Posts Tagged ‘Christian non-fiction’

Giveaway Ending Soon! Win Hot Chocolate in June Prize Pack

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Hurry! Our Hot Chocolate in June Prize Pack giveaway ends FRIDAY! 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. BUY NOW!

Declutter Every Area of Your Life in Just 8 Weeks

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Declutter Now! Study Guide Provides Step-By-Step Action Plan

For immediate release: In just eight weeks you can clear clutter in all areas of life– from closets to careers, finances to feelings. Filled with thought and discussion provoking questions, Scripture and practical application, the Declutter Now! Study Guide: 8 Weeks to Uncovering the Hidden Joy and Freedom in Your Life (Ambassador International; May 2014; $12.99, paperback) encourages readers into action.

Certified Christian Life Coaches and founders of Action Plan Ministries, Lindon and Sherry Gareis have a proven track record for helping people declutter their hearts, minds, bodies, souls and homes. The Declutter Now! Study Guide offers much the same valuable information they provide clients, using a comprehensive, practical, step-by-step approach focused on decluttering eight key areas:

 

  • Physical Space
  • Relationships
  • Finances
  • Career
  • Mental Health
  • Children
  • Spiritual Life
  • Body & Physical Health

 

Declutter Now Study GuidePerfect for individuals, small groups and Bible studies, the new Declutter Now! Study Guide is the perfect complement to the Declutter Now! book, released in 2012. The study guide also includes a section just for small group leaders. “It’s everything leaders will need to facilitate a group study,” explains Sherry. “We’ve provided useful tools and creative ideas to get conversation flowing and encourage every person that participates.”

About the Authors:Lindon and Sherry Gareis, certified Christian Life Coaches from Glendale, Arizona, are the founders of Action Plan Ministries.  Lindon and Sherry love being outdoors, love being together, and are committed to a lifelong honeymoon.

For interview requests please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

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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].

 

 

Book Exposes Dangers of Legalism

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Pastor points readers to true holiness based on biblical motivations

For immediate release: From banning beards to requiring perfect Sunday school attendance, legalism is evident throughout the Christian community. Its results can be devastating as author Robert Pruitt points out in his new book Robots or Rebels: The Dangers of Growing Up a Legalist, and Biblical Motivations for True Holiness (Ambassador International; February 2014; $14.99, paperback.) The book is designed to help readers determine whether or not they have been adversely impacted by a legalistic family, church or parachurch ministry.

Robots or RebelsPacked with information about sources of legalism and the types of legalism, one thing readers will not find in the pages of Robots or Rebels is a list of legalistic ministries or organizations. “Isn’t that specificity one of the problems that accompanies legalism?” asks Pruitt. “Legalists want everything listed for them so they do not have to think, but this book is intended to encourage the hard work of thinking, and hopefully in a biblical way.” Some of the forms of legalism discussed in the book include:

  • Legalism is an error that equates law-keeping with salvation.
  • Legalism demands current obedience to Old Testament regulations that have been done away with by Christ.
  • Legalism is the error of creating extra-biblical standards but giving them biblical authority, thus placing them on an equal plane with truly biblical commands.

Pruitt says eventually life for these legalistic robots becomes lifeless. “The robot has been so thoroughly overwhelmed by the call for more and more stringent standards that he either cannot think biblically or he refuses to think biblically for fear of being thought of as a rebel,” writes Pruitt.  The book also dives into the characteristics of pleasure-seeking rebels who are often angry, prideful and materialistic. Pruitt aims to steer Christians away from either title, robots or rebels, into a longing to live in true holiness based on a love for Christ.

About the Author: Robert Pruitt has been serving as the pastor of Coloma Bible Church, in Coloma, MI, since the spring of 2005. Prior to that he pastored churches in Missouri, Virginia, and Kansas. In addition to his pastoral ministry he has also been involved in Christian camping ministries where he has been privileged to interact with many teenagers and pre-teens. He and his wife, Michele, have two daughters and three grandchildren.

To connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm at [email protected].

 

Author Shares Life’s Twisted, Unpredictable Journey in New Book

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Speed Bumps and Roundabouts is about What Happens When the Road of Life Isn’t a Smooth Path

For immediate release: Pip McCracken had a plan, one that involved straight As, loads of friends, a handsome husband and angelic children. But her reality has taken her off course and head on with bullying, divorce and heart break. In Speed Bumps and Roundabouts (Ambassador International; February 2014; $14.99, paperback) McCracken explains how life is never the straightfoward journey we expect, but the scenery can be captivating. “One of my greatest wishes with my writing has always been that by telling people about the things I’ve been through, the things I’ve felt, they will know that they’re not alone,” says McCracken.

Speed Bumps and RoundaboutsMcCracken, a native of Northern Ireland now living in New Zealand, begins the book with an honest admission: she doesn’t have all the answers. She’s not writing from a place of satisfaction or even contentment, but rather from a place of brokenness. “Every day I live is part of the story of how Jesus has saved me from depression, rejection, fear, jealousy and self-pity,” she writes.

Using humor and honesty, McCracken covers a variety of topics that she’s experienced during her 26 busy years. Writing on everything from missions to singleness, readers will likely see many of their own struggles through her life. “There have been so many times when all I’ve wanted to do is stop in the midst of the crowd and cry, when I’ve felt like there’s no one to help, like nothing is working out, like it’s just too difficult,” admits McCracken. “What I want most of all is for this book to help other people keep going as well– even over the speed bumps and around the roundabouts.”

About the Author: Pip McCracken: Writer. Physio. Overanalyser. Northern Irish. Procrastinator. Lover of food, all food. Traveller. Jesus fan. Mistake maker. Hoper. Pip is originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland and has been living and working as a physiotherapist in Hamilton, New Zealand for the last five years, trying to write with every spare second she has.

To learn more about Pip McCracken visit PipMcCracken.com, or Facebook.com/PipMccrackenWriter. To receive a review copy of Speed Bumps and Roundabouts or to connect with the author please contact publicist Alison Storm by email at [email protected].

Feel the Love with a Valentine’s Sale

posted on by Susie

If you love books and you love a good sale, you’re going to love our Valentine’s Day sale! From February 14 through February 18, we’re drastically dropping the e-book price on three of our most popular love stories:

A Little Irish Love Story, by Amy Fleming: Set in post WWII Ireland, this retelling of the Biblical story of Ruth is an incredible love story . . . with a twist.

ElderA Little Irish Love Storyly Sarah returns to her hometown of Adare, Ireland with her daughter-in-law, Anna. The suffering that World War II brought them was unimaginable, but they still have each other. With all their loved ones killed in the war, the two women have nothing but a hope that one distant relative will help them. Will this new beginning bring the healing that both of them have prayed for?

eBook Sale Price: $2.99

 

 

 

 

No Turning BackNo Turning Back, by Joanne Wilson Meusburger: In 1898, Alex Meissen, son of a wealthy Austrian bureaucrat, falls in love with beautiful Katy Thannen, the household maid. Forbidden to marry, Alex devises a plan for them to sail to America to begin a new life together. When the plan fails, there is no turning back. Alone in New York City, Katy faces a devastating dilemma. If Alex finds her, can they start over considering the secret she now bears?

eBook Sale Price: $2.99

 

 

 

Healing HeartsHealing Hearts, by Hisashi Nikaidoh: Healing Hearts shares eight mothers’ deeply honest and gut-wrenching journeys through grief—their pain, anger, attempts at solace with alcohol and bad relationships—as well as their decisions to honor their children by committing to lives of service. These stories, and that of the doctor with whom they share a unique bond, serve as testaments to God’s everlasting love and mercy, and guideposts on our own journeys of grief.

eBook Sale Price: $2.99

Watch the Author Hangout with Andrew Davis

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Ambassador International partnered with Gospel eBooks for an Author Hangout featuring Andrew Davis. Andy answered questions about his new book An Infinite Journey: Growing Toward Christlikeness. He covered topics including Christian maturity, discipleship and even scripture memorization. Andy provided practical tips for becoming more like Christ. If you missed the hangout, you can watch the video now:

For a limited time you can purchase An Infinite Journey for the Kindle at a discounted price.

New Book Gives Pathway to Christian Maturity

posted on by Susie

An Infinite JourneyDr. Andrew Davis guides readers through radical transformation

For immediate release: Every Christian embarks on two journeys: The external journey of sharing Christ with the world and the internal journey of personal salvation from sanctification into glorification. In his new book An Infinite Journey: Growing Towards Christlikeness, (Ambassador International; January 2014; $19.99, paperback) Dr. Andrew Davis provides a road map for the internal journey, laying out how we are to grow in four major areas: knowledge, faith, character and action. “The modern evangelical movement has been far more concerned about evangelism than about discipleship,” writes Davis. “It should be unsettling when there is so little spiritual maturity, so little sacrifice for Christ, so little hunger and thirst for righteousness, so little suffering for his glory.”

Packed with informative illustrations and relevant scripture, An Infinite Journey takes readers through an in depth look at what kind of people we should be, as described in scripture. Dr. Davis explains the radical transformation that happens through sanctification in five specific areas of character:

1. Affection: What you love and what you hate

2. Desire: What you seek

3. Will: What you choose and what you reject

4. Thought: What you think

5. Emotion: What you feel

Dr. Davis says it shouldn’t be surprising that the church is suffering from such “profound spiritual immaturity.” He believes the church needs focus on both infinite journeys– internal and external– by reclaiming the Bible and focusing on the power of the Holy Spirit. “It is impossible for the Church to make progress externally to the ends of the earth if there are no Christians mature enough to pay the price to go as missionaries and martyrs,” he says. “And it is impossible to make genuine progress in sanctification if the people only read good Christian books and stay in classrooms, but refuse to get out in the world as witnesses.”

About the Author: Dr. Andrew Davis has been Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church (FBC), Durham, NC, since 1998. He came to faith in Christ his junior year in college. In 1984, he graduated with a BSME from MIT, and worked for ten years as a mechanical engineer. Davis received his Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1990 and his PhD in Church History from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1998.

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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Five Things About Author Steve Whigham

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Steve WhighamLearn more about your favorite Ambassador authors with our “Five Things” series. Author Steve Whigham wrote the recently released book Eclipse of Faith: When Doubt Overwhelms Religious Belief, available now. Here are Steve’s “five things”:

  1. I have spoken on this subject on three continents already. I’m amazed at how many people struggle with doubt. Most do not feel confident enough — or free enough — to discuss their doubt with others. I know how they feel. I went through the same struggle myself, which I wrote about in my book. You just don’t want to vocalize your doubt about faith just in case it may alienate people you are very close to.
  2. I love music. I’ve been playing piano, drums and guitar for many years now. I’ve played in all kinds of bands, even orchestras: classical, opera, jazz, rock, blues, folk, and even a bit of country. Whenever I need to relax and decompress, all it takes is a few minutes behind the keyboard and I’m renewed. There is something special about music. The crazy thing is, I can’t sing on tune. I can play instruments. I just can’t sing.
  3. You just never know who is embroiled in doubt. I met a bright, young Christian leader just a couple weeks ago. He’s struggling with his faith in profound ways. From the outside he looks all put together — a model 20-something actively leading Bible studies, church functions, etc. He just doesn’t know what he truly believes any more. And he was scared to admit it. I got to talk witEclipse of Faithh him for a couple hours over coffee and give him tools to deal with his doubt. When we finished, he looked so relieved. I’m praying for the joy of his faith to return to him soon.
  4. I got to talk to a former Captain of the Soviet Air Force in Odessa, Ukraine a couple years back while there on business. He must have been at least 80 years old. He clapped his boot heels together and saluted me with pride. He spoke no English. I spoke only rudimentary Russian. But we both spoke enough German to have a pleasant conversation. He is a follower of Christ now and attends an active church right in the heart of Odessa. His eyes danced with joy. That day, I got to experience history folding down upon itself and reveal the human stories behind the dry accounts of history. When you get past the stereotypes, how much alike we all are!
  5. I have to admit it, I’m a reading geek. I can’t get enough reading time in. I’ve got so many books I’m currently reading encompassing so many subjects: history, politics, philosophy, arts, science, cooking, fiction, autobiographies, business, theology, technology, and the list goes on. I should be more focused — but maybe not. I’m an eclectic reader and I think it gives me a broader perspective. It sure makes entertaining dinner conversation!

Learn more about Steve and his struggle with doubt in his new book Eclipse of Faith. Thank you Steve for sharing your “five things” with us!