Press Releases

Carol Stream, IL – Four books produced by Oasis Audio have been named winners in ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Awards. Oasis swept the audio fiction category, receiving the Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards and also received the Silver award in the audio nonfiction category.

Kirsten Potter’s reading of Homer Hickam’s novel Red Helmet, set in Appalachian coalfields, took home the Gold award for audio fiction. Potter, who has appeared on television, in films, and in the theatre, received two Audiofile Earphone Awards last year. Red Helmet is her first audio for Oasis.

Together, co-authored by Tom Sullivan and Betty White and read by Sullivan, captured the Silver award for audio fiction. Sullivan, a five year special correspondent for Good Morning America who is blind, is known in millions of homes across America. White is known for her multiple acting roles, including the Golden Girls. Sullivan’s second novel, Alive Day, also read by him, releases from Oasis in July.

Oasis’ best-selling audio, The Shack by William P. Young, received the Bronze award. Narrated by Chicago-based actor Roger Mueller who appeared in the dramatic audio series, Left Behind, the audio was also a finalist for an Audie.

Joe Wheeler’s Abraham Lincoln: A Man of Faith and Courage was named the Silver award winner for audio nonfiction. Read by Grover Gardner, the book also was a finalist for an Audie. Gardner, one of America’s most popular and versatile audiobook readers, has read more than 650 books and won numerous awards, including an Audie.

Winners for the awards were selected by dozens of librarians and booksellers who are experts
in the subject matter of the books they judged, and who make purchasing decisions daily for
their collections or bookstores.

Carol Stream, IL – Last week Fox News legal correspondent and former Federal prosecutor, Lis Wiehl, released her first novel, Face of Betrayal (Thomas Nelson), which introduced readers
to the Triple Threat, a trio of women crime fighters. Oasis Audio has acquired the rights to Face of Betrayal, co-written with mystery novelist April Henry, and plans to make the audio available for download on Audible.com by April 24, with a CD product available at retail by May 22 (unabridged, $27.99, 7CDs).

“Working for a national media outlet like Fox News gives Lis a great platform to promote Face of Betrayal,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “Her expertise in law, politics, and criminal investigation brings an added depth to the book and helps make for a great story, which also makes great audio.”

Wiehl and Henry share the story of three fiercely smart and devoted justice-seeking women who investigate the disappearance of a Senate page connected to a philandering politician. Wiehl is making several national media appearances this week to promote the novel, including
appearances on America’s Newsroom and The O’Reilly Factor. Bill O’Reilly also endorsed the
book.

Pam Turlow, who has worked extensively in all areas of voice-over work, will narrate the book, her seventh title with Oasis. Turlow voiced numerous characters in the Left Behind audio series and has also done commercials and educational products.

About Face of Betrayal

Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl and April Henry
Narrated by Pam Turlow
Unabridged, 7 CDs, $27.99
ISBN: 9781598596137

Carol Stream, IL – Four books produced by Oasis Audio have been named finalists in five categories in the annual Audie Awards competition by the Audio Publishers Association. This is the highest number of finalists Oasis has had at one time in its more than 10 years of publishing and the most from an inspirational audio publisher this year.

With more than 100,000 sold since its July release, Oasis’ best-selling audio, The Shack by William P. Young and narrated by Roger Mueller, is a finalist in the Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction category. Chicago-based actor, Mueller, appeared in the dramatic audio series, Left Behind, and has read numerous books for Oasis. In December, Oasis released a revised version of the audio with new content including interviews with Young.

Tim Gregory’s reading of Ted Dekker’s Adam is also a finalist in the Inspirational/Faith-Based Fiction category. Gregory is the founder of Provision Theater Company and host of HGTV’s New Spaces. Joe Wheeler’s book, Abraham Lincoln: A Man of Faith and Courage, read by Grover Gardner, is up for an award in two categories—Inspirational/Faith-Based Non-fiction as well as the main Non-fiction category. Gardner, one of America’s most popular and versatile audiobook readers, has read more than 650 books and won numerous awards, including an Audie.

Nationally recognized author and inspirational speaker Andy Andrews, who read his own book, Mastering the Seven Decisions, is a finalist in the Business/Educational category. Andrews received an AudioFile Earphones Award for his reading, which AudioFile called, “an extraordinary audio on how to move past the darkest, most dysfunctional periods of life.”

Winners will be announced on May 29 at the awards ceremony, scheduled to take place at the New York Historical Society.

Carol Stream, IL – During these challenging times, Oasis Audio is offering two new audiobooks that provide listeners with biblical insights into what’s happening as well as offering hope and encouragement. This week, Oasis is shipping the audio for Dr. David Jeremiah’s bestseller, What in the World is Going On? (Thomas Nelson), and at the end of the month, Oasis will begin shipping the audio for Brian Zahnd’s new book, What to Do on the Worst Day of Your Life (Charisma House), which is slated to receive significant media attention.

“Dr. Jeremiah’s book has sold quite well in hardcover and we expect the audio to do likewise,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “And Brian Zahnd’s book has the makeup of a best-seller… it is timely and well-written.” Dr. Jeremiah’s book, which released last fall in hardcover, has appeared on Publishers Weekly Religion Bestseller list as well as on the CBA Best-Seller List, and looks at the 10 most important biblical prophecies. Oasis tapped veteran narrator, Wayne Shepherd, to read Dr. Jeremiah’s book. Shepherd’s voice has been heard widely in Christian radio, including during his 32 years at Moody Broadcasting, and on many audiobook projects for authors such as Max Lucado, Henry Blackaby, and James Dobson. Zahnd is pastor of the 4,000 member Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. What to Do on the Worst Day of Your Life, which reflects on lessons from the life of David, released on March 3rd and will be available in audio in stores by April 15. Narrator Kelly Ryan Dolan, who read The Message and several of its related products for Oasis, brings Zahnd’s book to life. Dolan has done voice-over work for the Left Behind radio drama, Sharper Video Productions, Sonlife Ministries, and Willow Creek Community Church, among others.

About the Audios
What in the World is Going On? by Dr. David Jeremiah
Narrated by
Unabridged, 7 CDs, $27.99
ISBN: 9781598595666

What to Do on the Worst Day of Your Life by Brian Zahnd
Narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan
Unabridged, 4 CDs, $19.99
ISBN: 9781598596014

Carol Stream, IL – Since its release on September 26, Fireproof starring Kirk Cameron has taken in more than $26 million at the box office and surprised Hollywood with its success. Its companion book, The Love Dare, hit the top of the New York Times bestseller list and has one million books in print. And Fireproof the novel, by Eric Wilson also made its way onto the Times list and will be available as an audiobook in January 2009 from Oasis Audio (unabridged, $25.99, 6 CDs).

“We are always looking for great stories to publish,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “This is one that not only has the emotional element necessary for great audio, but it will help people. And that makes for a great combination.”

Oasis hired veteran narrator Greg Whalen to read Fireproof. Whalen, who has 18 years of experience as a full-time entertainer, has done voices for everyone from Veggie Tales to Toon Disney and The History Channel. He has read several books for Oasis including works by Max Lucado, Dr. Don Colbert, and Charles Colson.

Fireproof shares the story of the marriage of Captain Caleb Holt and his wife, Catherine, who find themselves considering divorce after seven years of marriage. Caleb’s father challenges him to a 14-day experiment, The Love Dare. Surprised by what he discovers about the meaning of love, Caleb realizes that his wife and marriage are worth fighting for.

About Fireproof

Fireproof by Eric Wilson
Narrated by Greg Whalen
Unabridged, 6 CDs, $25.99
ISBN: 978-1598595444

Carol Stream, IL – One of America’s most well-known magazines, Guideposts, will now be available to those who may not read a traditional magazine. Beginning with the November 2008 issue, Oasis Audio will produce a monthly audio edition of Guideposts that includes the full text of the magazine for today’s digital generation. The first edition will be available in late October.

“While a few magazines have come out in audio, they tend to be in business or technology and often contain selected articles rather than the entire magazine,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “This is really the first time that a popular general consumer magazine has been available in audio and the type of content that Guideposts offers, which is primarily short, well-written, inspiring first person stories, works very well with an audio format.”

“Guideposts readers love a good story well told and the compelling first-person inspirational stories that make up every issue are highly engaging, creating a strong connection between the magazine and our reader’s lives,” according to Edward Grinnan, Guideposts editor-in-chief. “We are excited by the opportunity to broaden our reach by bring inspiration to a listening audience and in a meaningful way to respond to users wanting to access our great content through different mediums.”

Guideposts’ stories reflect today’s culture, where the desire for a sense of hope and interest in spiritual well being has never been more important. Turned to by nearly 8 million readers as their inspirational ally, Guideposts contains articles, from everyday people and celebrities alike, covering topics such as: relationships, health issues, family, self-help, heroism, survival, and rescue.  Regular departments and on-going series focus on subject like: Making Marriage Work, Health Breakthroughs, Caregivers, Communities in Action, Positive People, and Pets & Healing.

Each audio edition will be hosted by performance artist Marquis Laughlin and will be recorded with multiple voices. Laughlin has read several audiobooks, including several Bibles, and tours around the world sharing compelling dramatic solo Scripture presentations.

The Guideposts audio edition will be available as a separate subscription from the print edition. Interested subscribers can choose between a download for $36 per year (12 issues) or can opt to have two CDs mailed to them each month for $96 per year (12 issues). Subscriptions will only be available via a special Web site, www.guidepostsaudio.com, which is scheduled to launch in the middle of October.

Carol Stream, IL – On the heels of the party conventions and with the election promising to be one of the most interesting in recent history, Oasis Audio is gearing up to release the audio version of Stephen Mansfield’s The Faith of Barack Obama. Due in stores by September 19, the audio will release as part of Oasis’ Springwater line. The print edition released in August.

Mansfield, who also wrote the New York Times best-selling book, The Faith of George W. Bush, narrates the audio, which is intended as an objective look at Obama’s religious life and the controversies that have surrounded it. Mansfield believes that just as the archetypical American story of faith five years ago belonged to Bush, now it is Obama’s religious journey that captures many of the religious trends shaping American culture.

“With so many unique factors involved in this election, I don’t think it’s any surprise that the election is going to dominate the media in the coming weeks and be a large part of everyday conversations,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “If retailers can effectively harness some of this interest by helping readers think through the many issues and get to better know the candidates from both parties, both the book and audio should do quite well.”

In addition to the release of the Mansfield title, Oasis Audio is also planning to release Illegitimate: How a Loving God Rescued a Son of Polygamy by Brian Mackert, due in stores by October 15. Read by Jon Gauger, who recently read Chuck Colson’s Born Again, the book shares the story of Mackert’s upbringing in a polygamist cult. David C. Cook is publishing the print edition, also in October, and putting major muscle behind a national marketing and publicity campaign.

As a son in a family of one father, four wives, and 31 children, Mackert experienced firsthand the devastating realities of polygamous cults. In the book, Mackert reveals a world of loving mothers and abusive fathers, devoted children and sibling rivalry, deceptive religion and truth eventually found in Christ—outside the walls of the FLDS.

“There will be a number of books on this issue in the coming months. We decided to publish the one with a redemptive message,” said Balow.

About Oasis Audio

Celebrating 10 years of publishing, Oasis Audio is the leading and fastest-growing audiobook publisher in the Christian market. It releases more than 100 products a year from both Christian and general market trade publishers, several of which have been nominated for Audie Awards by the Audio Publishers Association. Oasis is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

About the Audios

The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield
Narrated by Stephen Mansfield
Unabridged, 5 CDs, $22.99
ISBN: 978-159859-496-6

Illegitimate by Brian Mackert
Narrated by Jon Gauger
Unabridged, 7CDs, $27.99
ISBN: 978-159859-369-3

Carol Stream, IL – Oasis Audio is set to release two Christian classics in audiobook format this fall. Chuck Colson’s best-selling testimony, Born Again, and Henry Blackaby’s classic, Experiencing God, are scheduled to be in stores on September 5.

“Both of these books have been long-term bestsellers in print, and while Experiencing God has been available in audio in the past, this will be a first for Colson’s book, which opens the door to a whole new audience for retailers,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “And Experiencing God includes significant revised material.”

Colson’s autobiography, Born Again, was one of the country’s best-selling books in 1976 and has continued to sell strong for decades. When originally released, the book inserted the concept of being “born again” into the national conversation. Oasis has tapped Jon Gauger of Moody Broadcasting to narrate the book. In conjunction with the unabridged audio (12 CDs, $45.99), Chosen Books is releasing a revised edition of the book with a new introduction and epilogue.

With more than seven million sold in the line of Blackaby products, the new unabridged audio (9 CDs, $34.99) of Experiencing God has been revised and expanded and will release simultaneously with Broadman & Holman’s print edition. Experiencing God features the voice of Wayne Shepherd, who has read numerous other Blackaby titles, including Experiencing The Cross and Experiencing The Resurrection.

About Born Again and Experiencing The Resurrection

Born Again by Chuck Colson
Narrated by Jon Gauger
Unabridged, 12 CDs, $45.99
ISBN: 978-1598593679

Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude V. King
Narrated by Wayne Shepherd
Unabridged, 9 CDs, $34.99
ISBN: 978-1598593693

Carol Stream, IL – Since its release in May 2007, William P. Young’s The Shack (Windblown Media) has gone from a self-published book offered on the Internet to the top of the New York Times Best Seller list with more than one million copies sold. On June 20, the runaway bestseller will begin shipping as an audiobook from Oasis Audio to retail locations across North America, with product available for purchase from most retailers by July 1.

“We’ve been watching The Shack with interest for months, and it just continues to gain momentum,” said Dan Balow, publisher of Oasis Audio. “We have worked closely with Windblown Media to ensure that the audio edition captures the essence of the message and feel of the book.”

Oasis and Windblown tapped Chicago-based actor/narrator Roger Mueller to read The Shack. Mueller appeared in the dramatic audio series Left Behind and has narrated several books, including Randy Alcorn’s Deception. The unabridged audio, which runs 8.5 hours, will be available on 7 CDs for a suggested retail price of $27.99.

Endorsed by such heavyweights as Eugene Peterson who likened the potential effect of the book to the effect of Pilgrim’s Progress, The Shack shares the story of a man whose young daughter disappears on a family vacation and evidence discovered in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness reveals she might have been murdered. Four years later, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for the weekend. Against his better judgment, he arrives at the shack on a wintery afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there changes Mack’s life forever.

About the Audio

The Shack by William P. Young
Narrated by Roger Mueller
Unabridged, 8.5 hours, 7 CDs, $27.99
ISBN: 978-1598594195

Carol Stream, IL – Oasis Audio has launched Springwater, a new imprint aimed at the general market. Oasis plans to release 20-25 audio books per year as part of the Springwater line, which will feature titles that fall outside the realm of Christian or religious books.

“While we are considered a publisher of Christian audio, over the years, Oasis has published products that don’t necessarily have Christian content like business, self-help, language training products, and inspirational stories,” said Dan Balow, publisher. “As we were considering some titles for the Spring 2008 lineup, there were titles from general trade publishers that were worthy of being published in audio, but didn’t fit the Christian content filter. We wanted to create a more strategic way to make these titles available.”

This summer, Springwater will release You Can Observe a Lot by Watching by Yogi Berra and Dave Kaplan, narrated by Dale Berra, followed in the fall season by The Ice Diaries by Captain William R. Anderson, narrated by Roger Mueller; The Sexually Confident Wife by Shaunti Feldhahn, narrated by the author; Step by Step by Bertie Bowman, narrated by the author; and The Haunting of Hillside School by Kristiana Gregory, part of the Cabin Creek Mysteries series from Scholastic, narrated by various artists.

In addition to acquiring new titles for the Springwater line, Oasis will also re-brand several of its current audio books, beginning with those released in 2008. These include Breaking Free by Herschel Walker, narrated by Andre Teamer; The 33-Year-Old Rookie by Chris Coste, narrated by the author; Playing with the Enemy, by Gary Moore, narrated by Toby Moore; The Everything Leadership Book by Eric Yaverbaum and Erik Sherman, narrated by Mark Warner; and The Everything Guide to C.S. Lewis & Narnia Book by Jon Kennedy, narrated by Warner, as well as three titles in the Cabin Creek Mysteries series. Additional backlist titles will be rebranded over time.

The Oasis Audio imprint, said Balow, will be identified increasingly with Christian products alone.