29 September

The Courageous Life of Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor Is Celebrated in New Book, Defend Us in Battle: The True Story of MA2 Navy SEAL Medal of Honor Recipient Michael A. Monsoor, Coming from Harper Horizon on November 8, 2022

When US Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor sacrificed his life by throwing his body on a live grenade to save his comrades during Operation Iraqi Freedom, he inspired thousands around the world and reminded us that freedom is never free.

On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from their rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. When a grenade thrown from insurgents bounced off Michael’s chest, he could have escaped. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, on the anniversary of the day that Michael gave his life, Harper Horizon announces the release of the compelling biography that highlights his legacy.

Defend Us in Battle is cowritten by Michael’s father George Monsoor, who is himself a Marine veteran, and Rose Rea. It also includes a foreword by Dr. Donald C. Winter, former Secretary of the Navy. Through interviews, military documents, and eyewitness accounts, the authors detail Michael’s remarkable military career and devotion to God and others. The book highlights how Michael prepared for this selfless act all his life—a life that will inspire readers to have a similar generosity of heart.

Michael grew up a quiet boy in California, but his childhood of asthma and being bullied made him a staunch defender of justice and passionate about never quitting. It was because of that passion that he achieved his dream of becoming a Navy SEAL and saved numerous lives throughout his deployment. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Michael received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for his years serving his country. But his greatest legacy is in the hearts of those he inspired to live, and even die, for the sake of brotherly love.

“Michael Monsoor was an exemplary SEAL—a man of great integrity, a skilled warrior, and a loyal teammate. That loyalty led to his willingness to sacrifice his life for his teammates.”

—Dr. Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy, 2006–2009

About Harper Horizon:

Harper Horizon is a Nashville-based imprint of HarperCollins Focus focused on the stories, values, and diverse voices of Americana and beyond, publishing authors such as Willie Nelson, Syd & Shea McGee, Zachary Levi, Meghan Trainor, Jenny Doan, Trae Crowder, and more. For more information please visit www.harpercollinsfocus.com/Harper-Horizon

About George Monsoor:

George Monsoor is Michael’s father and a Marine veteran. He was born in Wisconsin and moved to Southern California at an early age. He is the father of four children, including Michael, along with nine grandchildren. He has spent more than five decades in the business and entrepreneurial fields and continues to reside Southern California.

About Rose Rea:

Rose Rea has worked with high-end regional and national publications for fifteen years, including founding her own, which she has since sold. She is also the creator of the coffee-table book Spirit and Life. She is a SEAL wife and mother of six children and resides in the South.

Media Contact:

Kevin Smith

Harper Select, Publicity Director 

[email protected] 

22 September

Harper Celebrate acquires new lifestyle medicine book from bestselling author Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

(Nashville, Tenn.) — Harper Celebrate, a gift book imprint of HarperCollins Focus, today announced the acquisition of Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life from Within, an integrative medicine daily reader with bestselling author Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, a pioneer of functional and integrative medicine.

Scheduled to release in summer of 2023, this beautifully designed book features Dr. Stephenson’s holistic 90-day VIBRANT strategy – a roadmap for living intentionally and joyfully and glowing from the inside out. Dr. Stephenson’s accessible VIBRANT plan incorporates mindfulness practices into daily rhythms, focusing on Voice, Intuition, Balance, Rejuvenation, Abundance, Nurturing, and Thankfulness.

“Dr. Stephenson’s whole-person approach to wellness is remarkable in both its scope and approachability,” said Michael Aulisio, vice president and publisher, Harper Celebrate. “Glow will incorporate Dr. Stephenson’s breadth of knowledge and positive spirit into an actionable formula readers can use to start and end their days—keeping them focused on being mentally and emotionally healthy, balanced, and achieving their goals.”

“It’s an honor to join the Harper Celebrate team alongside such an incredible stable of impressive and groundbreaking authors,” said Dr. Stephenson. “Part of the reason I left private practice was because I wanted to help more people than I could feasibly treat in a single day, week, or even month. First with Vibrant, and now with Glow, I’m thrilled to help people implement intentional living and across the globe. No matter where you are in your health journey, I hope that my new book will help you take that first step toward discovering a more joyful, fulfilled, and luminous you.”

Glow: 90 Days to Create Your Vibrant Life from Within was acquired for Harper Celebrate by Kathleen Breaux from Heidi Krupp at Krupp.

About Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson:

Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson is a recognized leader in functional medicine focused on integrative, regenerative, anti-aging, and natural medicine modalities. In addition to her functional medicine and anti-aging board certifications, she is a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine. Dr. Stephenson is dedicated to making integrative medicine concepts and optimal wellness accessible to all. She spent close to 15 years in private practice before she was named Chair of Functional Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She is also a board member for the American Nutritional Association, an ambassador for the American Heart Association, and the Vice Chair of Gateway for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding breakthrough cancer research and early stage clinical trials. She is the author of the national bestseller, Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Own Your Health, and Glow. She resides in the midwest with her husband and children. For more information visit VibrantDoc.com and follow Dr. Stephenson at instagram.com/drsjstephenson.

About Harper Celebrate:

Harper Celebrate publishes projects such as daily readers; lifestyle books on topics like hospitality, home decorating, organization, and crafting; journals; photography-driven books and anthologies; poetry; mindfulness; and occasion-focused books such as holiday celebrations, graduation, and gifts for special persons. For more information, visit Harpercollinsfocus.com/harper-celebrate.

About HarperCollins Focus:

HarperCollins Focus, LLC owns and operates a collection of publishing imprints, that enlighten and empower readers to transform their hearts and minds, connecting through story, advice, mentorship and community. The company’s mission is to inspire the world with content that equips people to lead lives of significance, integrity and purpose. The company is based in Nashville, TN. For more information go to Harpercollinsfocus.com.

Media Contact:

MacKenzie Collier

Publicity Director, Harper Celebrate

tel: 615.902.1645

web: [email protected]