G. Todd Smith’s Josie Reaches #1 Amazon Best Seller Status

Historical novel inspired by a remarkable Mississippi family story continues its journey from family history to readers across the country

NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Josie: A True Story of Race, Rescue, and Resilience, the debut historical fiction novel by author and former journalist G. Todd Smith, has reached #1 Amazon Best Seller status in the Race Relations category, marking a significant milestone in the book’s journey from a deeply personal family story to a novel reaching readers across the country.

Inspired by the extraordinary true story of Josie Evans, a Black child whose life was forever changed by an act of compassion in the Jim Crow South, Josie explores race, faith, family, courage, sacrifice, compassion, and resilience through the sweeping story of one Mississippi family.

For Smith, the Amazon milestone represents more than a publishing achievement.

“Seeing Josie reach #1 in the Race Relations category is incredibly meaningful, but what matters most to me is that Josie’s story is reaching people who didn’t know her before,” said Smith. “What began as a promise to my mother — to preserve the story of this remarkable woman — has become a story readers are now carrying beyond our family. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has helped bring Josie’s story into the world.”

Smith’s journey with Josie began decades ago with a story that had been passed through his family and a desire to preserve the life and legacy of Josie Evans.

After nearly four decades working with words — as a journalist, writer, communications strategist, public relations executive, and branding consultant — Smith approached the novel differently from anything he had written before. He combined family memories with historical research and imagined scenes where the historical record left unanswered questions.

The result is a novel rooted in the American South that follows Josie’s life across generations and through some of the defining moments of the twentieth century.

Since its September release, Josie has continued to gain momentum through appearances and conversations at major literary events, including the Mississippi Book Festival and Southern Festival of Books, along with media coverage and interviews.

The novel has also begun finding its way onto the shelves of independent bookstores, including Parnassus Books in Nashville and Landmark Booksellers in Franklin, Tennessee. Smith recently returned to his alma mater, Baylor University, during Homecoming week for an author talk and Q&A hosted by the Department of Journalism, Public Relations & New Media.

The growing momentum follows the book’s debut at the Mississippi Book Festival, where Smith participated in the The Past, Rewritten: Historical Fiction panel.

Josie is published by Leaders Brands and distributed through IngramSpark. The book is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook editions through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, independent bookstores, libraries, and other online retailers.

Title: Josie: A True Story of Race, Rescue, and Resilience
Author: G. Todd Smith
ISBN: 979-8-9970761-1-5 (hardcover)
ISBN: 979-8-9970761-2-2 (paperback)
ISBN: 979-8-9970761-0-8 (ebook)

About Josie: A True Story of Race, Rescue, and Resilience

Josie: A True Story of Race, Rescue, and Resilience is an unforgettable work of historical fiction inspired by the extraordinary true story of Josie Evans, a Black child whose life was forever changed by an act of compassion in the heart of the Jim Crow South. Through meticulous historical research and vividly imagined scenes where history leaves unanswered questions, G. Todd Smith brings to life his powerful family story of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Journey into a deeply divided era where one family's decision to love beyond the boundaries of race challenged the prejudices of their time and shaped generations to come. Rich with authentic heartfelt detail and unforgettable characters, Josie transports readers through the changing landscape of the American South—from the rise of Mississippi and the Great Depression to World War II, the Civil Rights Movement, Hurricane Camille, and beyond—revealing the quiet heroism that often goes unnoticed but never loses its power.
Perfect for readers of inspiring historical fiction and true stories of resilience, this moving novel reminds us that even in humanity's darkest hours, compassion can triumph over hatred, grace can overcome injustice, and ordinary people can change history. Discover the remarkable Mississippi story that time nearly forgot, and meet the extraordinary woman whose life proves that hope always finds a way. Now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and other online platforms.

G. Todd Smith
Leaders Brands
+1 6152027944
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