Can Distance Really Make a Marriage Stronger?

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Military wife shares secrets for thriving through separation

For immediate release: Plenty of couples share everything but a zip code. Fifteen million people in the US currently claim to be in a long distance relationship and a huge percentage of these fail. And for military families facing unimaginable stress, the statistics don’t look any better. According to data of active duty military, divorce rates are on the rise in every branch of the military. Divorce rates among those enlisted in the Army have nearly doubled since 2000. In Finding Joy: The Year Apart that Made Me a Better Wife, (Ambassador International; October 2015; $10.99, paperback) author Hope N. Griffin uses personal experience, real-world examples and Scripture to explore the possibility of a stronger, more fulfilling marriage.

9781620205372Griffin’s husband received his orders. He’d be spending the next year in Iraq, leaving his wife and three children, ages 5, 3 and 1, behind in Texas. Griffin not only includes a candid recount of her own marriage struggles in Finding Joy, but she offers tips to help those in long distance relationships survive and thrive. “Despite the world around us, despite the fact that our soldiers leave on multiple deployments, despite the fact that we struggle with loneliness, depression, a lack of control, and soldiers who return to us many times broken (whether in spirit or physically), despite all of this, we can live full, happy lives,” she writes. “By doing so we will change the world around us, and we will bring joy to our children and friends and strength to our soldier while away and upon their return.”

Finding Joy draws wisdom from the book of Esther, Scripture that helped Griffin in her own life. Esther was an ordinary person who did what was necessary when it mattered most, explains Griffin. Esther sacrificed her own well-being and was subsequently used by God in a mighty way because of it. “We can view deployment as a bar­rier to our dreams, a division in our marriages, and we can succumb to feelings of being trapped and isolated. It does not have to be that way,” writes Griffin. “Instead, we can find a way to praise God for deployments. We can thank Him for the time we are given to focus more on Him, for the reminder of how precious our spouses are, and the strength God has given us to wait.”

About the Author: As Fort Bliss Military Spouse of the Year 2015, Hope N. Griffin writes about her experience as a military spouse. Hope has an MABS from Dallas Theological Seminary. She writes for various online magazines and blogs, both fiction and nonfiction. Currently, Hope serves as the Director of Family Ministries at First Presbyterian in El Paso, TX. Her free time is spent loving on her children, volunteering, and drinking coffee on the back porch with her soldier.

 

Christmas Flavors of Ireland: Only $1.99

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Did you get a Kindle for Christmas? Or are you giving one to someone special? Load it up with Christmas Flavors of Ireland, a beautiful culinary tour of Ireland! For a limited time this book is just $1.99!

CFOI-BlogSynopsis: CHRISTMAS FLAVORS OF IRELAND INVITES READERS — cooks and armchair travelers alike — on a holiday tour of one of Europe’s most beloved destinations. From decking the halls to gathering around the family table, you’ll find timeless classics and exciting new ideas in this full color collection of popular Irish dishes. With easy-to-follow recipes — warming soups and crisp potatoes, wonderful puddings and dazzling desserts — Christmas Flavors of Ireland will awaken your senses to the festive, fun-filled season in Ireland. With over 100 recipes and photos, this colorful collection will become an essential addition to your holiday bookshelf and a gift that family and friends will treasure year after year. BUY NOW

All Christmas Children’s Books $1.99

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Merry Christmas from Ambassador International! Keep Christ as the center of your Christmas and ensure that your little ones understand the ultimate gift that was born on Christmas Day! These beautifully illustrated children’s books are a perfect way to share the story of Christ. Right now they’re 80% off! But hurry– this sale ends when Christmas does!

Christmas2015 childrensThe Christmas Donkey: BUY NOW

Drupelet, a young donkey named after a juice bump on a raspberry, lived on a raspberry farm and his wish was to one day be as special as the prize horses in a nearby pasture. As Christmas rolled around, Drupelet went on an adventure that saw him standing next to a baby in a manger and a young girl in funny cloths. On returning to the farm Drupelet inquired what this was all about, this is when the wise barn cat shared the story of Christmas. Drupelet now felt special.

Chesed’s Order: BUY NOW

The center point of all human history is come. While Earth sleepily awaits the momentary entrance of her Savior, Heaven’s celestial courts resound with celebration at the prophesied birth of its King. Chesed, a mere “ordinary” angel, who’s yet found most fervent in service and praise, longs for a mere glimpse into the great mystery of his King’s great love for fallen mankind—love which now sends Him to redeem them with His own lifeblood!

Manger Mouse: BUY NOW

What really happened the night Jesus was born? Matty’s mother tells him he will take part in the most important thing ever to happen in history. Why him, a meek and lowly stable mouse? All Matty the manger mouse wants to do is snuggle into the warmth of his mother and fall asleep—but the Creator of the world has another plan for him. Will the little stable mouse surrender to his own needs or bow to the will of the Savior? Children and adults will be touched by Matty’s brave little heart. As the story of that first Christmas unfolds, come join Matty and all the other stable dwellers—portrayed in lush and charming pastel illustrations.

A Donkey’s Little Tale: BUY NOW

Preparing for the journey to Bethlehem in order to register for the census, Joseph groomed the gentle donkey colt chosen to accompany him and his bride, who was with child. Along the way, the charming little beast of burden committed to memory all he saw and heard along the way in hopes that his intuitive insights and attention to detail would be passed down for generations to come. Little did he realize he would be a witness to the birth of the Christ Child, never dreaming he would be pressed into the service of a King. Thus, the little chronicler fills in many gaps in the love story of Joseph and Mary, and the joyous birth of Jesus. This is his little tale.

99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

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For 24 Hours we’re offering a great non- fiction title at an incredible price! Pick up Don Wilton’s book at a discounted rate for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. During the sale Undefeated:God’s Strategy for Successful Living, is just 99¢! After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend, and then it will return to regular price. So don’t wait- pick up this book now for your Kindle!

UndefeatedSynopsis: Life is full of battles and struggles of all kinds. Undefeated by Dr. Don Wilton leads you straight to the Cross where you will find all you need for success in overcoming life’s battles. Worldly success sometimes leaves one feeling empty and defeated, but with God’s strategy for success, you can live an undefeated life!

Are you facing a battle in life? If so, Undefeated will lead you to recognize the real enemy. But you do not have to fight your battles alone. In fact, by following God’s strategy, He will fight them for you, and with Him, you are always Undefeated.

Dr. Wilton, a frequent teacher at Bible conferences internationally, provides an in-depth study that will put you on the pathway to successfully conquer life’s battles. Are you ready for a new kind of success?

BUY NOW

99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

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For 24 Hours we’re offering two great fiction titles for young readers at an incredible price! Pick up both of Cindy Hamblen’s books at a discounted rate for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. We’ve marked book one, Johanna’s Journey: Call to Freedom, down to just $.99! And the brand new book two, Johanna’s Journey: In the Shadow of the Mountain is just $1.99! After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend, and then it will return to regular price. So don’t wait- pick up these books right now for your Kindle!

 

JohannasJourney1Synopsis of Book One, Johanna’s Journey: Call to Freedom: Johanna’s Israelite people are slaves in Egypt. She dreams of two things—freedom from slavery and having a best friend. Her wish for a friend comes in the form of a servant girl,Kenyeh, who lives in the household of an Egyptian nobleman. Their friendship grows over the years as the girls enjoy the ruins of a great house, a secret hideout all their own, the wonders of a great Egyptian estate, and as they deal with bullying, prejudice, and other life trials. Suddenly, their world is turned upside down when Moses returns to Egypt to lead the Israelites to freedom. Pharaoh’s stub- born refusal to allow this results in many plagues afflicting the Egyptian people. Kenyeh gives colorful reports of what happens at the estate. Johanna’s people prepare to leave the land and journey into the unknown. With a hasty goodbye, the two friends part with determination to send word to each other. The Israelites set out on a journey of unexpected trials and also magnificent miracles from the LORD. Johanna’s faith in the LORD grows. Readers will never look at the Exodus story quite the same and will be encouraged to trust the LORD as Johanna did. BUY NOW

 

JohannasJourney2Synopsis of Book Two, Johanna’s Journey: In the Shadow of the Mountain: Strange oil, a secret box, mean girls, and an ugly toad occupy the minds and adventures of best friends Johanna and Kenyeh when they joyfully reunite at Mt. Sinai where Johanna’s Hebrew people are living. Together the best friends face mean girls, a bully, and a scary old man while also learning from Moses the way the Hebrews (or Israelites) are to live and worship now that they are freed from slavery. Kenyeh grows in faith in the God of Israel as Grandfather teaches her about Him, while Johanna’s faith grows stronger as she sees His power. Both girls look forward to packing up and moving into the land the LORD has given to the Hebrews. Together they dream of good things to come. But first, there is much to learn in the shadow of the great mountain. BUY NOW

99¢ SALE: One Day Only!

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For 24 Hours we’re offering a great non-fiction title for just $.99! Pick up Jim Albright’s book Uncareful Lives: Walking Where Feet May Fail at a discounted rate for the Kindle during our one-day sale event. After Thursday the price will go up to $2.99 through the weekend, and then it will return to regular price. So don’t wait- pick up this book right now for just $.99 on Kindle!

UncarefulLives-99Synopsis: ““Come!”—Jesus Christ, Matthew 14:29
It’s God’s invitation into the uncareful life – a life of courageous faith. Come, and see how awesome He is! Come, and see who you’re supposed to be!
Christian, our God is God! You can do all He says because He will do all He says. He is your license to live your faith as big as you dare. He is your liberty to embrace a life big with God-pleasing, God-encountering faith. He is your freedom to wholeheartedly engage in fully-persuaded, never-look-back, no-risk-is-too-great, glad-fearless-joy obedience!
Come on, you know you want to! You know you’ve always wanted to—ever since you heard Him whisper, “Follow Me.” What are you waiting for? Whatever it is, it’s a lie.

Warning: Reading this book can be hazardous to your health. And your wealth. And your plans. And more. Read it, and you may find that you begin to live a more “uncareful life” for the glory of God.
—Don Whitney”

BUY NOW

Celebrating Mrs. South Carolina with a Giveaway!

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Congratulations are in order! Our author, Holly (Durst) Julian was just crowned Mrs. South Carolina! Representing the title of Mrs. Greenville County, Holly was chosen from a field of talented, beautiful women. Chocolate Socks Holly WinThis means that Holly will go on to represent the state of South Carolina by competing in the 2016 Mrs. America pageant! When Holly’s not working in her husband’s dental practice or attending children’s birthday parties for her princess party business, she’s encouraging young readers to follow their dreams. That’s the theme of Holly’s book Chocolate Socks! In honor of Holly’s Mrs. South Carolina victory, we’re giving you three chances to win an autographed copy of Chocolate Socks! Enter by visiting:

Our Facebook Page: Like us, comment why you’d like to win and tag two friends

Our Twitter Account: Follow and retweet for a chance to win!

Our Instagram Feed: Follow us and tag two friends in the comments

We’ll pick three random winners on Friday, December 4!

Powerful Novel Encourages Readers Through Season of Hardship

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Author’s Work as an Ambassador for World Vision Charity Inspired Book’s Theme of Sacrificial Love

For immediate release: A mysterious death, missing family money and an Irish castle make Rachel Britz’s new novel almost impossible to put down. Although it’s set in Ireland in 1880, Britz believes it will encourage readers through any modern-day hardship they face. Good-Bye, Lover (Ambassador International; October 2015; $13.99, paperback) follows the story of 17-year-old Honora Gallagher as she deals with the untimely and tragic death of her father and inheriting her family’s sprawling estate, Kings Castle.

9781620205464Set in Ireland in 1880, Honora’s dream is to study music in Dublin, but the sudden death of her father means she must choose between following her heart or returning home to follow the wishes of his will. In preparation for writing Good-Bye, Lover, Britz traveled to Ireland in 2014 to conduct research. “Meeting the owner of the Donegal School of Traditional Irish Music was invaluable,” she says. “He gave me endless accounts of Irish history which I used to ensure my book was historically accurate.”

Beyond the facts of the time period, Good-Bye, Lover is full of heart, instilling in the reader that God is faithful, even in times of great sorrow. “Sacrifice is the hallmark of genuine love,” says Britz. “That is a truth anyone can relate to.” Honora is forced to choose—will she remain loyal to her father and the servants who are counting on her or will she follow her heart and chase her dream?

An ambassador for the charity World Vision, Britz is passionate about meeting practical needs of some of the most impoverished people in the world. “I believe in empowering them with gifts of livestock like goats, chickens and cows,” explains Britz. That theme of giving to those in need is pivotal in Good-Bye, Lover.

About the Author: Rachel Britz , wife and mother of three, is a contributing writer for Women-Inc magazine. She loves to speak at church or women’s events. And she’s a World Vision ambassador who promotes giving gifts of livestock animals like goats and chickens to those in desperate need. In her spare time she bakes cookies for parties and events. She calls Minnesota home.

To receive a review copy of Good-Bye, Lover or to connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm by email at [email protected].

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15 of Our Most Popular Books Just 99¢ Each

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We’re slashing the price on more than a dozen of our most popular non-fiction titles! These ebooks are all just 99¢ each starting on Black Friday and running through Cyber Monday. That’s a discount of up to 90%! Load up your e-reader now because these deals won’t be back around any time soon!  And don’t forget– we’ve got a huge stack of fiction discounts too!

ChoosingHimGrace In The Middle: BUY NOW!

Love Into Light: BUY NOW!

An Infinite Journey: BUY NOW!

Choosing Him All Over Again: BUY NOW!

Finding Joy: BUY NOW!

The Warrior’s Bride: BUY NOW!

So-Called Christian: BUY NOW!

Chaplains of the Bible: BUY NOW!RecklessAbandon

From The Mind of God: BUY NOW!

Shorter Catechism Made Simple: BUY NOW!

Reckless Abandon: BUY NOW!

Hard Fighting Soldier: BUY NOW!

TheresNoOneLikeJesus 99 centsThere’s No One Like Jesus: BUY NOW!

Touching the Hem: BUY NOW!

More Than His God Card: BUY NOW!