Beech Tree News Network

On Thursday, November 7, several community members gathered at HeBrews Coffee Shop for a book signing event celebrating Jesus Holds My Hand, a new children’s book by local author Audrey Pendley. 

Audrey Pendley, from Morgantown, recently spent nearly a year in the publishing process for her children’s book, Jesus Holds My Hand. Officially launched on September 24, the book sold out on Amazon within hours, and by the following morning, it had climbed to #2 in “Children’s Christian Friendship Fiction” and within the top 12 in “Children’s Jesus Books.” Just a few weeks later, it hit the shelves at Barnes & Noble, while Facebook was flooded with positive reviews, sparking plans for a book signing event. 

Written during a season of deep grief, Audrey’s book doesn’t specifically address grief but instead offers a beautiful depiction of a relationship with Jesus through every season of life. “This book isn’t long and doesn’t have fancy words,” she shared. “It doesn’t talk about grief or the journey we were on. It shares my testimony—in a way that even my kids can understand. I’m excited to share it with you!” Audrey could share most of the book’s heartfelt words with her mother during her final days, making it especially meaningful that the book signing took place on her late mother’s birthday. Audrey expressed gratitude after the book’s strong reception: “Again—‘thank you’ just doesn’t seem like enough! I wrote this book to share my testimony, but it also became something to look forward to during the hardest year of my life. I never expected so much positive feedback, but I’m so thankful. Thank you, Jesus!” 

On Thursday, Audrey’s family, friends, and many community members gathered to have their books signed and take photos with the local author. The excitement was palpable as attendees filled the coffee shop, with Audrey’s impact felt in the room. The two-hour celebration was another success, with all 40 available books selling out that night. “Audrey is so easy to celebrate. This book will impact generations to come. This is truly a monumental accomplishment, and we are so proud of her!” shared Payton Flener after the event. Reflecting on the turnout, Audrey wrote, “Last night’s book signing was nothing short of incredible! I never dreamed we’d have such a response. It was overwhelming to see people from the community, friends I hadn’t seen in a while, church family, and even meet a few new people. I thought I had enough books to last me a lifetime, but they all sold out before 6:00. ‘Thank you’ just isn’t enough.” 

Jesus Holds My Hand is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.