“[A] winsome main narrative . . . full of misunderstandings, high jinks, and lonely people who find one another despite the many obstacles that stand in the way.” Publishers Weekly

Concordia Publishing House announces the release of a new Christian fiction title, The Story People. In this debut novel, author Heather M. Kaufman celebrates the bonds formed when stories are loved and shared.

“The story sweeps you away to a land between reality and the imagination,” says Sarah Baughman, author of the Regency Silhouettes series, “perfectly mingling Kaufman’s superb storytelling skills with a strong message of encouragement for Christian life.”

In The Story People, bookstore owner Benjamin Palermo is ready to turn the page to the next chapter of his life, and every lady in town is eager to help by finding him a suitable wife. The subtle humor and gentle inspiration of The Story People will encourage readers to savor life’s little snippets of joy.

“I hope my readers leave with a sense of peace, knowing that we serve a faithful God, who is never in the business of deserting His children but who is always there for us in every season no matter what,” says Kaufman. “I hope readers are encouraged to serve Him more fully in all their various vocations. . . . And I hope that readers just have a good ol’ time reading this story—that they get caught up in it and swept away and that it builds them up to go on and tell the best story they can with the lives God has given them.”

Praise for The Story People 

“Part comedy, part fairy tale, and part romance . . . a reminder that we each of us has our own story to tell.”—Cynthia A. Graham, author of Beneath Still WatersBehind Every Door, and Beulah’s House of Prayer

“Heather Kaufman’s debut book, The Story People, is full of fascinating characters whose voices you can hear in your mind. In fact, if I were walking down the street and passed Mrs. Gardner, I’d know her right away! The story sweeps you away to a land between reality and the imagination, perfectly mingling Kaufman’s superb storytelling skills with a strong message of encouragement for Christian life. I would recommend this book for anyone.”—Sarah Baughman, author of the Regency Silhouettes series, deaconess, wife, and mom of four

Kaufman’s novel brings us back to the wonder of our own childhoods, finding companionship in books and the tales they mirrored in our own lives. Readers will enjoy a sweet, funny story with a healthy dose of solid theology that proclaims a timeless truth: when we reach out and share our stories with others, we realize we are never truly alone.”—Elisabeth Tesson, blogger, librarian, wife, and daughter

The Story People is one of the most delightful stories I have read in a long time. Absolutely endearing and hits so many sweet spots.”—Kristin Ehmen, homeschooling motherTo purchase The Story People, visit cph.org/storypeople.

For more information or to arrange an interview with the author, contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, by phone at (314) 268-1303 or by email at lindsey.martie@cph.org.

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is a writer, editor, coffee fanatic, and book enthusiast. She’s been composing stories since childhood and holds a BA from McKendree University and an MA from the University of Missouri—St. Louis. She makes her home in St. Louis with her loving husband, rambunctious son, and persnickety dog.

About Concordia Publishing House

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) is the publishing arm of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. For more than 145 years, CPH has provided individuals, churches, and schools with products that are faithful to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. From books and Bibles to church supplies, curriculum, and software, CPH offers more than 8,000 products to support the proclamation of the Gospel worldwide. Visit CPH online at cph.org.