Voices and Light from the City

Founded by hopeful individuals, Lake Street Press publishes voices that illuminate the journey of life, awaken the soul, and delight the human heart. We release a small list of inspiring titles each year in genres of nonfiction and fiction by Midwestern authors.

New Release

Beyond the Pews
Breaking with Tradition and Letting Go of Religious Lockdown
by Jillian Maas Backman
ISBN: 978-1-936181-34-6
177 pages, trade paperback
August 25, 2011

Beyond the Pews is the fascinating life story of a woman who heard angelic communications and received soulful insights from a world rarely visible to the naked eye. As a child in the church of her minister father, the author saw “angels lingering in every space…. Tall ones, short ones, chubby ones…” and “colors encircling people.” Drawing on her life experience, Backman offers valuable ways for readers to connect with their spiritual intuition. Interactive sections offer soul lessons to help readers understand their own faith experiences and natural intuitive talents. They can explore ways to chart their Divine Energy Rhythm, find the difference in “Art of Doing versus the Art of Being,” and learn how to analyze colors seen.

Buy the book online here

This is a very moving, original wise memoir of someone who travels beyond the narrow confines of institutional Christianity to a broader embrace of the authentic mystical path. I am certain it will help and inspire all those who are looking for a more universal spirituality.

—Andrew Harvey, author of The Hope: A Guide to Sacred Activism

Beyond the Pews is a wonderful blend of spiritual growth workbook, relationship with God guidebook, and autobiography. Jillian has not only shared her personal journey beautifully, but she has also shared how we can grow in our spiritual relationship with God. Perhaps you will be awakened by the small, still voice calling you.

—Edward F. Leonard, Ph.D., President Bethany College

Lake Street’s Award Winning Title

Nonna’s Book of Mysteries
by Mary Osborne
ISBN 978-1-936181-16-2
352 pages, trade paperback
June 2010

ForeWord Reviews 2010 Book of the Year Bronze winner

ALA nomination for 2011 best feminist books for teens

Benjamin Franklin nomination for best new book of the year 2011

Grand Prize Winner of the 2010 Paris Book Festival

Chicago Sun-Times 2010 Summer Reading Pick

In Renaissance Italy, apprenticeships for young women do not exist. Yet in Florence, fourteen-year-old Emilia Serafini dreams of becoming a painter. The odds appear stacked against her until she receives a fascinating book, A Manual to the Science of Alchemy. It once was her grandmother’s and Emilia turns again and again to the Manual for guidance. Infused with the mysticism of alchemy, Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting portrait of a young woman who defies convention to seek her destiny.

Buy the book at amazon

I loved Nonna’s Book of Mysteries! It’s is a wonder of a book–exciting, mysterious, and wise… I can’t wait for another from Mary Osborne.

*Karen Cushman, Newberry Award Winner*, author of The Midwife’s Apprentice

“Nonna’s Book of Mysteries is an exciting journey into the long lost world of art, mystery, and magic. Filled with twists, turns and surprises throughout, it will keep you riveted to your seat with every page. I couldn’t put it down. A marvelous read and one that will stay with you long after it is over.”

–Sonia Choquette, PH.D, author of The Answer Is Simple… Love Yourself, Live Your Spirit and Your Heart’s Desire.

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