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W IN

• INDEPENDENT 24 PR ES 20 S D AR AW

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WHO CAN ENTER?

Print and audiobooks can be submitted by: • Independent publishers • University presses • Hybrid publishers • Association presses • Self-published authors If you are a big five publishing house, you must submit your books to our fall competition, NYCBigBookAward.com, which has a separate committee and entry fee. Outside of the big five publishing houses, any publisher or author may submit to both competitions, IndependentPressAward.com (every spring); and NYCBigBookAward.com (every fall). See webpages for complete details.

WHEN CAN I ENTER the Independent Press Award? We are on a rolling submission, approximately every two and a half months, with two hard deadlines: (1) March 2025 to August 30, 2025; (2) September 1, 2025 to December 15, 2025 All entries must be postmarked no later than December 15, 2025. This final deadline will not be extended. What if I miss the deadline? Enter our fall program NYCBigBookAward.com as we take books until August 15th. ENTRY FEE $125 per title/per category, plus $75 for any additional category

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS Decide which books (copyright date within the past three years is recommended but not required) to enter into this year’s competition. 2 Calculate the total entry fee. Choose which categories, https://www.independentpressaward.com/categories, to enter each book into. You may enter a book into as many categories as you’d like. The fee for the first category is $125. Any additional book categories for that same book is $75 per category. • SINGLE BOOK, MULTIPLE CATEGORIES: One who enters “Book One” in Children’s Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200. 1

Educational and Book Cover Design Childrens category, the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, and “Book Two” in Mystery and New Fiction (first-time published), the entry fee is $125 + $75 = $200, so $200 + 200 = $400 in total book entry fees. 3 Download a form from this page, OR submit the entry form online on this page, https://www.independentpressaward.com/online-entry-form-1 Complete form 4 Duplicate each Entry Label if you are entering multiple categories. For print books, a copy of the completed Entry Label must be placed inside the front cover of every book submitted. Up to four physical copies for entry into four or more categories. Audiobooks, a single copy of the completed Entry Label must be submitted along with either an Audible gift code or Authors’ Direct code. IF SUBMITTING ONLINE and sending a book directly from Amazon.com or other retailer/printer, NO PAPERWORK IS REQUIRED to accompany the book(s). 5 Pay via PayPal button on the website or mail a check, along with your books and printed entry form, and ship to:

INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD 63 Clinton Road Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 USA 3

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PUBLISHER'S LETTER Hello Fellow Readers, The NYC Big Book Award continues to attract highquality books from all over the world. Our 2025 winners include "What is My Legacy?" by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, and Craig Kielburger, as well as "Modernist Bread at Home" by Nathan Myhrvold. This year's competition featured over 100 winners and 300 finalists across a dozen main categories, with submissions from a multitude of countries. Turn to page 9 to see this year's list. Dr. Susan Agbenoto is a Christian author and a guest on GAB TALKS. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Her books, such as "New Wine: A Journey into refueling your life" and "Restore Me! But Privately, Please," focus on guiding leaders through difficult life seasons with grace, addressing the struggles, and promoting spiritual renewal. Her work has a conversational tone, making spiritual concepts easy to understand and apply, and Gabby’s conversation with Dr. Agbenoto is not one to miss! See an excerpt on page 6 & 7, and the full podcast on https://www.independentpressaward.com/thegabtalks. Jenna Bush Hager's "Read with Jenna" book club has partnered with Libby, a library app that allows users to borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free with a library card. This partnership makes her monthly book club picks easily accessible to a wider audience. See page 23. The call for the Independent Press Award entries is fast approaching. If you're an author or publisher looking to gain recognition, visit https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ for more details. Looking ahead, mark your calendars for BookCAMP 2026, where we will be celebrating all of the winners from the NYC Big Book and the Independent Press Award, as well as connecting and learning from experts in the publishing industry. Learn more about the event at https://www.ipabookcamp.com/. Thank you for your continued support of Printed Word Reviews. We hope this issue inspires your next great read and deepens your appreciation for the power of the written word. Until next time, keep on reading,

Ted Olczak

TED OLCZAK Publisher www.PrintedWordReviews.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

BookCAMP 2026

Call for Independent Press Award Entries

Publisher’s Letter

Table of Contents / Disclaimer

6&7

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Life

VVPRINTE

by Laura Muirhead

Facing life’s surprises head-on, this resilient woman transforms obstacles into opportunities for her own growth and for empowering those around her.

Memoir. KMD Books. ISBN: 978-1763852648

GAB TALKS with Christian author Dr. Susan Agbenoto

Printed Word Book Reviews

Thanks to our Authors & Publishers

2025 NYC Big Book Awards Announcement

Read with Jenna's Book Club Favorites now Available via Libby to Library Cardholders

PWR

Laura Muirhead’s title “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Life“, a wordplay on the musical, offers readers an inspiring narrative of personal growth and unwavering resilience without melodrama. Muirhead guides readers through her own journey from childhood to adulthood, sharing a tapestry of transformative experiences and invaluable life lessons that resonate. An easy read, Muirhead’s life experiences share how gratitude and selfdiscovery can transform life’s most daunting challenges into powerful opportunities. For anyone seeking insights into overcoming adversity, embracing the unexpected, and finding inner strength, this quick read is a beacon. The narrative opens with reflections on Muirhead’s childhood in a Chicago suburb, painting a picture of her formative years shaped by a close-knit family and the wisdom of her grandmother. This idyllic beginning takes a pivotal turn with the emotional and logistical upheavals of her parents’ divorce, a year that indelibly marked her early life. She recounts her teenage years, highlighting the crucial lessons imparted by her stepmother and the fierce determination that fueled her quest for independence.

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Muirhead’s journey continues into adulthood, where she navigates a series of trials and triumphs that forge her remarkable resilience. Her twenties are marked by financial struggles and personal losses, experiences that, while difficult, ultimately shaped her character and resolve. A significant revelation about her biological father adds a layer of complexity to her quest for identity and understanding of family dynamics, leading to a deeper, more nuanced self-discovery. The book then chronicles her professional and personal evolution, from her ventures in business and real estate to a powerful artistic awakening. A devastating house fire, rather than being a setback, becomes a catalyst for profound personal and professional growth, underscoring her ability to extract lessons and opportunities from even the most challenging circumstances.

DISCLAIMER: The Printed Word Reviews magazine has been issued the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 3067-011X and is published 10 times per year. The title was previously published under the Independent Press Award and NYC Big Book Award Present with the following ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.: Format: Online Format: ISSN 2836-9157; and the Print Format: ISSN 2836-9149.

In the concluding section, Muirhead reflects on her life, a testament to her accomplishments and a strong sense of purpose. She emphasizes the critical importance of setting healthy boundaries, seizing opportunities, and cultivating a positive mindset. Rich with anecdotes about her relationships, business endeavors, and creative pursuits, these reflections offer a multifaceted view of a life lived with intention and grace.

Any questions or comments, please contact the Publisher Ted Olczak at Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without express permission from the publisher.

At its core, the book’s central thesis champions the transformative power of resilience and gratitude in navigating life’s inevitable challenges. Muirhead provides compelling evidence through her personal experiences, demonstrating how each obstacle she faced became a stepping stone for growth and profound transformation. What sets this book apart is its personal and relatable account of overcoming adversity, making it a resource for anyone seeking inspiration, practical guidance, and a renewed sense of hope.

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system - except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine or newspaper - without permission in writing from the publisher. To submit your book for review, send to: Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028. Allow 8 -12 weeks. Unpaid reviews are not guaranteed. More details available on our website at https://printedwordreviews.com/

This book is for individuals grappling with personal or professional challenges, those captivated by stories of resilience and self-discovery, and particularly women seeking empowerment and practical advice. Readers will find Laura Muirhead’s journey not only inspiring but also instructive, offering timeless lessons on how to embrace life’s twists and turns with grace, strength, and an enduring spirit of gratitude.

To submit your book for our award programs, visit the websites:

www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781763852648

Spring 2026: https://www.independentpressaward.com/ Fall 2026: https://www.nycbigbookaward.com/ (More consumer focused; different judging; allows for all authors and publishers to participate; announced in the fall of every year)

FALCON

To advertise, please contact: Ted@GabbyBookAwards.com or Ted@PrintedWordReviews.com, or visit our website, https://www.independentpressaward.com/advertise

REVIEW

SPOTLIGHT 5

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Dr.Susan Agbenoto Author: New Wine: A Journey into Refueling Your Life

r. Susan Agbenoto is a dynamic voice in faith-based leadership, spiritual renewal and personal transformation. She is the author of New Wine: A Journey into Refueling Your Life, a 2025 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the Christian category and just named a NYC Big Book Award Winner in the Christian category with her first title RESTORE ME!: But Privately, Please (The People Cannot Know). In addition to being an award winning author, Susan is a speaker in both religious and corporate forums, a lay pastor since 2013 and seasoned investment professional with over two decades of experience. She obtained her Doctor of Ministry degree from The United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio. Both of Susan’s novels, New Wine and Restore Me But Privately Please, inspire readers to pursue holistic well-being through the integration of faith, purpose, and practical wisdom. When she is not writing or working, Susan is passionate about traveling and experiencing the authenticity of other places. A devoted wife and mother of two, Susan joins us from Central Florida.

Gabby : You’ve been a pastor for almost a decade. What led you to

My book tells you to hold on, don’t give up. There’s more coming.

writing this book about receiving God’s New Wine?

Gabby : In your own words, you say that receiving New Wine is

Susan : My books are all faith based. When I read the Bible, I do a lot

experiencing your own personal revival.

of writing. When I was done with my doctorate program I took all the

Susan : That’s the concept of the book. New Wine is that no matter

inspired writings, and was surprised that I had 3 to 4 different books

what your age is, no matter what you’ve been through, no matter

that I really had to bring together. So that’s where New Wine was

where you are on a spiritual journey, God is still saving the best for

born.

last. There is more that’s going to come out of you. He’s going to use

Gabby : What is the significance of New Wine?

you to affect even more people, and there’s greater transformation coming to your life. So don’t give up. Definitely don’t settle for status

Susan : Being a pastor for some time, I noticed that sometimes

quo, whether spiritually or physically in your life, there’s more that’s

people get stuck. We often have that phase where we’re so excited

coming.

about doing something new. The newness lasts for a while.

Gabby : Are there any first steps, habits, spiritual disciplines that we

Then all of a sudden, it drops off and you feel like you’re stuck, not

can adapt to prepare to receive this outpouring?

moving forward, not moving backward. Take the life of a grape and the different phases the grape goes through. With each step of life,

Susan : The first step is to assess where you are when it comes to

there really is new wine that is being produced.

connecting with the Word of God. Even before that assesses where you are, it comes to a personal relationship with God. The next step is

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to open the Bible. There are so many resources out there: listening to other people who speak about the Bible, other people who preach messages from the Bible. It just sort of stirs you up. Gabby : Susan you have said “the enemy of achieving greater things in our lives is living in our past glory, traditions or past methods that aren’t working”. Please elaborate on this statement. Susan : It’s great to hear people talk about what they’ve done, but what you’ve done is a stepping stone to the greatest things that you can do. Living in the past in that sense, is your enemy because you are not pushed to do better, to go further, to do even more. Gabby : What do you hope that readers take away from New Wine both spiritually and intellectually? Susan : My greatest hope when you read the book, you feel hope and inspiration and then a reconnection with God. Though you can start in a Christian home or in some form of religious home, with time you may put that away spiritually and you find yourself unfulfilled. You realize that you start to get new meaning when you reconnect with God, when you reconnect with His Holy Spirit. New Wine is a book to inspire and impart hope.

PWR

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SHOWCASE REVIEW Restore Me! But Privately Please by Dr. Susan Agbenoto Christian. Westbow Press. ISBN: 979-8385017621 “Restore Me! But Privately Please” by Dr. Susan Agbenoto is a Christian book that addresses the silent struggles and spiritual fatigue of Christian leaders, offering a guide for private, personal restoration and spiritual healing while navigating the burdens of their public roles. Dr. Agbenoto’s work is both compassionate and practical, providing a lifeline for leaders who feel they must maintain a facade of strength. It goes beyond merely identifying the problem, offering a clear roadmap for spiritual self-care. The book emphasizes the importance of returning to the core practices of faith—prayer, fasting, and humility—as the foundation for true healing. Using biblical examples, such as the life of King David, the author expertly illustrates the challenges leaders face. She encourages readers to seek rest and solace in God’s presence, distinguishing between serving God and finding peace in Him. The book delves into the nature of the soul, advocating for regular cleansing and healing from past trauma. What makes this book unique is its interactive nature. Dr. Agbenoto includes scriptures, prayers, and meditations throughout, transforming the reading experience into a journey of self-reflection and spiritual renewal. The central message is clear: sustained, effective ministry flows from a place of personal wholeness. This book is a vital resource for anyone in Christian leadership, offering a gentle invitation to lay down burdens and find renewed strength in private surrender to Jesus.

Listen to the entire interview www.thegabtalks.com.

Dr.Susan Agbenoto

Read the full review here: www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798385017621

Author: New Wine: A Journey into Refueling Your Life