and a raft of less impacting ones. Living with chronic illness and disability is often overwhelming and challenging, and knowing how to interact with others experiencing these complications can be difficult. In Invisibly Ill and Living with Hope, Robyn candidly shares her story of living with multiple chronic and invisible illnesses and the disability that has resulted. Her vulnerable, transparent, and often humorous writing provides awareness of life with her realities. Robyn empowers her readers to gain understanding of how to relate to individuals in similar circumstances, and she outlines practical ways to make a difference in their lives.
Invisibly Ill and Living with Hope is for people who are struggling and are desperate to know they aren’t alone and for caregivers who want insight into how to be the support their loved ones need. This book is equally for those looking to better understand others who are impacted by health challenges. Above all, this is a book offering hope!
About the author: Robyn Derksen Olfert is a Canadian author living hope-filled, with chronic illness. She enjoys life with her husband and adult daughter, delighting friends with her sense of humour and expressing herself through music and writing.
Surviving Christianity Unmarried
by Karissa Sovdi
Word Alive Press
Christian singles have heard all the cliches: “Save sex for marriage,” “Pray for a spouse,” “God will send you someone when you’re ready,” “It happens when you least expect it,” “Enjoy this season,” “Singleness is a gift,” and of course “Wait!” But what if the thing you’re waiting for hasn’t come? What if marriage doesn’t happen? What do you do when you’re feeling lectured-out, dated-out, waited-out, and singled-out?
Single readers will appreciate this survivor’s guide to navigating the stigma of singleness in a culture obsessed with marriage and family. Readers will laugh and cry along with the author on her journey to discovering that God’s plans aren’t limited to a relationship status, that singleness can be enjoyed instead of endured, and that all of us can experience a love greater than romance, a life bigger than fairytales, and a purpose to which we have been called.
About the author: Karissa Sovdi is a writer, speaker, and clinical counsellor. As a never-married Christian single who grew up in church, she speaks from her sometimes heartbreaking, often humorous, and frequently bumbling journey to a thirtysomething’s radical self-acceptance and revelation of God’s love. As a winner of the Braun Book Award, Karissa lives, plays, and works on Canada’s west coast, where she specializes in coaching organizational leaders to build healthy workplaces.
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