(RNS) Should a Christian publisher still release a $30 book from one of the namesake stars of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” promising “an inside look at one of America’s most close-knit families” after the couple has filed for divorce amid allegations of adultery and neglectful parenting?
Publishing giant Zondervan is still advertising “Love is in the Mix: Making Meals into Memories,” by Kate Gosselin, for release in November. Amazon.com shows an Oct. 13 release date and a $19.79 sale price.
Maureen “Moe” Girkins, CEO of Zondervan, said the company, a division of News Corp.’s HarperCollins publishing company, was going to “work with Kate to reassess the schedule for her next book.”
“We are saddened by this news from the Gosselins and will continue to lift both Jon and Kate and their children up in prayer. We respect their need for time to focus on their family during this difficult time.”
The Gosselins announced a separation Monday (June 22) during an episode of their popular TLC network show. They later issued a statement saying divorce papers had been filed. The show is on hiatus until Aug. 8
Tim Penning, assistant professor of communications at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, said the publisher is probably going to need to hold off.
“It would be a fine line for them to try to sell this book with the kind of revelations that have happened,” said Penning, who teaches public relations. “I think the public generally understands that it was a good idea, but times have changed. Zondervan has to think about not just this product, but their brand and their reputation. They should also be thinking about Jon and Kate, too.”
The book was to be the third Zondervan title from the Gosselin family. The previous two titles, “Multiple Blessings: Surviving to Thriving with Twins and Sextuplets,” and the picture book “Eight Little Faces,” were bestsellers.
The 240-page hardcover is expected to feature Kate Gosselin’s nutritious recipes, advice on “how to craft family traditions that create happy memories,” and “meaningful mealtime blessings,” according to Zondervan’s description.