Friday, 29 November 2013

Special offer – this weekend only – act NOW!
Friday 29th November – Sunday 1st December

Those of you who know us well and are familiar with our books and our aims might like to cut to the chase and just go straight to the website to pick up their bargain! You can do that here:


Those of you who might like a bit of help to choose your books, you might like to keep reading! Thank you either way, we appreciate you all :-)

All our books are published with the aim of encouraging and inspiring young people in their faith and showing non-church kids what they are missing.

We've all seen children who have grown up in church, but have grown away, and children who are growing up not hearing the good news of Jesus.

Christmas is a great opportunity to offer a simple, non-threatening gift to non-church children you may not usually buy for. It's also the perfect time to pop a Christian book in your own child's stocking, or to give away to any child we care about. We have received so many testimonies of how the Lord has used our books to touch children's lives – your gift could be the best present they will receive this year :-)

So here's an offer to make it a bit more affordable for you to reach out to the children on your heart this year:

£1 off every book you buy
Friday 29th November –
Sunday 1st December

Be a part of it – your gift could change a life!

Please find below a little bit of information about each of our books on the one page, to help you choose. We've also added some ideas about who each book would be perfect for!

Just order in the normal way, and your discount will be taken off at the checkout.
Click here to go to the website:


May the Lord sow many seeds through your gifts this Christmas!

Beech Bank Girls, Christmas is Coming!
Eleanor Watkins

Christmas is coming! Along with the excitement, life holds its challenges for the Beech Bank Girls. Holly's family faces financial ruin, Rachel is worried about her sister, a sledging incident nearly has disastrous consequences, and an unusual nativity play brings home the true meaning of Christmas.
The perfect Christmas gift for 10-14s.
An amazing, heart-warming story. A definite 10/10.” - Ellie
Who should you buy this book for?
  • Any girl who loves Christmas!
  • Girls who love their friends
  • Girls who love reading about girls just like them!

The Only Way
Gareth Rowe
When a miserable, disaffected teenager meets the beautiful and mysterious Lily, he discovers a new way to live. Later, when Lily's life is in danger, he is willing to risk everything to save her, but circumstances are against him.
How can he live, if she doesn't survive? For ages 12+.
The Only Way is a moving, fast-paced, gripping and genius piece of writing.” - G. P. Taylor
Who should you buy this book for?


  • Anyone who loves a fast-paced read – it really is a brilliant story
  • Those who struggle with bullying at school and/or have difficulties at home
  • Young people with no previous knowledge of God. Great for lads.

The Birthday Shoes
Mary Weeks Millard
All Emily Jane wants for her birthday is a pair of fashionable boots. She
hates the fake crocodile-skin shoes she is given instead, until she discovers they hold an incredible secret! Join her as she goes on exciting adventures to Africa, making friends and discoveries about God along the way. For 8-11s.
It made me feel like I was there!” - Susanna
Who should you buy this book for?


  • Girls who love shoes and have a great imagination!
  • Church children who need to build a relationship with God for themselves
  • Friends of girls who go to church, to see what it's all about!

Beech Bank Girls, Every Girl Has A Story
Eleanor Watkins
Shortlisted for Children's Book of the Year (over 12s category),
Christian Resources Awards 2011
Six teenage friends draw nearer to God and to each other through real life issues. Amber, Holly, Willow, Annie, Rachel and Chloe share their laughter, their tears, their hopes, their fears and their secrets with each other and with us. Miracle and party included! Chick lit for ages 10-14.

Really enjoyed it and found it helpful at the same time.- Claire
Who should you buy this book for?
  • Girls from any background who love their friends!
  • Church girls who are growing in their relationship with God
  • Girls going through illness in the family, parents' separating and /or issues
  • with step-families.

Beech Bank Girls II, Making A Difference
Eleanor Watkins
Shortlisted for Youth Book of the Year, Christian Resources
Awards 2012
The Beech Bank Girls are back! An interesting hike, a new culture on their doorstep, an emotional evening . . . the friends learn from some tough issues that they can make a difference right where they are and have lots of fun at
the same time! Chick lit for10-14s.
A very exciting, fun to read, really well-written book.” - Taylor
Who could you buy this book for?
  • Girls who have children from different cultures in their schools
  • Church children who want to make a difference
  • Girls from broken homes

London's Gone
J. M. Evans
London has been bombed by terrorists. Now Maria must make a hazardous journey to safety with her sister and a Christian friend. For Maria, the journey is also within as she discovers another side to life that she did not know existed. A thrilling drama full of suspense. For ages 12+.
I just couldn't put this book down.” - Gilly
Who should you buy this book for?



  • Older girls and boys who love a good read
  • Those who feel that being a Christian is slightly embarrassing
  • Introducing Christianity to those with no previous church experience.

The Treasure Hunt
J. M. Evans
Four Christian friends fall into an exciting mystery adventure. Prayer, faith and their Bible knowledge all help, but when the case takes an unexpected turn, the friends also need to be courageous and obedient. Will they find out what is going on and find the real treasure? For ages 8-11.
Brilliant.” - Ben
Who should you buy this book for?



  • Boys and girls who love mystery adventure stories – this is an up-to-date Christian equivalent of Enid Blyton's Famous Five!
  • Kids who are familiar with Bible stories, but need to see faith outworking in experience
  • The story is a gentle introduction to the issue of people trafficking

Mystery in the Snow
J. M. Evans
Thrilling sequel to The Treasure Hunt. Ravi, Debbie, Lance and Joel set out to discover who burgled Ravi's shed. The plot thickens as a handbag goes missing, then a cat disappears. Can all these things be connected? Join the Christian friends as they find answers in unexpected places. For 8-11s.
I would definitely recommend it.” - Joshua
Who should you buy this book for?



  • Boys and girls who love cats, the snow, and dislike visiting old people!
  • Kids who need to know that they are as important to God as adults
  • Children you would like to introduce Christianity to!

I Want To Be An Airline Pilot
Mary Weeks Millard
Shema, a Rwandan goatherd from a child-led family, has many adventures, including a close brush with a snake and a goat eating his only T-shirt! Little by little Shema learns about Mister God and discovers that he has a Father in
heaven who loves him. A victorious, heart-warming story for 8-11s.
I really enjoyed this book, it's one of my favourites.” - Kemi
Who should you buy this book for?

  • Boys and girls who enjoy stories about children from other cultures
  • Kids who do not realise that God loves them
  • Children who lead comfortable lives, to see how many others have to manage

Living in Hope
Mary Weeks Millard
The thrilling to sequel to I Want to Be an Airline Pilot, for 8-11s. Shema and his family and friends have many exciting and dangerous challenges to face in the Village of Hope. Frida is tricked into leaving her family, Sam is falsely
accused of stealing; will their faith triumph?
This is the best book I have ever read and I would recommend it to anyone.” - Sophie
Who should you buy this book for?


  • Boys and girls who need to know that prayer changes things
  • Kids who are growing in their faith
  • Children who know someone who has been abducted, or who have family problems themselves

Under the Tamarind Tree
Mary Weeks Millard
The final book in the Rwanda series for 8-11s. Joshua and Timo's fathers are doctors and the boys have to go with their families to live in rural Rwanda, leaving their old lives behind. Neither wants to go, but they soon make friends with Shema and a lad with disabilities and discover that God
does know best.
It shows us how God helps us in our lives. I would recommend this book to my friends.” - Jacob
Who should you buy this book for?

  • Children struggling with a house move or a change in their lives
  • Church and non-church boys and girls who need to learn to trust God for themselves
  • Boys and girls who have friends with a disability, or who have a disability themselves
  • Missionary kids

Deepest Darkness
Denise Hayward
Abi suffers from terrible nightmares and her life is ruled by fear. She makes a new friend who shows her that true light shines, even in the deepest darkness of the rain forest at night! Abi gradually faces her fears and finds a new freedom. A thrilling, moving story for 8-11s.
This is one of the best books I have read – EVER!” - Maddie
Who should you buy this book for?


  • Children who struggle with fears/anxiety  of any kind
  • Kids for whom the concept of prayer is new, or needs exploring
  • Boys and girls who enjoy thoughtful stories. Many have been deeplymoved by this book.
 . . . and here's the link for the offer: Click here for website offer


Do hope you fun choosing!
May the Lord bless each and every one of you, and all the children on your heart :-)

Until next time,

Janet

Wednesday, 27 November 2013

All that's new from Dernier Publishing!


Welcome to the November 2013
Dernier Publishing
newsletter!

Death and life
What is your favourite season? Mine has to be spring, when bulbs start to push up through the ground, buds on trees begin to unfurl and the sun begins to get warmer – wonderful! But to get new life, there has to be a death first. Did you know that new buds growing on trees force the old leaves off? So, in our lives, all that is temporal is being gradually pushed out by the new life we have in Christ! How amazing is that! So let's embrace the winter, making the most of every opportunity we are given :-)

Why not take a few minutes to consider what the most important things in your life are . . . then consider what changes you might need to make, to make sure that your time and energy are focused on what really matters.

My second grandson!
May I introduce you to the newest little member of the family? He was born a little early and weighed just 5lb8oz (2kg). He is the sweetest, cutest, most precious little thing :-) You know, it's the quality of our relationships which make us rich or poor. So if you want to get rich quick, work on your relationships! I don't think the Beatles knew much about theology, but they got it right when they said that money can't buy love :-)

Christian Parenting Challenge
 If you knew you had a limited amount of time with your children, would you spend your time differently? My first husband died suddenly when our children were aged ten, fifteen and seventeen. My second husband's children only live with us for part of the time – the rest of the time they are with their mum. I have a friend whose son died in a tragic accident aged sixteen. Life can surprise and overtake us. Life is precious, but less than perfect.

Because our children grow up so quickly, I have set up a brand new Christian Parenting Challenge for those of us who would like to deepen our relationships with our children. Every day for 30 days, subscribers will receive an email with a challenge for that day. Challenges include things like listening to your child, creating something together, doing something for someone else together, the thorny issue of discipline and lots more . . .  Some of the challenges I did quite well when my children were 'children' (they're all grown up now!), some I really should have done a lot better, and many I never even thought of at the time. The thought behind writing the challenge was that perhaps I might be able to help others on their parenthood journey.

Christian Parenting Challenge is for mothers and fathers, for single parents, step-parents, and any other kind of parent. It's for those of you who have your children 24/7, those of you who have them at weekends, and those who only see them once a month. Whether you have the occasional nagging feeling that there could be more you can do to deepen your relationship with your child, or feel like you have hit rock bottom, please do consider joining us. You are assured of a warm welcome! You will find yourself doing all manner of simple but effective things to deepen your relationship with your children. And have lots of fun at the same time! Want to give it a go? Email me on Email Janet and I will add you to the list.
Christian Parenting Challenge is completely free
with absolutely no obligation :-)

Deepest Darkness in audio and on video!
 
I recently spent some time with author Denise Hayward recording 'Deepest Darkness' for audio and video! Many thanks to Sheila and Phil of PDT Media who are working on this project with us.
As you see, we had a lot of fun doing the recording! Will keep you posted as to when it will be available. You can listen to me reviewing Deepest Darkness on YouTube here: Deepest Darkness on YouTube :-)
Will keep you posted as to when the audio version will become available. If you would like to pre-order, let me know! It's a really gripping story, and Denise (did you know she is a trained actress?) is absolutely brilliant on camera - she kept us all spellbound!


Here's a bit about the story:
Abi suffers from terrible nightmares and her life is ruled by fear. She makes a new friend who shows her that true light shines, even in the deepest darkness of the rainforest at night! Abi gradually faces her fears and finds a new freedom. A thrilling, moving story for 8-11s.
This is one of the best books I have read – EVER!” - Maddie




Books in schools
I heard recently from a teacher at a Christian school in Northern Ireland, whose students are enjoying studying 'London's Gone' as part of their literacy. If you are involved in any way in a school, either as a parent or governor or teacher, why not mention our books to the English or library staff? As you know, all our stories are wholesome and inspiring for children to read, as well as having the 'message in a story' :-)

Sharing the vision with your group?
Thanks to Nicolette Gunn and the lovely group of ladies at 'Gods's Oasis' at Emmanuel Church in Guildford who gave me such a warm welcome when I went to speak a couple of weeks ago. I love meeting our supporters and I'm only sorry I forgot to take some photos! If you would like me to come and share the Dernier vision with your church group, contact me at the usual address – I'm based in London but can do a bit of travelling :-)

Absence of Christmas
Have you noticed I haven't mentioned Christmas yet? I hope you are impressed! Actually, I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet . . . the only thing I have is the Christmas pudding, which I won in a raffle! If you are looking for great Christmas presents for the 8-16s you love, though, you know where to find them : Dernier website or your local Christian bookshop! I will be in touch again soon!


With many thanks for your support as always,


Janet


P.S. Don't forget to join the Christian Parenting Challenge! 

Thursday, 24 October 2013

Could you buy a book for a needy child in Kenya?

Don't you just love harvest?

I'm not really that keen on food shopping, but I do love standing back and looking at the amazing things God has provided for us to eat! I just got these out of my fridge . . . isn't the range incredible? In shape, size, colour, texture, flavour . . . stunning!

Most churches have a harvest festival where we have an opportunity to make a donation to people not as fortunate as ourselves. It's a good time to reflect on our own blessings and to remember those who are struggling, not just in our thoughts and prayers, but in a practical way. Our church gave our harvest gifts to the local foodbank, so we can share some of the good things we have been given with people who would otherwise go hungry.

Giving is an essential part of the Christian life. If you know any children who are spiritually hungry, why not buy them one of our books? Jesus said, “I am the bread of life”. Spiritual nourishment is also essential for true life. Why not share what you have been given with those who so desperately need it?

Could you buy a book for a needy child in Kenya?
Following on from the above, if you would love to “feed a child” but don't have any children to buy for, we can help! I have had links with the Christian-run Kisumu Children in Kenya for several years, since a friend went out there to work with orphans and street kids. I recently had a thought and wrote to Dr. Peter Brierley, who began the project, to ask if the children's home might like some extra books. Here is Peter's reply:

Dear Janet,

What a lovely thought! Our children would love to have a book sent to them, and, for that matter, so would the local Primary School. We have a library with some of your books already in it which is well used, so adding others would be much appreciated by the children.

I visit Kisumu twice a year and can always take a few books out with me.

Grateful to you,

Peter

If you would like to buy a book for these beautiful children in Kenya, and their brothers, sisters and classmates, there are four ways you can do this:
  1. If you would like to give a one-off donation (perhaps as part of your Christmas giving?), email Janet at Dernier with your details, which book/s you would like to buy, and I will send the invoice to you and the book/s to Peter. You can pay the invoice by sending us a cheque or paying by BACS.
  2. You can order the book/s through our website Dernier Publishing, but make sure you send a message at the same time on the contact form to say that you want the book/s you have ordered to go to Kisumu, not to be sent to your address!
  3. If you would like to give a book every month, we can send you a standing order to pay through your bank. Twelve books a year for just £5.99 a month – imagine how many children that could “feed”! Let me know and I'll send you the form.
  4. If you buy one of our books from your local Christian bookshop and send it to us, we will make sure it reaches the children of Kisumu.

If you would like us to write a message in the front of your book, we'll happily do that for you, or you can send a card to go with your gift. I am so excited about this scheme! If it is successful, we'd love to be able to “feed” other needy children with our books, too – imagine them going out all over the world to children who so badly need to know of God's love and care for them . . . I feel God is in this, and it could be the beginning of something wonderful - do share in the blessing with us!
If you have any questions about the scheme, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Like to know more about Kisumu Children? Just follow this link: Kisumu Children


 
Kindest regards, and thanks so much for partnering with us,

 

Janet
P.S. Please do forward this to anyone you think might be interested! Thank you :-)




Wednesday, 7 August 2013

"Can I have some blood to play with?" and other news!


Welcome to the August 2013
Dernier Publishing
newsletter!





Can I have some blood to play with?”

Our five year-old grandson stayed with us last weekend. After watching “Moses” on DVD (“Testament” series, get it from your local Christian bookshop!), he wanted to read the story in his children's Bible. He was particularly taken with the thought of God's power. Then he went out in the garden and played Moses. He had a stick which “turned into a snake”, and yes, he asked for some blood to play with! He wanted to turn the water in his bucket into blood, and some more to put on the doorposts . . . Great game, but I said no to the blood :-)

Anyone who would argue that what our children read and watch doesn't affect them, hasn't had children. In fact, we are all influenced by what we put into our minds. That's why the apostle Paul said, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

What are children's minds being filled with? What are they watching on TV, reading in books and magazines, seeing on adverts? What games are they playing? Have you seen the latest music videos aimed at quite young children, heard the lyrics, seen what they watch on YouTube? Even if you have parental guidelines on your PC, what about hand-held devices, where your children can watch and read anything 24/7? Is what they are taking in true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise?

The things our children are watching and reading is influencing them from within. It's affecting the way they think about things, what they believe, what they think is good, influencing who they want to be with, what they want to do.

Times have changed. It used to be safer to keep children at home than send them out to play . . . now the goal posts have moved. There is a battle on for our children in our own homes.

Concerned? Me too. We need to be aware of what is going on, and fight back.

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Be a good example
  2. Make sure you know what your children are watching, reading and playing
  3. Keep open communication about all the above. Discuss their films, books, etc. with them
  4. Veto if necessary
  5. Make sure all home computers have parental controls switched on
  6. Have screens in places where you can see what they are watching. Don't be fooled, check the tabs, homework can be flipped up as you pass . . .
  7. Discuss the reason for your concerns with them
  8. Offer Christian alternatives

If all this seems totally overwhelming, pick one thing from this list that you can do NOW. You could even print out the list, and pin it to your fridge! And if we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We would love you to buy our books, because we have seen the difference they have made in so many children's lives.

If you would like to take a look, please do so here: www.dernierpublishing.com . . . or visit your local Christian bookshop.

You can also buy two of our e-books in the Kindle store: Mysteryin the Snow and TheTreasure Hunt

We are not keen on Amazon's ethics, and are planning alternative e-books . . . as soon as we have more news about that we will let you know!

Special Offer

For this month's Special Offer we have chosen the first in the Beech Bank Girls series, by Eleanor Watkins - excellent, relevant, fun Christian chick-lit for 10-14s! This brilliantly written book was shortlisted for the Christian Resources Awards in 2011 – a great accolade. You can read the first chapter online: BeechBank Girls.
The offer is here: http://dernierpublishing.com/offers_aug13.php or visit your local Christian bookshop. Excellent for Girls Brigades, Girl Guides, girls' schools, clubs, camps and you could even get ahead and buy them now for Christmas presents!
Buy ten copies this month for just:
£49.90!

That's a bargain, reaching 10 girls (or more if they share!) for less than five pounds each.

The book was reviewed by a panel of girls for Revelation TV. Part of the interview went like this:

"What were the highlights of the book - were there any good points?"
"All of the book was good!"
"Were there any bad points?"
"No."
"How has the book affected you - has it changed your perspective on anything?"
It's made me realise, whenever you need God and whatever trouble you're in, he is always there."
"Would you recommend the book to your friends?"
"Definitely!"
If you are looking for a book which will encourage and inspire your 10-14 year-old girls in their faith, look no further! Here's a 'why buy' video on YouTube . . . BeechBank Girls.
Quick snippets for prayer.
I would be so grateful if you would pray for the following: 1. Some of our books are on their way to Morocco, 2. Please pray for all the bookshops who stock our books, 3. Please pray for guidance for us as there are so many projects we would love to be involved with, but have to wait for finances, 4. Pray that our books will be more widely known and used.
Thank you so much for all your support – for praying, encouraging, sharing our news and everyone involved in so many different ways. Without you, Dernier Publishing would not exist.
Janet
PS. Don't forget to print off your 'battle list'! And feel free to forward to your friends.


Dernier Publishing exists to produce excellent, relevant fiction to encourage and inspire 8-16 year-olds in their faith and show non-church kids what they are missing! If you have been forwarded this by a friend, thank you for your interest. If you would like to receive regular emails from us, just let me know :-) Email Janet