December was a month of meaningful momentum at Lizard Books. New formats were released, new resources were launched, and the stories continued to move beyond the pages into book clubs and youth ministries. As we step into January, there is even more on the horizon.
A Note from the Author
“These books were never meant to sit quietly on a shelf. They are meant to be read together, wrestled with, and talked about honestly.”
Elizabeth Simon
December reminded me why I write stories like Barren and Rejected. These books aren’t meant to sit quietly on a shelf. They’re meant to be read together, discussed honestly, and wrestled with thoughtfully.
Seeing Rejected released in new formats (paperback and hardcover on December 1st), watching Barren become available to be used in youth ministry settings, and hearing from readers who are engaging deeply with these stories has been both humbling and encouraging. Thank you for reading, sharing, and inviting these books into your conversations.
January brings new opportunities to keep those conversations going, and I am grateful you are here for what comes next.
-Elizabeth Simon
December Highlights
Rejected in Hardcover and Paperback
In December, hardcover and paperback editions of Rejected officially launched on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com. These formats were created with libraries, book clubs, and group study settings in mind, making the novel easier to share and discuss in community.
“Stories change when they are read in community. Rejected was always meant for discussion.”
Elizabeth Simon
If you missed the announcement, you can read more about the release here.
Book Club Discussion Guide for Rejected
Alongside the new formats, a Book Club Discussion Guide for Rejected was released. The guide includes discussion questions, thematic prompts, and Scripture connections designed to support book clubs, church groups, and classroom conversations.
“The guide is not about finding the ‘right’ answers. It’s about asking better questions.”
Elizabeth Simon
You can access the discussion guide here.
Youth Ministry Video Lessons for Barren
December also marked the release of new youth ministry lesson videos focused on the story of Sarai in Genesis 12 and how her journey connects to the novel Barren. These lessons are designed to help students engage Scripture through story, asking thoughtful questions about faith, waiting, obedience, and identity.
“Sarai’s story is not tidy. That is exactly why students recognize themselves in it.”
Elizabeth Simon
You can watch the lesson series here.
From the Blog
Several new articles were published on the Lizard Books website throughout December. If you missed any of them, here is a quick roundup.
- An announcement celebrating the release of Rejected in paperback and hardcover.
- A recap of The Bookdragon’s Lair December 10% off sale. While the sale has ended, signed copies of Barren are still available.
- A holiday reminder that Barren and Rejected make meaningful gifts for readers who enjoy biblical contemporary fiction.
- A behind-the-scenes look at the purpose and structure of the Rejected Book Club Discussion Guide.
Looking Ahead to January
JAX Urban Book Festival
In January, Elizabeth Simon will be participating in the JAX Urban Book Festival. More details can be found on the 2026 Events page on the website, but this event will be a great opportunity to connect with readers, educators, and fellow authors in person.
“There’s something powerful about meeting readers face-to-face and hearing how a story found them.”
Elizabeth Simon
Homeschool Curriculum for Barren
Work is underway on a homeschool curriculum to accompany Barren. This curriculum will be designed to integrate English Literature and Bible study, with close reading, Scripture comparison, and critical analysis for upper-level students.
“This curriculum treats both Scripture and story as texts worthy of serious thought.”
Elizabeth Simon
More details will be shared as the curriculum nears completion.
Distressed (Book 3 in the Margins of Genesis Series) Outline Complete
While there is still a long way to go before the story of Isaac in Distressed will be released, the outline is complete! Now the writing begins. Stay connected to learn about the writing journey in 2026.
Stay Connected
For updates on releases, events, and resources, visit Lizard-Books.com and follow us on:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizardbooks
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizardbooksllc
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizard.books.llc
- Substack: https://substack.com/@elizabethsimonauthor
- LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn/com/company/lizard-books-llc
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lizardbooksllc
Your support, questions, and conversations continue to shape where these stories go next. Thank you for being a part of the Lizard Books community!
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