Archive for the ‘Book News’ Category

National Michigan Day

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Michigan was the twenty-sixth state to join the Union, and January 18 is National Michigan Day—a day to recognize the state affectionately known as the Great Lake State. Ambassador International has several authors who are from {and/or reside in} Michigan, so we’re using this day to recognize these authors!

 

Greta Picklesimer

Greta Picklesimer, author of historical Christian romanceGreta Picklesimer is Michigan born and raised by Kentucky-transplanted parents. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at the age of five—a happy day in her memory. Besides writing, Greta spends time working on her art journal, painting with watercolors and oil pastels. She is owned by one rescue cat by the name of Pearlie Blue who was named after her father’s favorite Bluegrass song. By day Greta works as an office assistant. By night, she writes.

Second Chance at Happiness by Greta Picklesimer, historical Christian romanceGreta is the author of the Love in the Kentucky Hills series. After Catherine Reed’s husband dies, she moves back home in order to accept a new position as the teacher for the town’s one-room schoolhouse. Samuel Harris has suffered his own loss and guilt has burdened him ever since. When his old flame comes back to town, he wonders if they can find healing together . . .

 

Dr. Deandre Collier

Dr. Deandre Collier, author of From Victim to Victor: Walking by Faith and Not by SightDr. Deandre Collier was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He is an ordained minister, certified Christian counselor, and certified chaplain. Dr. Collier earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wayne State University, a master’s of divinity from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, a master’s of pastoral ministry from Marygrove College, and a doctorate of ministry from Ecumenical Theological Seminary. He is a minister and spiritual leader at Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit.

From Victim to Victor: Walking by Faith and Not by Sight by Dr. Deandre CollierDr. Collier’s spiritually-inspired memoir, From Victim to Victor, argues that, even during the worst of times, maintaining faith can ensure that our best days lie ahead. Victimization presents opportunity for victory, but with God all things are possible because He is the essence of faith. Further, Dr. Collier will demonstrate, through his shared experiences, the meaning of the phrase walking by faith, not by sight.

 

Brandon James Crawford

Brandon James Crawford, author of the Baptist ConfessionBrandon James Crawford is the senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Marshall, Michigan; the moderator of the Southern Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches; and a member of the Council of Sixteen in the Michigan Association of Regular Baptist Churches. Brandon has a Ph.D. in historical theology from Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has also written or contributed to a number of books on historical theology, including The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia (Eerdmans), Petrus van Mastricht (1630-1706): Text, Context, and Interpretation (Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht), The Miscellanies Companion Volumes 1 and 2 (JE Society Press), and Jonathan Edwards on the Atonement (Wipf & Stock). He and his wife, Melanie, have two children.

The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational ChurchesIn the late 1600s, the Baptist Confession of Faith was first penned for the churches to have a document upon which they agreed for the principles of their faith. Over the centuries, this document has been revised and adapted as needed to help the reader understand its meaning. In this current edition, The Baptist Confession of Faith and Catechism for Dispensational Churches, Brandon stays true to the Elizabethan English while adapting some of the wording for the modern-day reader in an attempt to help believers share it in their homes, schools, businesses, and churches.

 

Bailey Lynn

Bailey Lynn, author of Unforeseen: Learning to Trust in God’s Plan When Life Takes Unexpected TurnsBailey grew up in a suburb outside of Detroit, Michigan, as the youngest of three kids. After high school, Bailey attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, and completed a degree in Biology. She plans to continue with her education to eventually work as a physician assistant. When she’s not studying or writing, Bailey loves to spend time with family, train for and compete in triathlons, and play with her rescued Beagle named Beau.

Unforeseen by Bailey LynnBailey Lynn had her life perfectly planned. She thought she was on the path God had preordained for her. But when her life took an unexpected turn, Bailey was left to question God’s ability to dictate her life. In Unforeseen: Learning to Trust in God’s Plan When Life Takes Unexpected Turns, Bailey shares how she learned to trust God with a future she had never planned. As she battled whether God’s plans for her were truly as good as He had promised in His Word, Bailey began to see His ways were definitely not like hers—they were better.

 

Becky Lane

Becky Lane, author of Bee AttitudesBecky Lane is a gardener, teacher, and writer living in the Midwest of the United States. She enjoys the four seasons; spending time with God, family, and friends; and telling stories. Becky’s hobbies include running, photography, and learning! Garden boots, a cup of tea, and a paintbrush are some of her favorite things. She believes everyone has a purpose and stories to tell. You can connect with her through her website, www.lifeandlearning365.com.

Bee Attitudes by Becky LaneIn her short devotional, Bee Attitudes: A Devotional for Families with Young Readers, Becky Lane uses God’s smallest creatures to teach big lessons that will stick with your child as they face their own failures and disappointments. No matter how hard Bennett Bee tries to succeed on his soccer team, he fails. In fact, his whole team seems to just lose one game after another. As his frustration continues to mount, Grandpa Bee decides it is time to step in and teach Bennett about the Bee Attitudes—that is, the lessons taught by a Man named Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount. Bee Attitudes is available after March 2025.

 

 

 

Devotionals to Help the Youngest Jesus-Follower to the Shepherd of the Flock

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“Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart!”

—C.H. Spurgeon

 
The following devotionals will help the youngest Jesus-follower to the shepherd of the flock approach the new year with a renewed mind and heart.
 

Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose

Fingerprint Devotions by Sandra Kay Chambers, a middle grade devotionalAward-winning author Sandra Kay Chambers helps eight- to twelve-year-olds recognize that God created them, loves them and that they have worth to Him and others. They will also learn how they can become God’s fingerprint to the world by serving Him with their individual gifts, talents and callings.
 

Becoming a Biblical Leader: 30 Days of Scriptural Principle and Spiritual Growth

Becoming a Biblical Leader by Jeremy Norton, a 30-day devotional for menPursuing biblically-driven personal growth is critical for the leader who desires to have an effective, God-centered ministry. Norton beckons the reader to focus on one’s calling as a biblical leader, offering thirty days of simple lessons and reflection as tools to experience the growth necessary to truly lead well.
 

Enough of Me: Winning the Tug-of-War Between Our Flesh and Our Mission

Enough of Me: Winning the Tug-of-War Between Our Flesh and Our Mission, an 8-Week Bible Study by Priscilla PetersOften we want to live out the purpose God has for us, but we’re too distracted, exhausted and empty. This eight-week Bible study for women focuses on what God’s Word says about the tug-of-war between our flesh and our mission, exploring the barriers that stand between where we are today and where God wants to use us to finish His work.

 

Finding Joy In Every Season: 60 Men’s Devotionals for Winning with Jesus

Finding Joy in Every Season by Chris Corradino, devotionals for menChris Corradino provides brief daily devotionals to help men get in the Word and start their day off right, realigning their focus and helping them find the joy that comes in those moments spent with their Creator.

Shadow’s Secrets | National Day of the Horse

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Imagine a dark brown and white horse, multiple spots on his hindquarters, prancing about with ears forward and nostrils flaring. He’s proud, happy, and eager to please. That’s our Shadow and he’s here to reveal a secret or two.

 

Secret #1

It’s December 13th and horse owners and enthusiasts alike will celebrate National Day of the Horse today.Shadow from Shadow's Secret by Maria Bostian

Why are they celebrating? It’s to honor the contributions horses have made to the society and culture of the United States. Throughout the ages, Americans have used the strong backs and legs of these beautiful animals to help us carry heavy sacks of goods, pull plows, carts, and sleighs, and even transport us for work, pleasure, and more. We’ve even used them to raise barns, carry our burdens, and traverse new heights.

Horses are extraordinary creatures, and some have an uncanny ability to help humans heal. Their intelligence and sensitive nature can free minds, reduce stress and anxiety, improve communication skills, and instill confidence and self-control. They are extremely aware of emotional energies, and they sometimes know people better than they know themselves.

Therapeutic horseback riding utilizes the special qualities many of them animals possess. Their tremendous physical strength and emotional intelligence help them respond to riders of all ages and needs. The rhythmic gait of the horses and the heat from their fur stimulate riders’ muscles and increase mobility. Throughout each ride, the change of gait and pace helps riders experience of wide range of sensory emotions.

 

Secret #2

Shadow is not just any horse. He’s a very special part of a therapeutic horse farm in the foothills area of North Carolina called Rising Hope Farm. Rising Hope Farms houses several horses who work with people of all ages with mental difficulties, physical and/or cognitive challenges, anxiety, grief, depression, etc. While there are many horses on the farm, Shadow is certainly the most popular because of Secret #3. What’s that secret, you may wonder? Well, we could tell you, but what’s the fun it that? You’ll have to read SHADOW’S SECRET to find out more!

To celebrate our favorite horse, Shadow, and National Day of the Horse, Ambassador International has a special offer on SHADOW’S SECRET.  From now through the end of December, we are offering SHADOW’S SECRET for a discounted offer of $7.99 through our warehouse. We will also donate $1 from each purchase to Rising Hope Farms.

We love feedback! Please comment below and let us know what you think of SHADOW’S SECRET. Got a special horse in your life? Tell us more! We’re always looking for other amazing horse stories to write!

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Information on Rising Hope Farms: Ran by owner/operator, Gail Wartner, Rising Hope Farms is a therapeutic horse farm located in Claremont, NC, in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. To find out more about the farm, their animals, and the events and programs they offer, please visit them at risinghopefarms.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/risinghopefarmsclaremont.

What better way to spend a long winter’s night …

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…than to settle into your favorite spot with a steaming mug and these cozy reads?

 

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C.S. Lewis
 

If Only in My Dreams by Michelle Dykman

If Only In My Dreams (Snowy Springs Romance, book 1): Sarah Bakker has to make a decision–allow herself to fall in love with a man who has no baggage or take a chance on the one she’s held a torch for but who may not be able to love her back.

 

The Deal with Dakota, contemporary romance by Michelle DykmanThe Deal with Dakota (Snowy Springs Romance, book 2): On the run from an abusive boyfriend, Dakota finds herself in need of employment and housing when Aaron Bakker makes her an offer that provides both. Could his deal be the one to make her stay? This story of hope, reconciliation and renewal is a reminder that a new life can be made from the ashes.

 

Libby's Cuppa Joe by Rebecca WatersLibby’s Cuppa Joe: Door County’s newest business owner discovers her new venture requires more than simply offering a good cup of coffee. Can grace and love be found amongst coffee grounds? Sonja Parker is about to find out in this tale of second chances, forgiveness and not living on borrowed faith.

Children’s Author Katie Cruice Smith to Release New Christmas Book

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For immediate release: Katie Cruice Smith, author of the beloved adoption book for children, Why Did You Choose Me?, has released another illustrated children’s book just in time for Christmas. Before Christmas Began (Ambassador International, $21.99, November 19, 2024) is a rhythmic telling of the Nativity story that parents can enjoy reading to their kids this holiday season.

Before Christmas Began by Katie Cruice Smith, a children's illustrated Christmas bookTired of seeing so many books for kids telling an inaccurate version of Christ’s birth, Smith decided to write a narrative that focused on what truly happened long before Christmas began. While Smith realizes that Christ’s birth was most likely not in December, she wanted to take the spirit of the season to help parents as they begin to introduce Christ to their children. The beautiful illustrations help to share the story as well.

If you are looking for books to gift children this Christmas, Before Christmas Began is an excellent addition to your library and something that can be made a part of your annual Christmas traditions.

 

About the Author
Katie Cruice Smith, author of Before Christmas Began, a children's illustrated book for ChristmasKatie Cruice Smith is a freelance editor and writer who resides in the Upstate of South Carolina. She is an adoption and foster care advocate and handles the marketing for an adoption attorney. When Katie isn’t working as the senior editor for Ambassador International or writing her next book, she is busy homeschooling her three kids, spending time with her family outdoors, or enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee on her porch swing. Katie is the author of the children’s adoption book, Why Did You Choose Me? and loves to share with others the joy she has found as a foster and adoptive mom.

 

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To connect with the author or request a review copy of Before Christmas Began, please contact publicity director Kimberly Davis at [email protected].

 

Coveted Kirkus Review for Ambassador International Book House of Honor!

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A gripping novel about the intersection of art and crime.

Kirkus Reviews is a leading source of book reviews, news, and interviews for fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books. House of Honor: The Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity by Margaret Ann Philbrick has been awarded a coveted star review with a recommendation to purchase the book! Kirkus Review for House of Honor

At the heart of this narrative is the great artist Caravaggio—the novel concerns the breadth of his work, in particular 1609’s “The Adoration of Shepherds with Saint Lawrence and Saint Francis,” which was stolen from the Oratorio della Compagnia di San Lorenzo in Palermo in 1969. Philbrick sets her novel in the 1960s and introduces readers to Orazio Bordoni, an art aficionado who moves to Rome and (at first) dismisses his new landlady’s warnings about the criminal element hanging out in the public square. In Rome, he meets Lena Condotti and quickly falls in love with her; he also encounters Don Giotto, a charismatic scion of the Sicilian Mafia who also excites a strong emotional reaction (“Something about him challenged me,” Orazio confesses) as he introduces Orazio to a world of crime and violence. The persistent surprise of this novel is its explicit depiction of evil—not only Caravaggio’s deeds, as chronicled in the story’s frequent Renaissance flashbacks, but also the hard, violent demimonde to which Orazio is introduced by Don Giotto. The author’s skill at drawing her characters is impressive; even the supporting players (especially Vincenzo, a curator of the Vatican’s Secret Archives, who believes his document work brings glory to God) feel entirely fleshed out. The main narrative is organized around an allegory of the New Testament parable of the Prodigal Son, but the story Philbrick tells is much more nuanced and moving than any simple moral lesson, and the characters she creates here are all memorable. By the time a heartbroken Orazio wonders if he can graft himself back to the Bordoni vine, readers will be eagerly asking the same question.

 

Learn more about House of Honor HERE.

Educator Trades her Grading Pen for Author’s Quill

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In her debut work, The Crown Effect: Abundant Life in a Chaotic World, retired Walker County Schools teacher and administrator Kathy Vintson explores the themes of dysfunctional families, alcoholism, bullying and forgiveness. Offering personal examples of God’s life-changing grace, she infuses practical wisdom with humor and applies the truth of God’s Word to share what she learned about her godly inheritance and the transformation that occurred when she chose to believe His promise for her life.
From falling head-over-high heels in front of the entire church congregation to getting back up again with a smile, this book describes the profound effect that God’s unconditional love, unearned help, unmerited favor and undeserved peace will have on you now, if you but choose to receive it.
Be prepared to laugh through, cry over and relate to Vintson’s journey while learning what it means to see yourself the way God does, knowing you can face darkness when you walk in the light of God’s grace, right in the middle of the chaos.

About the Author

Kathy Vintson hails from inner city Birmingham, Alabama. Raised by her grandparents, she learned the importance of trusting and believing in God for everything from a young age. Now retired from a career in education, she writes from a small corner desk that overlooks the lake, where she lives with her husband of more than thirty years.
In addition to creating inspirational blog content, Kathy serves as a motivational speaker for women. She is passionate about encouraging women to claim all God has for them in order to live joyful, successful, abundant lives and to face each season in anticipation of God’s plan for them.

 

The Crown Effect makes you feel like a treasured friend is telling you a story that imparts her wisdom rather than an impersonal Bible lesson. No matter what season you are in, you will relate to this heartfelt and humorous book.”
Amy Bowdoin
Honeysuckle Drive

The Crown Effect: Abundant Life in a Chaotic World by Kathy Vintson is a must read for anyone who has ever found themselves turned upside down by the chaos of life or believing the lies of unworthiness that we are fed by this world. Once we accept Christ, we become sons and daughters of the King, yet we so often settle for less than the peace, joy, grace-filled, life of abundance He offers His children. Kathy’s words are balm for hurting souls as we reorient ourselves to Who Christ is and who we are to Him. What beautiful truth this book gives every reader who is blessed to read these words!”
Jen Thompson
www.trulyyoursjen.com

Johnson Brings Irish Dishes to American Tables in New Cookbook

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In her new cookbook, Delicious Ireland: Forty Years of Fabulous Food, Margaret Johnson brings the taste of Ireland to tables all over the world. “Delicious Ireland guides you on a decades-long culinary and photographic odyssey around the Emerald Isle,” she promises and spends the rest of the book delivering on that promise.
Johnson shares that Irish food has evolved over the past forty years, making now the perfect time to learn new recipes from a new culture. A seasoned cookbook author with fourteen previous works, Johnson is eager to share this evolution. Over four sections—starters, mains, sides, and sweets—she delves into unique new recipes, including some of her new favorites: Tipperary-made Cashel Blue and Fig Tartine, Chilli-smoked Salmon Fritters, and Blood Orange & Polenta Cakes.
Many of the recipes in this cookbook do not instantly scream “Irish.” While it includes the classics like brown bread, lamb, boxty, and bread pudding, Johnson also shines a light on new dishes. Delicious Ireland features vegetarian takes on traditional dishes, a focus on Irish cheeses, and delicious desserts. In the course of sharing all of these new dishes, Delicious Ireland also focuses on the cultural diversity of different Irish regions, sharing variations on the same dish that stem from different local traditions.
The introductions to both the cookbook’s sections and each individual recipe abound with information about Ireland and Irish tradition. Cooking these recipes will give you more than just delicious food, although you certainly will gain some new favorite dishes. Each recipe offers a sneak peek into aspects of Irish culture, making the food itself that much richer.
Delicious Ireland is filled with beautiful, brightly-colored photographs. Just flipping through these pages will make your mouth water as you follow Johnson to every corner of Ireland over the course of her forty years of travel there. It will, undoubtedly, whet your appetite not only for Irish food but for Ireland itself.

About the Author:

Margaret M. Johnson is author of fourteen cookbooks—most recently Festive Flavors of Ireland (2021), Teatime in Ireland (2019), and Favorite Flavors of Ireland (2015)—all published by Ambassador International. As a food and travel writer, she has contributed to magazines in both the U.S. and Ireland, including Intermezzo; SIP, For the Love of Drink; and Teatime. She writes regularly for the Irish Echo newspaper, thewildgeese.irish, and irishphiladelphia.com. She hosts food programs at public libraries and frequently appears at Irish food and cultural events. When she’s not visiting her ancestral home in Ireland, she lives in Westhampton Beach, NY.

Thanksgiving Books + Primary Sources for Kids + A Double Author Interview!

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Thanksgiving Books + Primary Sources + Children’s Author Extravaganza 

 

Thanksgiving books for your kids that teach YOU and belong on your bookshelf year ’round? We’ve got them!

Rebekka Parry

Ah, Thanksgiving! There’s nothing like it. But too often, the books we read our children aren’t crafted from the best primary sources, or hewn from the knowledge that we can’t truly know everything in history.

Enter our three favorite Thanksgiving books for kids!

 

The story of Sarah Josepha Hale

 

But wait, there’s more! We’ve added a Zoom interview with two of our Thanksgiving authors so that you can learn about the history of Thanksgiving with all the books and research right at your fingertips!

We know. We know. It’s too good to be true!

Click HERE to check out this incredible interview, gather fun anecdotes for Thanksgiving dinner, and maybe add a book or two to your holiday bookshelf!