After 35 Years, Christian Radio Host Marina Maria Publishes the Novel She Never Forgot

PHOENIX - PrZen -- Author, worship leader and radio host Marina Maria will release her new novel, "Play the Guitar to Him," on November 7, 2026, published by Storytime Publishers.

She began writing it more than thirty years ago.

"A great part of this book, Play the Guitar to Him, was written over 35 years ago, and it was always in my memory all these years, until God put it in my heart to no longer delay publishing it," Marina said. "I changed the story to be a fiction, faith-based story, with characters who were inspired by people I met or heard about in my childhood while visiting Mexico. These characters encounter loss, rejection, and loneliness, but the main character, Diego, uses his guitar music to daily worship the Lord outside his front doorstep in a small Mexican town, where worship music changes the atmosphere for God's glory."

Set in a small mountain town in northeastern Mexico, the novel follows Diego, a humble street musician who plays his guitar and sings praises to God every midnight on his front step. Though some neighbors complain about the late-night music, his worship slowly begins to soften hearts across the town. Through seasons of loss, injustice and the quiet struggles of those around him, Diego's steadfast faith becomes a light guiding others toward hope and healing.

Woven throughout is the recurring image of a white dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit's constant presence, and a reminder that no one is forgotten in God's eyes.

Marina Maria is the founder and host of Global Gospel Worship Radio, a non-profit international Christian internet radio station and a ministry of Faith City Outreach in Phoenix, Arizona. Registered under EIN 88-2539318, the station broadcasts worship, interviews and Bible study twenty-four hours a day to listeners in nations she has never visited.

Those who know her describe the same quality in person that runs through her writing, a particular attention to people who are easily overlooked, children especially.

The book will appeal to readers of heartfelt Christian fiction, and to anyone in a season of grief, rejection, faithlessness or loneliness. Arriving in early November, it also makes a meaningful Christmas gift.

Marina told the first part of her own story in "After the Rainbow."

"Play the Guitar to Him" by Marina Maria, published by Storytime Publishers, will be available November 7, 2026.

Press materials are available on request, including cover images, author photo, author biography and review copies.

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