Book Spotlight: The Unwinding Path by Betony Coons

About the Book:

Wander into stillness.

Tuck your thoughts under the stars.

Let your breath slow with the rhythm of a prayer.

The Unwinding Path is a quiet invitation to rest—a bedtime book that gently guides children (and the grownups who love them) through soft moments that bring rest and reset. With each turn of the page, little readers are invited to use their fingers to follow a calming path, pausing, noticing, breathing, and settling into sacred stillness.

Filled with the author's tender, whimsical illustrations and a lyrical, meditative text, this book becomes more than a story. It becomes a bedtime practice that helps hearts unwind, hands unclench, and the body prepare for sleep.

With The Unwinding Path, you will

• gently introduce children to mindfulness, stillness, and awareness of God's presence;
• help children journey toward God's presence through the rich imagery of the ancient Christian tradition of a labyrinth; and
• discover author and artist Betony Coons's beautiful illustrations for an inviting and comforting reading experience.

If the little ones in your life struggle to calm and quiet themselves for bedtime, The Unwinding Path can help. As children trace the labyrinth's path with their fingers, they are invited to slow down and experience God's presence in the world around them. Night after night, experience a gentle, grace-filled close to the day with The Unwinding Path.

Preorder or learn more about The Unwinding Path on the publisher's website. 

(Release Date: May 19, 2026)

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About the Author:

Betony Coons is an artist, storyteller, and mom of four fierce and wonderful kids. She grew up on an apple orchard in Kansas, where she spent her days climbing trees, chasing fireflies, and letting her imagination run wild. Now she lives in colorful Colorado with her family of six, where life is full of art, adventure, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind). Betony loves to make things—whether it's giant interactive art for kids, whimsical picture books, or an epic mess in the kitchen. She believes art is all about play and curiosity, and she's always looking for new ways to turn everyday moments into something magical. Her art is filled with wonder, joy, and heart, inviting kids (and grownups!) to slow down and explore the beauty around them. To see what Betony's up to, follow her on Instagram (@betonycoonsart) or check out her website at www.betonycoons.com for her latest creative adventures!

Book Review: Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll

About the Book:

"Some publishers tell you what to believe. Other publishers tell you what you already believe. But InterVarsity Press helps you to believe." -J. I. Packer

The history of evangelicalism cannot be understood apart from the authors and books that shaped it. Over the past century, leading figures such as pastor-scholar John Stott, apologist James W. Sire, evangelist Rebecca Manley Pippert and spiritual formation writer Eugene Peterson helped generations of readers to think more biblically and engage the world around them. For many who take their Christianity seriously, books that equip them for a life of faith have frequently come from one influential publisher: InterVarsity Press.

Andy Le Peau and Linda Doll provide a narrative history of InterVarsity Press, from its origins as the literature division of a campus ministry to its place as a prominent Christian publishing house. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at the stories, people, and events that made IVP what it is today. Recording good times and bad, celebrations and challenges, they place IVP in its historical context and demonstrate its contribution to the academy, church and world.

In honor of IVP's seventy-fifth anniversary, senior editor Al Hsu has updated this edition with new content, bringing the story up to 2022 and including stories about contemporary authors such as Esau McCaulley and Tish Harrison Warren. As IVP continues to adapt to changes in publishing and the global context, the mission of publishing thoughtful Christian books has not changed. IVP stands as a model of integrative Christianity for the whole person—heart, soul, mind and strength.

Read an excerpt from Heart. Mind. Soul. Strength. on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

Call me crazy, but reading Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength.: A Narrative History of InterVarsity Press, 1947-2002 made me want to work at IVPress someday. From its humble start in the mid-twentieth century to its current work as a significant Christian publisher, this history of IVP fascinated me.

Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. gave a comprehensive exploration of IVPress: who held what position, what authors were acquired, how sales were made, how departments functioned, when buildings were purchased, etc. These historical facts were expertly integrated with personal anecdotes, office camaraderie tales, and behind-the scenes looks to create an engaging and informative narrative. I thought it notable that the book discussed poor decisions and publishing missteps. I sometimes struggled to keep all the names straight, but it did get easier as I progressed through the book.

I deeply appreciated the descriptions of IVP’s ethos. The authors explained that IVP’s stance has always been to engage with culture rather than to avoid it or stand against it. For example, in a time when some church communities warned against higher education, IVP embraced academia. This mindset influenced publication decisions, but other factors such as being an ecumenical entity, affirming the gifts of women, and holding to egalitarianism also helped create IVP’s unique place in the Christian publishing market. Some would call IVP “progressive” or “liberal”, but the organization holds a high regard for the Scriptures and the Gospel that rivals any “conservative” publisher.

I thoroughly enjoyed Heart. Soul. Mind. Strength. by Andrew T. Le Peau and Linda Doll. Readers who have enjoyed many of IVP’s books or are interested in the publishing world will likely be the ideal audience for this book. Five stars!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.