Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

Fantasy Author Takes Readers on Epic Journey of Self Discovery

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The Red StonesAUTHOR ANNA MCCARTHY RELEASES THE FIRST INSTALLMENT OF THE MANTESSI TRILOGY

For immediate release: What if you had to lose everything to discover your purpose? That is what Jehan faces in The Red Stones (Ambassador International; August 2013; $14.99, paperback), the first book of the Mantessi Trilogy.

The first book in this epic series is entertaining, riveting and offers an emotional ride that will leave the reader hungry for more. Being compared by readers to books such as The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Red Stones is sure to captivate its audience by its enchanting and mysterious world.

The story centers on a young boy named Jehan who is left with nothing after his beloved home, the city of Mantessi, mysteriously disappears. He struggles to find shelter and work in a nearby village as he tries to understand what went wrong. Knowing he must find answers to why his home vanished, he sets out to uncover the truth behind the loss of Mantessi and his family.

Jehan’s journey becomes even more complicated—and difficult—when he realizes he isn’t the only one on a quest to find Mantessi. Not long after, Jehan is immersed into a mystical world that he is struggling to believe exists. Over the course of his journey, he finds himself forced to face a destiny that he didn’t choose—and doesn’t want. Along the way, Jehan is joined by some unlikely companions and learns that his role in this enchanted world is much bigger than he ever could have imagined.

Read The Red Stones to see just where his quest to find his home takes him. The Red Stones is McCarthy’s first work of fiction, but she also wrote Forgiveness is Not an Option, published by Ambassador International in 2012.

July: Ambassador Authors in the News

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Summer continues to roll on, and our Ambassador authors have been hard at work promoting their books. Here are some of the avenues that they’ve been featured on during the month of July:

Carolina’s CW | WYCW-TV

 

Flash Sale: Two Books, One Common Theme

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The book of Mark tells of a woman who, despite suffering great personal pain and tragedy, never lost her love for Jesus Christ. This story has inspired many struggling with personal suffering, including two great authors from Ambassador International, both of whom wrote books about this biblical story.

Despite drawing from the same source, these two authors definitely didn’t write the same book. Cynthia Goyang wrote Just One Touch, which tells the fictional account of a woman similarly maintaining her love for Jesus through hardship. Elizabeth Johnson, in her book Touching the Hem, tells of her personal struggle with illness, and how she never lost her faith because of it.

All this week (Aug. 1-7), you can pick up both of these books in one of our great deals! Own both books, with shipping included, for just $16.00 in our flash sale. You can also get either Just One Touch or Touching the Hem for the Kindle for just $2.99!

Though one is fiction and the other is nonfiction, there is a common thread running through both: keeping faith in God even when times are hard. These two books will deepen your understanding of biblical suffering and how one woman in the Bible is a great example to Christians.

Ambassador International asked both of these authors a few questions. Here is how they responded:

Touching the HemYour books both focus on the story from Mark 5 about the woman who pushed through the crowd in order to touch Jesus’s garment. How can your books complement each other?

Cynthia: I believe both Just One Touch & Touching The Hem, focus on: 1. What life changing things occur during suffering. 2. How a soul is to act/ react in the midst of suffering. 3. How one grows and grows closer to the Lord while suffering. 4. How a believer is used of God while suffering. 5. How one walks in healing (whatever that may entail).

Elizabeth: I loved reading Cynthia’s story, Just One Touch, and seeing through that story how this woman responded correctly to her suffering. Her focus on Christ as the great Healer, her action based on faith, and her persistence in trying to reach Him despite horrible circumstances — these are all part of a biblical response to physical suffering, which I cover in Touching the Hem. The two books complement each other quite nicely, first by seeing biblical truths regarding our response to suffering, then by seeing a depiction of that response from real life.

 

When did you first discover the story told in Mark 5?

Cynthia: I’ve known the story since childhood Bible Study Classes.

Elizabeth: I’ve known this story as long as I can remember, but a few years ago my pastor started preaching a series from the Gospels about “Personal Encounters with Jesus.” When he started teaching about this woman’s encounter with Christ, it was like I was hearing it afresh. It became the inspiration for my book, and the model for my own response to personal physical affliction.

 

just one touchWhy did you feel such a strong connection with this story?

Cynthia: The Woman with the Issue of Blood has always fascinated me. After studying, I found that a person with such a problem would most likely have been shunned by her family, friends and community. She was certainly a person living in an extreme crisis, but like that saying suggests: “Our extremity is God’s opportunity.” I feel a connection with her simply because like the Woman with the Issue of Blood, we each have “Issues” issues that can only be resolved by reaching out, by pushing through with faith-filled determination to touch Jesus Christ the Lord.

Elizabeth: Mark 5 tells us that this woman had spent all she had in search of a cure, yet was nothing bettered, but instead grew worse. I’ve experienced that same struggle in my own journey with chronic illness. Doubtless, I have not faced the utter social rejection or complete financial loss that this woman faced, but I have had severe physical problems – life threatening ones, even – that doctors could not seem to fix or even determine the root causes. It feels hopeless sometimes, as I imagine this woman felt with her ongoing suffering.

 

EJWhy does it stand out to you over other biblical stories of suffering?

Cynthia: All the stories of suffering are quite dramatic but the story of this woman in the midst of such a dire crisis has been for me one of the greatest examples of a soul’s humiliation, sickness, suffering and a soul’s determination, faith and subsequent healing.

Elizabeth: This woman was a social outcast. She had no money or other resources. Her health was almost non-existent. She literally had nothing, except what was internal – her character, her faith, her persistence. Her story is one of poverty to wealth, not monetarily, but spiritually. She reached out in faith that Christ would heal her, and He turned her life completely around by giving her immediate healing, social recognition, and restoration to usefulness. This story, more than most, displays the contrast between our poverty without Christ and our wholeness with Him.

 

CGWhat struggles has this story helped you through in your own life?

Cynthia: This story has helped me to have faith in Christ no matter how dire the circumstance. It has taught me to be quiet in my spirit, to know that He is God! This story has helped  me to truly know:  that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose. Romans 8:28. The Lord can and does use suffering to bring about His purpose. The Lord has an everlasting love and affection for each of his children and desires to see our ultimate healing.

Elizabeth: The story in Mark 5 nudged me into a deeper study of what Scripture says about physical suffering. It has encouraged me, as I’ve reflected on the fellowship of suffering we share with other believers. It has convicted me, as I’ve come to understand the courage and faith expressed in the woman’s actions. And it has comforted me, to see how willingly and completely Christ healed her – and to know that I will someday experience that full healing for myself, at least in heaven!

Facebook Giveaway: Win a Copy of Till the Storm Passes By!

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Till The Storm Passes ByAre you interested in getting a free book? Make sure you check out our monthly giveaways! We are celebrating the end of this hot July by giving away a free copy of Till the Storm Passes By. Check out Facebook for more details!

Evie Parker is plagued by a recurring nightmare from her childhood. After years of not knowing what the nightmare means, a deathbed confession points her to leave her home in Rhode Island and travel all the way to Alaska. How does she unravel a past that is shrouded in mystery? Can she make it through both the physical and emotional storms and open her heart to her one true love? Enter to win your free copy and find out!

Author Uses His Life Experience to Show the Healing Power of God

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One Way To GraceNEW BOOK SHOWS HOW STRUGGLES CAN BRING A PERSON CLOSER TO GOD

For immediate release: Author David Daly tells the story of his life growing up in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, the period of great civil unrest that struck the country during the Twentieth Century, and shows how it led him to become a devout believer. As his story unfolds in One Way to Grace: A Memoir through Scripture (Ambassador International; July 2013; $13.99, paperback), Daly uses his powerful testimony to show how a person can come closer to God—even in times of struggle.

David Daly’s life didn’t start out easy. Growing up in Belfast, surrounded by haunting murals signaling which areas were Catholic and which were Protestant, the danger around him was real. Without God in his life, Daly felt aimless. In One Way to Grace, Daly explains how he found himself battling numerous demons, some of which threatened everything he held dear. Eventually he was faced with a choice: overcome them, or else lose everything.

Daly’s life has taken him around the world, from Israel to America, and the lessons he has learned along the way have forged a devout believer. This story of a man learning to love God despite hardship is a powerful testament to faith. “I thank God for these chances to be heard, to have the potential to touch just a single lost soul and bring them to Christ,” Daly says.

About the Author: David Daly currently lives in England with his wife, Gay, where he spends his time sharing his testimony, studying Scripture, and engaging in his church community. Dawn Merrow is a freelance writer living in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Benjamin. To learn more about the book visit onewaytograce.com. To connect with the authors, please contact Alison Storm at [email protected].

Facebook Giveaway: Win the Water Baby Prize Pack

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WBLTS_ENTER_Square_612X612Have a little one that loves the water? Enter a photo of your baby enjoying the pool, lake, or beach into the Facebook Water Baby Photo Contest for the chance to win a Water Baby Prize Pack valued over fifty dollars from Ambassador International!

To enter the contest, go to the Ambassador International Facebook page and submit a photo of your baby. We can’t wait to see your favorite photo.

With the warm weather and cool waters of summer, what better way is there to spend an afternoon than hitting the waves? Perhaps you can even take inspiration from Water Baby Learns to Ski by Barbara Collins and bring your baby out on the boat!

Water Baby Learns to Ski is the true story of a baby who grew up to be the national ski champion. With beautiful illustrations and a delightful story, this book will be sure to be one of your favorites!

The Water Baby Prize Pack is full of great prizes that will make the water even more fun than it already is! Here are all the awesome things you’ll get if you win:

  • Aqua Sphere Kids Seal Mask
  • Munchkin Bath Fun Bubble Blower
  • Munchkin Marine Adventure Foam Playset
  • Munchkin Gone Fishin’ Bath Toy
  • Autographed copy of Water Baby Learns to Ski by Barbara Collins

Check out author Barbara Collins on Carolina Now!

Author Uses the Stories of Nine Adopted Cats to Share God’s Word

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Cat TalesNew Children’s Book Uses Cats to Represent the Fruit of the Spirit

For immediate release: According to the Humane Society, there are more than 86 million cats living as pets in the United States. Author Teresa Herbic has owned many throughout her life and tells the wonderful and unique stories of nine of her favorites. Through each of their individual adventures, parents can teach their children about various Biblical teachings. In her new book Cat Tales (Ambassador International; July 2013; $9.99, paperback), Herbic will have you turning the pages to see all nine stories of adventure.

Herbic calls the book “a special thank you to the nine cats featured throughout the book that my family adopted over the past 45 years. They remind us about God’s love and patience through simple warmth and kindness.” The adventures of Prince, Dakota, Lolli, and the rest of the family of cats teach readers the lessons of the Fruit of the Spirit highlighted in Galatians: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The book also encourages adoption as a common thread throughout Cat Tales. The author is Director of Families for Adoption, Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. She and its leaders are considering including the adoption of pets as part of their support services, along with the domestic and international adoption of orphan children.

About the Author: Teresa Herbic currently serves as the Director of Family Groups at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. She lives in Missouri with her husband, Galen, and their two adopted children, Meyana and Braxten, along with their cats, which inspired Cat Tales. To connect with the author, please contact Alison Storm at [email protected].

Six Christian Authors on Goodreads

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There’s a social network for everything, and for book lovers, the biggest one around today is Goodreads.com. This online community allows readers to make friends, review books, and join groups. Readers also get the chance to connect with some of their favorite authors. Wondering who to follow? Here are six amazing Ambassador International authors  on Goodreads.com:

 

Adkins

Art Adkins
Art is the bestselling author of the Slade Lockwood series, which follows the adventures of retired LAPD officer Slade Lockwood. Art lives and works in central Florida, where he works as a Lieutenant on the Gainesville Police Department. Follow Art Adkins on Goodreads.

 

 

DMDM Webb

Hailing from Mississippi, D.M. Webb is the author of Mississippi Nights, which follows the story of two brothers dealing with tragedy. Webb is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She lives in Mississippi with her two sons and a variety of pets. Follow DM Webb on Goodreads.

 

 

EJElizabeth A. Johnson

After being diagnosed with Wegner’s Granulomatosis, a rare disease, in 2007, Elizabeth A. Johnson was given a chance to take advantage of her passion for writing. Her book, Touching the Hem, teaches readers how to deal with suffering and maintain a strong relationship with God. Johnson lives in South Carolina and writes her blog, DogFur and Dandelions. Follow Elizabeth A. Johnson on Goodreads.

 

 

JMJeff Miller

Both a businessman and a writer, Jeff Miller has written The Secret of Nexus, which tells the story of a man struggling to navigate the conflicts that arise within a successful business. In his own life, Miller lives with his wife and children in Indiana and helps lead his family businesses. Follow Jeff Miller on Goodreads.

 

 

JFJennifer Freitag

With inspiration coming from greats like C.S. Lewis and Rosemary Sutcliff, Jennifer Freitag is following in their footsteps. Her first novel, The Shadow Things, is a mix of both fantasy and historical fiction. Freitag lives in South Carolina with her husband and two cats, where she spends much of her time reading and writing. Follow Jennifer Freitag on Goodreads.

 

 

SHSimeon Harrar

Growing up as a missionary, Simeon Harrar is now a full-time seminary student and hopes to work someday as a church planter. His first book, Finding Tom, tells the story of a young man trying to move past the conflict of both his hometown and college life. Harrar lives in Pittsburgh with his wife. Follow Simeon Harrar on Goodreads.

Three Great Christian Books, One Low Price with Vyrso

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Vyrso summer bundleAre you looking for something to keep you on the “edge of your seat” this summer? Vyrso.com is offering the “Edge of Your Seat Bundle,” a great limited time offer on three of our fantastic ebook titles for only $16.44. All three of these great stories of action and mystery will keep you guessing right up to the very end. Make sure you act fast and add these great books to your collection.

Blue Dollar: With the world teetering on the brink of economic disaster, Randy Grant thinks he has uncovered a secret plot that threatens to bring down everything around him. Can he avoid both the enigmatic Satanist cult, the Thirteen, and the United States government long enough to prevent the coming catastrophe?

Alana Candler, Marked for Murder: Alana Candler know she’s on someone’s hit list, but she doesn’t know why. Finding help in the form of Jaydn Holbrook, an old family friend and now rich businessman, will she be able to figure out why her life is at risk? Only with the help of her newfound ally will she be able to make sense of the chaos around her.

The Unreconciled: The United States has been struck by a Christian Holocaust, leaving the country under the rule of a vicious Caliph. Denisa Graceon, an archeologist working for the Church, is on the hunt for Christian relics. With the help of an unlikely ally, she discovers a secret group called the Unreconciled—America’s last Christians.