Archive for the ‘Books’ Category

New Book Offers Biblical Care for Christian Marriages in Crisis

posted on

Marriage TriageAuthor Encourages Spouses to Make Biblical Choices Rather than Emotional Decisions

For immediate release:  Marriage is the norm for Christians with 84% tying the knot according to The Barna Group. But sadly, divorce rates among born again Christians are virtually indistinguishable from non-believers with about 1 in 3 going through a split. While most marriage books are designed to help marriages improve, Marriage Triage: A Guide to Healing for the Hurting Spouse (Ambassador International; June 2012; $12.99, paperback) is geared towards spiritual survival for couples in crisis.

Marriage Triage includes a “quick start guide” for the hurting spouse that reminds them of God’s grace, encourages them to document their feelings and explains how to endure through the crisis. Geared towards either the offender or the offended spouse, author Steve Goode draws from his 11 years in law enforcement and time as a marriage and counseling pastor. “This book will provide a simple, but systematic way for a husband or wife to walk through their suffering, and honor Christ in the process,” explains Goode. “This is the book that they must first read in order to stop the temptation to react irresponsibly and un-Biblically in their circumstances.”

Stephen Goode serves as Director of Biblical Counseling and Senior Adult Ministries at Northside Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Trinity Bible College and Theological Seminary with a B.A. in Biblical Counseling. Steve hosts The Biblical Counseling Moment, which fans downloaded more than 100,000 times from iTunes in 2011. He served 11 years in North Carolina as a sworn police officer for the Greensboro Police Department where he has extensive experience working closely with families in crisis. Stephen and his wife April have been married for 17 years and they have two children.

To learn more about the author and his book Marriage Triage, visit www.stephengoode.com. For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

-End-

Collection of Inspirational Life Stories Challenge Women of All Ages and Every Walk of Life

posted on

Women of the Secret PlaceMore than a Dozen Authors Share Lessons Learned Through Real-life Experiences

For immediate release:  From broken family relationships to a shattered coffee pot on a cream rug, life hands us difficult struggles on a daily basis, but a new collection of devotions reminds readers that God is still working even when the situation may seem impossible. Led by award winning author Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, Women of the Secret Place (Ambassador International; January 2012; $13.99, paperback) captures the power and beauty of story through 52 spiritual reflections.

In all, 15 accomplished writers contributed to create the inspiring collection found in the pages of Women of the Secret Place. “You will laugh, cry and be encouraged,” says Ellinger, a two-time recipient of ACW’s Writer of the Year award. “You will gain a new appreciation of God’s unique plan for you as a woman of faith.” The women who contributed to the book represent many stages of life and are settled throughout the US including Pennsylvania, Ohio and Texas.

Ellinger lives in Florida with her husband Wright, a pastor. They have four grown children. In addition to Women of the Secret Place, Ellinger is the author of The Wild Rose series, three historical novels set in the Ohio Valley in the late 1800s.

To learn more about Ruth Carmichael Ellinger and the other authors of Women of the Secret Place, visit RuthEllinger.com. For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

 

-End-

New Devotional Uses Photography, Poetry and Scripture to Communicate God’s Beauty, Splendor

posted on

Wherein the Lilies GrowAuthor, licensed counselor Jo Crosby shares rich beauty of lilies

For immediate release:  The lily is the fourth most popular flower in the world, often sought after for floral bouquets and landscaping. Historically lilies symbolize purity and refined beauty, but for author Jo Crosby lilies signify rest and a renewed relationship with the Lord. In her new devotional Wherein the Lilies Grow (Ambassador International; March 2012; $17.99, hardcover) Jo explains why the delicate Lily has become such a powerful symbol in her life and faith. “Walking among the velvety blooms, not only did I see myself reflected, but I also found the time to be still, to listen, and to genuinely converse with Him,” writes Jo about her time in a day lily garden. “Extremes of both tears and laughter have fallen from my heart over the petals I love, their beauty never failing to pull the worship from my heart.”

Jo says that as she surrounded herself with God’s creation and gave herself time to enjoy it, she experienced healing from past struggles and emotional hardship. Throughout Wherein the Lilies Grow, Jo shares her heart by exposing personal journal entries, poetry and devotions. Stunning photography transplants the reader to the very place where Jo experienced her own renewal of faith, the day lily garden.

Jo Crosby is a licensed Professional Counselor with more than two decades of clinical experience. She regularly leads workshops and retreats that help people build strong, healthy relationships with God and each other. She lives with her husband John and their three children near Savannah, Georgia.

To learn more about the author Jo Crosby and Wherein the Lilies Grow, visit http://priorityinsight.com. For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

-End-

New Christian Novel Explores Bond of Brotherhood

posted on

Mississippi NightsAuthor Uses Volunteer Firefighting Experience to Bring Characters to Life

For immediate release: Philosopher Antisthenes once said “When brothers agree, no fortress is so strong as their common life.” But what happens when they hate each other? David and Jeremy Boyette were incredibly close until David’s fiancé perishes in a car fire that he believes his brother Jeremy could have prevented. Mississippi Nights, by author DM Webb, tells the story of bitterness, resentment and the power of love. Read what others are already saying about Webb’s debut novel:

I loved this book; I was so impressed with the depth of the characters. I am an avid reader an it is hard to find a book that I am completely absorbed in. It wasn’t the average love story where you knew the ending. I laughed and even got mad at the characters at times. Beautiful work that I recommend to anyone looking for a good read! –Ashley Means

Loved this book! DM’s characters are very real and she deals with the tough subject of alcoholism without shying away from it. I also loved the healing journey this book took you on and the story of forgiveness for not only those around you, but yourself and ultimately God. –Susan Tuttle
The characters in Mississippi Nights are well-drawn, each with his quirks, strengths and flaws– there are no stereotypes here. The secondary cast adds depth and richness. The beautiful Mississippi scenery is lovingly described, with each sense brought to life. It’s obvious the author loves her home state. –Carole Towriss

Webb drew from her experience as a volunteer firefighter and EMR to write with accuracy about the main characters, a firefighter and a police officer. Webb lives, along with her two sons and a variety of pets, in the beautiful state of Mississippi. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). For more information visit the author’s website: www.dmwebb.com. To connect with the author please contact Ambassador International publicist Alison Storm via email at [email protected].

 

-End-

New Book Reveals Christian Testimonies of Major League Baseball Players

posted on

Gods-Lineup Twenty-five players share their faith stories, many for first time

For immediate release: More than two dozen baseball players are opening up in a new book about something other than batting averages and pitching records. They’re sharing intimate details about their Christian faith. Twenty-five current and retired Major League players agreed to tell their faith stories for the new book God’s Lineup: Testimonies of Major League Baseball Players. “Many of these players have never shared their faith in such an open, honest way before,” says co-author Kevin Morrisey. “But when we approached them about the idea they were thrilled to be a part of this book.”

Morrisey says he was struck with the idea for the book while at St. Louis Cardinals game a couple of years ago. “It was Faith Night at the park and several of the players were sharing their testimonies,” Morrisey remembers. “I just thought it would be great if I could interview more players about their testimonies.” Some of the players featured in the book include:

  • Stephen Drew, current shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • Trot Nixon, former outfielder for the Boston Red Sox and 2004 World Series Champion.
  • Matt Diaz, current outfielder for the Atlanta Braves.
  • Tim Salmon, former right fielder and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels, known among Angels’ fans as the King Fish.

The book received a rare endorsement from Baseball Chapel, an international ministry responsible for the appointment and oversight of all team chapel leaders. Each chapter focuses on one ball player and tells the story about how their life was before knowing Christ, how they came to know Him and how their life has changed. Morrisey spent more than a year interviewing players and says he was incredibly encouraged by their stories. “The players repeatedly told me that playing ball was a gift from God to place them on a platform for sharing Jesus,” says Morrisey.

Learn more about authors Kevin and Elizabeth Morrisey and their book God’s Lineup by visiting GodsLineup.com. To connect with the authors please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

-End-

New Cookbook Invites Readers on Culinary Journey from Northern Ireland to the American South

posted on

Shamrock and Peach Cover Ireland-Native Judith McLoughlin Creates New Fusion

For immediate release: Judith McLoughlin is looking at southern cuisine through Irish eyes. Her new cookbook, The Shamrock and Peach: A Culinary Journey from the North of Ireland to the American South, (Ambassador International; November 2011; $29.99/hardcover) combines fresh produce of the South with age-old Irish techniques to create a new fusion that melds the best of both worlds: Georgia pecans in a traditionally Irish trout dish; peaches with an Ulster favorite, rhubarb; or whiskey flavors with Georgia-grown chicken.

Judith’s romance with hospitality and food began around the County Down dinner table of her grandmother. It was a time when the dinner table was the heart of a home, the life of the family.  She still maintains a passion for farm-fresh, natural food, a love sparked in Ulster where the roaming hormone-free livestock eat lush green grass, fed by the rain-soaked Irish climate. She’s lived in Georgia for more than a decade, an area just as agriculturally rich as her homeland.

The Shamrock and Peach hits shelves in November, but Judith already shares her fusion regularly through cooking classes and demonstrations in the Atlanta area. She also exclusively imports and sells some of her favorite Irish products through her business, The Ulster Kitchen. Judith loves speaking on topics including:

  • How she developed this unique fusion.
  • The influence of Irish cooking in American kitchens.
  • The culinary history of the Titanic.

One of the desserts served on the Titanic, which was built in Belfast near Judith’s home, is featured in The Shamrock and Peach. April 2012 marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage.

This fresh take on southern cuisine will impress palates at dinner tables here and across the pond. Learn more at www.shamrockandpeach.com or email Alison Storm at [email protected] to connect with Judith.

 

-End-

South Carolina Doctor Reveals One Patient’s Profound Impact in New Book

posted on

From Raindrops to an Ocean Oncologist Dr. Kashyap Patel shares how a pastor’s wife awakened his faith

For immediate release: Nationally renowned oncologist Dr. Kashyap Patel, MD has treated thousands of patients over the years, but none quite like Anne Sanford. Despite having had a number of patients who fought cancer with grace and bravery, in Anne he found such a remarkable spirit that it affected his own outlook on medicine and his religious views.

Once a Hindu, a near death experience prompted Dr. Patel to investigate what gave some patients genuine acceptance of suffering. After delving into his meticulous patient journals, he found his answer in Anne, the wife of a large Presbyterian Church pastor in Rock Hill, South Carolina, whose astonishing faith during virulent leukemia awakened his own faith. “I found her story so touching that with the blessing of Anne’s family, I decided to share it with the entire world so that all could feel the wonder Anne inspired in those around her,” explains Dr. Patel.

Dr. Shelton Sanford, Anne’s husband, pastors Westminster Presbyterian Church, a position he’s held for 25 years. “In the providence of God, she was called to suffer with an aggressive form of leukemia,” says Dr. Sandford. “Upon Anne’s diagnosis, her greatest desire was to be a faithful witness to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Anne’s witness has continued long after her death as is evident by the content of this book.”

According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, more than 43,000 people developed leukemia in 2010 and, like Anne, it’s a battle many do not win. Raindrops to an Ocean: The Amazing Last Days of Anne Sanford (Ambassador International; October 2011; $12.99/softcover) explains the profound, eternal impact a pastor’s wife had on her doctor.

Learn more about the author at www.kashyappatel.net. To arrange an interview with Dr. Patel or Anne Sanford’s husband, Dr. Sanford please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

 

-End-

New Book Reveals Secrets of a Personal Shopper

posted on

What is Beautiful CoverAuthor Tica Tallent Shares Decades of Experience in Fashion Industry

For immediate release: Friends say Coco Chanel must have been speaking about Tica Tallent when she said a girl must be two things… classy and fabulous. Tallent, a former model, spent 15 years working as a personal shopper, helping women of all shapes and sizes dress their best. Her new book What is Beautiful: Secrets From a Personal Shopper reveals simple tips for dressing confidently including:

  • Finding the perfect haircut
  • Using scarves as a versatile accessory
  • Understanding which colors work best for you
  • Making the most out of your fashion budget

Self-esteem has become a national crisis, especially among young women. A recent survey found that seven in ten girls feel they do not measure up in some way—including how they look. “My hope is that my book will be an inspiration for all women,” says Tallent, a resident of Anderson, South Carolina. “I want women to know we are all beautiful because we are made in God’s image.”

Tallent speaks regularly at various women’s groups and church functions. She has several upcoming events scheduled including signings at the Anderson County Women’s Club Fashion Show on September 28 from noon-2pm, Greenville’s Millie Lewis Modeling Agency on September 29 from 2-5pm, and the Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio in Anderson on October 1 from 10am-1pm. She’ll also be at the Anderson Mall Belk store on October 4 from 11am-3pm and Belk at Haywood Mall on November 1 from 11am-3pm.

Tica and her husband live in Anderson, South Carolina. Published by Ambassador International, What is Beautiful: Secrets From a Personal Shopper, $12.99, is set for a mid-September 2011 release. Learn more at www.TicaTallent.com.

 

-End-

Upstate Donkey Gains Fame With New Children’s Book

posted on

Christmas Donkey CoverAuthor Donna Thornton and Illustrator Lynne Pryor Both Live in Upstate of South Carolina

For immediate release: Druplet the donkey, named after a tiny bump of juice on a raspberry, had big ambitions. Druplet may have been a donkey, but she dreamed of being a strong, gallant prize horse like the ones she saw in a nearby pasture. Like many of us, Druplet felt she was not good enough just as God made her. But as Christmas approached, Druplet was needed for a very special assignment that only she could fulfill. Through that assignment Druplet learned the story of the first Christmas, gaining a new understanding how he was uniquely created by God.

Druplet isn’t just a character in the newly released book, The Christmas Donkey (Ambassador International; September 2011; $14.99, hardcover) —she’s a real donkey living on an Upstate raspberry farm with a family that loves her just the way she is. Author Donna Thornton grew to love children’s books while reading to her sons Robert and Stephen, but after they moved on to more mature stories, Donna started to write them. “I hope The Christmas Donkey is welcomed into many homes this holiday season,” says Donna. “It’s a unique delivery of the great story of all time—Christ’s birth.”

Illustrator Lynne Prior worked on the pieces for The Christmas Donkey while she battled breast cancer. “These illustrations became very therapeutic and provided much comfort and laughter for me during a difficult time in life,” explains Lynne, who received a BFA in Studio Art from Columbia College.

The Christmas Donkey is available online through Amazon.com, Ambassador-Interntional.com and many other retailers. For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm via email at [email protected].

 

-End-