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Books Written From
the Trenches

For the people doing hard, beautiful work

Welcome. Pull up a chair. These books were written for you — the embalmer at 2am, the mama stretching groceries, the adoptive parent in the waiting, the mountain soul holding onto old ways. You are not alone in the trenches.

Browse Our Books
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"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9

Written From the Middle of the Mess

In the Trenches Media exists because some of the most important work in the world happens in places people don't see. In prep rooms where embalmers care for the deceased with dignity. In homes where mothers are stretching groceries and schedules to cover a family of seven. In mountain communities where heritage and faith are woven together.

These are the trenches. And if you're living in them, you need more than inspiration — you need real help. Practical guidance. Scripture that holds when life gets hard. Someone who understands.

That's what we're trying to give you.

Shannon Jerkins

Author & Co-Owner

For over 24 years Shannon has walked alongside her husband in funeral service, raised five children in the mountains of Appalachia, navigated adoption, managed a business, and found faith in the everyday hard. She handles most of the writing — bringing honesty, warmth, and Scripture to every page.

When she is not writing, running the business, or managing the beautiful chaos of their household, you will find her working on stained glass, learning about herbalism, or preserving the old ways of Appalachian living.

Richard Jerkins

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer

Richard is a licensed funeral director and embalmer with over 30 years of hands-on experience. His expertise shapes the funeral service books — he knows what happens in the prep room, what challenges transport operators face on rural roads at 3am, and how to navigate the practical realities of death care work.

When he is not writing or answering Shannon's many questions, he is reading his Bible, playing bass guitar, or off on some call somewhere.

Four Areas Close to Our Hearts

Every book we publish comes from lived experience, not theory. Practical guidance and Scripture that holds when life gets hard.

Death Care & Funeral Service

Devotionals, prayers, and practical resources for funeral directors, embalmers, and mortuary transport professionals.

Large Family Living

Real help for managing the beautiful chaos of many kids under one roof. Practical wisdom without the fluff.

Adoption & Faith

Encouragement and guidance for the adoption journey. Honest stories, biblical truth, and hope for the hard days.

Appalachian Heritage

Preserving the old ways — traditional food, faith practices, and mountain wisdom passed down through generations.

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What We Believe

We write from a Christian perspective grounded in Scripture and lived faith.

  • Grace that is sufficient for every struggle
  • Faith that is tested and proven in real life, not just theory
  • Scripture as the foundation that holds when everything else shifts
  • The sacred work of showing up faithfully in the trenches God has called you to

We don't write from a place of having it all figured out. We write from the middle of the mess, holding onto hope and helping others do the same.

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You Are Not Alone in the Trenches

Whether you are an embalmer looking for prayer, a mama trying to feed your crew, an adoptive parent in the waiting, or someone holding onto mountain heritage — there is a book written for you.