Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

Giveaway: Hot Chocolate in June Prize Pack

posted on by Susie

Under-qualified and overly-ambitious, Holly left her family and friends behind in Nebraska to search for that radical life, that all-for-Jesus-or-nothing-at-all life. In Hot Chocolate in June Holly Mthethwa explains how her desire to escape depression after the untimely death of her father took her to remote mountain villages and chaotic city streets in India and South Africa. We’re celebrating the launch of this true story of loss, love and restoration with a sweet giveaHot Chocolate giveaway featured imageway! One lucky winner will receive:

    • A copy of Hot Chocolate in June
  • An assortment of gourmet chocolates from Baker’s Candies

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

About Hot Chocolate in June: Using humor and honesty, Holly recounts adventure after adventure including the thrill of falling in love. During an extended stay at a Johannesburg orphanage, Holly met Oscar, a handsome South African rugby player that seemed to have everything she was looking for in a husband– except that he didn’t look like anyone she’d ever dated before. This small town, Midwestern girl wasn’t supposed to fall in love with a black man.

Despite the pair’s instant connection, Holly returned to normal life in America. “I wanted to board a plane and head back to South Africa to hold abandoned babies, to hold the hand of my precious man,” writes Holly. “Instead, I boarded into my black suit, held my computer bag in one hand, clenched my coffee mug in the other, and headed down the career path of an audit associate.” Thankfully Holly’s story doesn’t end there. Hot Chocolate in June is the true story of God’s undeniable ability to mend emotional wounds, overcome racial and culture differences, and write amazing adventures.

99¢ Sale: One Day Only!

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For 24 hours we’re offering one of our hot non-fiction titles for just 99¢! Pick up Jim Turner’s new book So-Called Christian: Healing the Spiritual Wounds Left By the Church for less than a buck 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-Called ChristianSynopsis: Have you ever been hurt by a fellow believer? Have you ever felt judged, belittled, or resigned to a second class Christian status by another believer? Do you feel distant from another believer over his insistence that you agree with his standard, or her particular brand of Christianity? These accusations cut deep and often leave us questioning our acceptance before
God.

Or have you ever been on the other side of the equation–as the attacker? Perhaps you had good motives and sincere convictions, but things turned ugly and you found yourself in an argument that really didn’t glorify Christ.

Either way, you have been part of one of the most destructive influences in the Church. You may feel maimed, defaced, ashamed, unqualified, and unloved. In short, you’ve been labeled a “so-called” Christian because you didn’t meet up to an artificial standard.

Learn how to remain in the will of God, showing love and grace to your fellow Christian while maintaining your convictions. So-Called Christian explains how the Bible anticipates these situations and instructs us to respond.

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New Book Aims to End “Civil War” Among Christians

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Pastor Urges Christian Unity Among Believers

 

For immediate release: Nearly 4 in 10 non-churchgoing Americans state the reason they do not attend church is due to negative past experiences with churches or church people. According to The Barna Group, the estimate of un-churched people in America is 100,000,000 which means 37,000,000 people claim to have been hurt by professing Christians. In a number that rivals the casualties of World War II, author Jim Turner is offering insight on how Christians can repair the fractured state of the church in his new book So Called Christian: Healing the Spiritual Wounds Left By the Church (Ambassador International; May 2014; $11.99, paperback). 

So-Called ChristianTurner, a former youth director and pastor with more than 25 years of experience, believes that the civil war among Christians has diminished God’s glory. He established Churchone, a non-profit aimed at spreading the word about God’s heart for Christian unity. “We see this as a command of God – not a pretty notion the Apostle Paul thought he’d entertain in a first century world,” explains Turner. “It’s a cry the Church has long lacked the ears to hear.”

So-Called Christian was written for those who have found themselves on either side of the problem: those who have felt judged, belittled or hurt by a fellow believer or those whose good motives and sincere convictions turned ugly. Digging deep into his own personal experiences of dysfunction within church settings, Turner issues a plan for resolution. Turner uses Biblical lessons to explain the best practices for dealing with differences within the Body. He also gives readers practical insight for maintaining personal peace and conviction when confronted with differing opinions and doctrinal disputes. “My ultimate goal is to help create a community of believers that strive to love one another,” says Turner, “regardless of our differing opinions.”

About the Author: Jim Turner is a husband and father of four. Mr. Turner has been in youth or pastoral ministry for over 25 years and has personally experienced the hurt and frustration that disagreement can cause. He has also counseled and mediated on numerous occasions where disagreement threatened to split churches and undo relationships that were years in the building. His experience includes churches from 10 to 1,000 members.

To connect with the author or to request a review copy of So-Called Christian please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

 

 

99¢ Sale: One Day Only!

posted on by Susie

For 24 hours we’re offering one of our hot non-fiction titles for just 99¢! Pick up Lindon and Sherry Gareis’ book Declutter Now: Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life for less than a buck 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. If you need motivation to rid your life of harmful clutter- this is it!

Declutter NowSynopsis: We all have too much STUFF!  Not just tangible things, but also the harmful clutter we allow to take up residence in our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls. Every area of your life must be decluttered for you to live with the joy and freedom God desires!

  • We’ll clean out closets, relationships, and finances.
  • We’ll share ideas on decluttering your children’s lives from the get-go, and how to instill tools they’ll need to keep them that way.
  • We’ll navigate through challenges at work and critical career decisions.
  • Are you burdened by emotional ties that bind or physical problems which keep you in bondage?
  • We’ll tackle those too! Does your spiritual life feel empty or stalled?

We desire to help! Declutter what you don’t need to make room for what really matters. Less can truly be more!

  • Do you long for more peace and harmony in your life?
  • Do you desire more quality time with family?
  • Are you seeking relief from financial burdens?
  • Are you ready to release the grip of guilt and obligation?
  • Do you yearn for an increased ability to serve God?

Need more help decluttering your life? Check out the Gareis’ brand new companion study guide!

BUY DECLUTTER NOW for the Kindle!

 

Accountant-Turned-Adventurer Finds Faith and Love in South Africa

posted on by Susie

Hot Chocolate in June is a true story of how God mends wounds and writes adventures in the life of a Nebraska native

For immediate release: Under-qualified and overly-ambitious, Holly left her family and friends behind in Nebraska to search for that radical life, that all-for-Jesus-or-nothing-at-all life. In Hot Chocolate in June (Ambassador International; May 2014; $14.99, paperback) Holly Mthethwa explains how her desire to escape depression after the untimely death of her father took her to remote mountain villages and chaotic city streets in India and South Africa.

Hot Chocolate in JuneUsing humor and honesty, Holly recounts adventure after adventure including the thrill of falling in love. During an extended stay at a Johannesburg orphanage, Holly met Oscar, a handsome South African rugby player that seemed to have everything she was looking for in a husband– except that he didn’t look like anyone she’d ever dated before. This small town, Midwestern girl wasn’t supposed to fall in love with a black man.

Despite the pair’s instant connection, Holly returned to normal life in America. “I wanted to board a plane and head back to South Africa to hold abandoned babies, to hold the hand of my precious man,” writes Holly. “Instead, I boarded into my black suit, held my computer bag in one hand, clenched my coffee mug in the other, and headed down the career path of an audit associate.” Thankfully Holly’s story doesn’t end there. Hot Chocolate in June is the true story of God’s undeniable ability to mend emotional wounds, overcome racial and culture differences, and write amazing adventures.

About the Author: Holly Mthethwa relocated from Johannesburg, South Africa to Washington DV, where she lives with her husband, Oscar. She writes regularly at ruggedandredeemed.com about the moments that hooked her heart– experiences living in a developing country and most importantly, Christ.

To receive a review copy of Hot Chocolate in June or to connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm by email at [email protected].

 

 

Former PBS Exec Shares Inspirational Stories in New Devotional

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Author leaves corporate comforts to serve homeless and prisoners

For immediate release: Jim Brissey spent 16 years rubbing elbows with Mister Rogers, Captain Kangaroo and Cookie Monster during his time at PBS. But one day while sitting at a traffic light God instructed him to leave his cushy lifestyle and six-figure income to work full-time in ministry. “I resigned from my job the next morning,” recalls Brissey. “It was the best decision of my life.” After nearly two decades in ministry Brissey created a collection of meditations, poems and stories in the new devotional A Shepherd’s Heart (Ambassador International; March 2014; $11.99, paperback).

A Shepherd's HeartAs the Senior Pastor of Higher Ground Ministries Brissey serves in many areas of the community, including prison ministry. Brissey and his team have held hundreds of meetings in 12 different prisons in the US and two in Honduras. One of the book’s powerful passages tells the story of Manny Valle, a man convicted of killing a police officer during a traffic stop more than 30 years ago. After meeting with Valle regularly  Brissey led him to Christ and prayed with Valle’s family during his 2011 execution. “Just a few days before he was executed I spent a few hours with Manny,” says Brissey. “He was clothed in the peace that passes all human understanding.”

A Shepherd’s Heart received many endorsements from recognizable names including Bob D’Andrea, Founder of the Christian Television Network; Bill Glass, College Football Hall of Famer and Champions for Life Founder; and Murf the Surf, the world’s most famous reformed jewel thief and Christian speaker. Gigi Graham, Billy Graham’s daughter said of The Shepherd’s Heart, “These stories inspired, encouraged, challenged and blessed me.”

About the Author: Jim Brissey and his wife Jean are Senior Pastors of Higher Ground Ministries in DeLand, Fl. Jim earned his Bachelor of Biblical Studies through Omega Seminary. Jean is a graduate of Spirit Life School of Theology. The couple has been married for 37 years. Jim and Jean have spearheaded hundreds of outreaches throughout the U.S. and abroad and have witnessed thousands giving their hearts to Jesus.

For more information about the author visit SteveWhigham.com. To connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

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99¢ Fiction Sale: One Day Only!

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For 24 hours we’re offering one of our new fiction releases for just 99¢! Pick up Bridget ni Brian’s new fantasy novel Azure Lights for less than a buck for the Kindle and iOS devices 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. If you need a great novel to read, check this one out!

Azure LightsSynopsis: What happens when the safest place for you is in the center of the storm? Azure, Eliam and Mitch arrive at the island where Hiram’s parents live, but Azure learns that not everything is as it appears. While Mano Leo-mana seems distant, his presence and power is felt everywhere. Despite the fears and dangers, hope arrives at the island in the form of Azure’s brothers, Yo’ash and Brun. Together, the youngest three members of the Deep Waters’ priesthood learn about the history of the island and its connection to Deep Waters. With the help of her friends and family, Azure discovers why Mano Leo-mana pursues her as well as how she can dissuade him. Struggles arise, though, as Azure realizes that the path laid out before her seems counterintuitive to what the Lord would desire to her to do. Who are these shamans that control the villages on the island? Will her presence bring more troubles to the villagers who follow the Most High? The path is now clear, but the darkness settles around Azure Maris. When the Lord’s path leads into darkness – do you follow?

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5 Things About Author Holly Mthethwa

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Learn more about your favorite Ambassador authors with our “Five Things” series. Author Holly Mthethwa wrote the recently released book Hot Chocolate in June, available now. Here are Holly’s “five things”:

I discovered a deep love for writing when I was 11. My teacher entered a poem I’d written into a school competition in which the winner got to attend a Young Authors Conference. I ended up taking first place in my age group and got to attend the conference and workshops. It was through that experience that a passion for writing began to etch itself upon my childhood heart. I still have my young author t-shirt and held it up to stare at shortly after I signed my publishing contract with Ambassador for Hot Chocolate in June.

I used to be devastated I wasn’t musically gifted. I played the cello for a year and a half until I moved to a new school that didn’t offer orchestra. I was last chair among the many cello players and my parents cringed when I practiced. I switched to playing the clarinet at my new school and was last chair again—and there were a number of chairs (though I was eventually able to move up a couple of spots). That, along with having been rejected for a song solo, led me to believe I should rather stick to writing.

Hot Chocolate in JuneRedemption is one of the themes I want to take the spotlight in Hot Chocolate in June. One of my most favorite things about Jesus is that He takes our muck, our sin, our shame, and our rebellion and not only forgives us, but gives us a new identity in Him. I want others to see that amongst my adventures and love story; and to claim the truth of His love and grace for themselves.

Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia Maclachlan was one of my favorite books growing up. I wanted to live in Maine like Sarah once had. My cousin and I would daydream about one day sitting in rocking chairs on the wraparound porch of our old Victorian house by the sea. I’ve yet to visit Maine and think my heart will burst with joy the day I do.

My life verse speaks of gentleness. I find it incredibly easy to be gentle with the hurting, the poor, and strangers, but sometimes my family and friends aren’t on the receiving end of my gentleness. My mom says there are times when I’m about as cuddly as a porcupine; and my husband agrees. I think we can easily forget about our fleshly tendencies to be prickly to those closest to us; and find myself a big work in progress in this area. “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” –Philippians 4:5

99¢ Fiction Sale: One Day Only!

posted on by Susie

For 24 hours we’re offering one of our new fiction releases for just 99¢! Pick up David Fergusson’s new novelSunrise in Another Land for less than a buck 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. If you need a great novel to read, check this one out!

Sunrise in Another LandSynopsis: Neville – hit man – deadly – until that one night when a witness saw him. With nothing to lose he hunts her down, through the alleys of London – only to find someone unexpected . . .

William Hunt – young – reckless . . . and in love – but with the governor’s daughter. There can only be one option . . .

Hannah – protected, but with a past that needs answers – a shadow – always there protecting her – but for how long will she be safe . . .

From the solitude of the Scottish lochs to the savagery of the African bush – all will be hunted as they pursue the truth. None of them are safe as the darkness closes in. Yet , with the rising of a terrorist group scouring the African bush, and a mob syndicate searching the streets of London , one man’s dream  for the treasure of a lifetime will cause all their lives to collide resulting in a choice . . . of life . . . or death.

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