For Immediate Release, January 3, 2005                                    Contact:  Jana Muntsinger, 804-754-2118

jana@mmpublicrelations.com

Becoming A Dad:  Practical, Emotional & Spiritual Help for New Fathers

Co-Authors Share from Experience as Fathers, Counselors

Becoming a father is one of the most exciting adventures for men, but unlike rappelling or mountain biking or parasailing, there are very few guide books that talk about the adventure called “Daddy.”  In Becoming A Dad (Relevant Books, March 2005), fathers and family counselors Stephen James and David Thomas reveal how a man enthralled with sports and engines can find the hidden adventures in fatherhood in this practical, emotional and spiritual guide.

                Unlike other “new parent” books that discuss only birthing, diapering and finances, Becoming A Dad addresses the deep questions in the heart of every man, particularly upon becoming a father.  Becoming A Dad is centered on ten questions that every many must face in order to succeed as a father:

^{•                       Do I want to become a father?}

^{•                       Am I as happy as she is?}

^{•                       Am I ready?}

^{•                       Is this really happening?}

^{•                       Will my wife love the baby more than me?}

^{•                       What if my house is too small?}

^{•                       What if I screw up another person’s life?}

^{•                       What if something terrible happens to my child?}

^{•                       How do I prepare?}

^{•                       What do I do now?}

                        ^{“It is our desire to provide a relational model of authentic fatherhood and masculinity,” write co-authors Stephen James & David Thomas in the introduction to the book. “Our desire is to offer you the necessary relational tools, appropriate information, and technical skills needed throughout fatherhood.  God is writing your story so that you will be transformed and exposed in order to reveal His glory. He is using the vehicle of fatherhood to reclaim your heart, your desires, your fear, your hope, your passion, your uncertainty, and everything else in you.”}

^{Becoming A Dad is the first parenting book from Relevant Books, a Florida-based imprint launched in 2003 to impact forward-thinking, spiritually hungry twenty-somethings by being relevant to their world and culture.  Relevant’s marketing plans for Becoming A Dad includes a national publicity campaign to print and broadcast outlets, an e-viral marketing campaign and consumer advertising.}

                        ^{Co-authors Stephen James and David Thomas share much in common –- both live in the Nashville area, are family counselors and are the father to twins.  Stephen James earned his masters in Counseling from Mars Hill Graduate School at Western Seminary in Seattle.  He and his wife Heather are the parents of Emma Clair (4), Elijah (2) and twin boys due in March 2005.  David Thomas has undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of Tennessee.  He and his wife Connie are the parents of Lily (4) and twin boys Witt & Baker (2).}

                        ^{Relevant Books digs deep into the issues surrounding God, life and progressive culture. Our titles uncover God in culture, promote personal spiritual growth and a relationship with God, and deal with everyday life issues like money and marriage. Releasing 18 titles in 2004 and approximately 20 in 2005, RELEVANT Books is the market leader for the spiritually focused young adult audience.}

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^{January 3, 2005}

Becoming A Dad

A Spiritual, Emotional and Practical Guide

                                AUTHORS:                             Stephen James & David Thomas

                                RELEASE DATE:                    March 2005

                                PUBLISHER:                           Relevant Books

                                ISBN:                                       0-9760357-3-1

                                FORMAT:                                Trade paper

                                PAGE COUNT:                        224

                                PRICE:                                    $12.99

                                AUTHOR WEBSITE:               www.becomingadad.net

                                PUBLISHER WEBSITE:          www.relevantbooks.com

For more information about the book, please contact Jana Muntsinger,

804.754.2118 or jana@mmpublicrelations.com