Children’s Trifecta — Solomon Screech Owl and Flying Pants take off — Sunbury Press bestsellers

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released the bestsellers list for January, 2015. The late Beth Lancione’s Solomon Screen Owl Goes to the Galapagos was #1, followed by  Solomon Screech Owl’s First Flight. Lola James claimed the third spot with Flying Pants. All were childrens books benefitting from Children’s Day at the Sunbury Press Store.

About Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos:
In the second of Solomon Screech Owl’s stories, Sollie travels, with help from some whales, to the Galapagos Islands, where he meets birds that seem very different from himself. As he gets to know them better, he comes to understand that they all have more in common than he first thought.

About the author & illustrator:
Beth and Kathy, with their husbands Mel Lancione and Gary Haney, visited the Galapagos Islands in 2005 and saw, at very close range, all of the fascinating creatures that Sollie encounters in this book.

Beth said, “A fellow traveler once told me, ‘If you go only one place in your life, go to Galapagos.’ I agree. I’ve been to many other places, but Galapagos is my favorite. I definitely wanted to show Sollie, and all of our readers, the wonders of these special, unique islands.”

Kathy said, “The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the earth’s unique birds and animals. There are few places in the world where you can have an upclose and personal interaction with wild creatures.

The Blue-Footed Boobies captured our imaginations, along with the iguanas, tortoises, and many other birds. We want to share our love of Galapagos with you.”

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for January, 2015 (by Revenue)
Rank	Last Month	Title	Author	Category
1	—	Solomon Screech Owl Goes to the Galapagos	Beth Lancione	Childrens
2	—	Solomon Screech Owl’s First Flight	Beth Lancione	Childrens
3	—	Flying Pants	Lola James	Childrens
4	4	As the Paint Dries	Carrie Wissler-Thomas	Art History
5	—	Jesus the Phoenician	Karim El Koussa	Relgious History
6	—	Shadows in the Shining City	John Cressler	Historical Fiction
7	2	Geology of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo and Lykens Valleys	Steve Troutman	Earth History
8	9	Call Sign Dracula	Joe Fair	War Memoir
9	11	Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last	Mike Campbell	History
10	NEW	Beagle Tales 5	Bob Ford	Pet Humor
11	—	Petrified	Tanya Reimer	YA Fiction
12	1	Pit Bulls	Anthony Julian	History
13	—	Going Home	Sharon Marchisello	Thriller Fiction
14	18	Winter of the Metal People	Dennis Herrick	Historical Fiction
15	—	Emeralds of the Alhambra	John Cressler	HIstorical Fiction
16	3	Visions of Teaoga	Jim Remsen	YA Fiction
17	—	The Trevorton, Mahanoy and Susquehanna Railroad	Steve Troutman	History
18	—	Tulpehocken Trail Traces	Steve Troutman	History
19	—	The Phoenician Code	Karim El Koussa	Action Adventure
20	—	Whimsy and Wry	Guy Graybill	Literary Fiction

Sunbury Press had its best January ever, up nearly 3x from last January, and 4.5% from December. It was the first time in 5 years that January sales topped December. Hardcover books grabbed the top 4 spots in the bestseller rankings, dominated by the Children’s category. Trade paperback sales were double hardcover sales, and remain the most popular format. EBooks have slipped to third, amounting to only 5% of all sales. Hardcover sales were over 6x the eBook sales. EBook sales were up over last month, however, by nearly 20% thanks to price increases implemented after Christmas.

The three children’s books were helped by the standing-room only Children’s Day event at the Sunbury Press Store — more successful than the 10th Anniversary Party with Keith Rommel, Brahm Gallagher, and Bang. Ten Percent of all sales from that day were donated to help the Lanciones following the death of Beth, the author of the Solomon Screech Owl series, and her husband Mel. As the Paint Dries, Carrie Wissler-Thomas’s history of the Art Association of Harrisburg, co-authored by Michael Barton, held at #4 due to demand at the Art Association. Karim El Koussa’s Jesus the Phoenician(#5) and The Phoenician Code (#19) took two spots on the list due to export orders to Lebanon. John Cressler’s due, Shadows in the Shining City and Emeralds of the Alhambra grabbed #6 and #15 due to author events. Steve Troutman’s Geology of the Mahanoy, Mahantongo and Lykens Valleysheld at #7 thanks to author activities. Troutman also charted at #17 with The Trevorton, Mahanoy, and Mahantongo Railroad and #18 with Tulpehocken Trail Traces. Joe Fair’s Vietnam memoir Call Sign Dracula climbed the rankings to #8 thanks to author appearances. Mike Campbell’s Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last inched up to #9 due to continued national media attention for the search for the aviatrix’s plane. Beagle Tales 5 debuted at #10 thanks to Bob Ford’s following. Petrified, the YA novel by Canadian Tanya Reimer, returned to the chart at #11 thanks to sales north of the border. Tony Julian’s Pit Bulls, available in both trade paperback and hardcover, slipped to #12 following a strong Christmas showing. Sharon Marchisello’s Going Home grabbed lucky #13 thanks to sales in the Southland in advance of her events. Winter of the Metal People, by Dennis Herrick, moved up to #14 thanks to author activities. Jim Remsen’s Visions of Teaga slipped to #16. Guy Graybill’s Whimsy and Wry rounded out the list, thanks to author activities.

The company released five new titles during the month of January

SUNBURY PRESS – New Releases for January, 2015
Malaformed Realities Volume 1	Thomas Malafarina	Thriller Fiction
Beagle Tales 5	Bob Ford	Pet Humor
Courting Doubt and Darkness	J. M. West	Thriller Fiction
The Bookseller’s Secret	Catherine Jordan	Thriller Fiction
How to Achieve Peace of Mind	Dorsman & Davis	Mindfulness

For a list of Sunbury’s best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm
For a complete list of recent and upcoming releases, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/COMING-SOON_c47.htm

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“Shadows in the Shining City” is John Cressler’s prequel to “Emeralds of the Alhambra”

ATLANTA — Sunbury Press has released John D. Cressler’s latest novel “Shadows in the Shining City,” the 2nd book in the Anthems of El-Andalus Series.

About the Book:

The Golden Age of Moorish Spain was during the 10th century, a time when the benevolent Syrian Arab Caliphs ruled Iberia from Córdoba, the site of the iconic Great Mosque and home to the Royal Library, one of the largest collections of ancient books ever assembled. 10th century Córdoba was the richest, most populous, and most cultured city in the western world. Under the tolerant Muslim Caliphs, the pinnacle of convivencia was attained, that unique period of Spanish history when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in relative harmony and peace. Multicultural Córdoba was an enlightened city that treasured its books, celebrated art and literature, advanced science and medicine, and its myriad accomplishments were envied by both the west and the east alike.

Shadows in the Shining City is a prequel to Emeralds of the Alhambra, and the second book in the Anthems of al-Andalus Series. Shadowstells the story of the forbidden love between Rayhana Abi Amir, a Muslim princess of the Royal Court, and Zafir Saffar, a freed slave. Young love blossoms in 10th century Madinat al-Zahra, the Shining City, the Caliph’s magnificent Royal Palace located just outside of Córdoba. Their love story is set against the backdrop of the epic rise to power of Rayhana’s ruthless father, a man history will come to both celebrate and revile for the role he plays in dooming the bright future of Moorish Spain.

Praise for John D. Cressler’s

Shadows of the Shining City

“An inspiring and deeply moving novel on both the nature of love and the many beautiful possibilities brought to life when religions learn to coexist.”

—Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

 

“A mesmerizing love story … filled with vivid historical descriptions of treachery and strategies in politics, religion, power, and love during the Golden Age of Moorish Spain.”

—Valerie Jackson, In Conversation (Between the Lines),

National Public Radio

 

“This is the second novel in Cressler’s Anthems of al-Andalus Series, where the legacy of the Arab/Islamic civilization in medieval Spain, with its refinements, its enduring tolerance, and its esthetic dynamism is celebrated. A novel about love, political strife, and cultural conflicts, it is written in a rich and shimmering style carrying an implicit message on the value of recognizing the achievements of the “other,” and asserting the fact that there is no fixed center for human creativity and progress.”

—Salma Khadra Jayyusi, poet, writer, and literary historian.

Founder and Director of EAST-WEST NEXUS/PROTA for the

Dissemination in English of Arabic cultural achievements

“An enthralling narrative to a shocking history. In this novel of 10th century Spain during the critical transition in the Muslim world from a progressive leader to a cruel megalomaniac, the author brings the reader straight into the landscape, the majesty and the struggles for power which cast the shadows upon al-Zahra, the Shining City. Cressler brilliantly weaves together fact and fiction, passion and intrigue, the throes of love, and the violence of war. With great attention to detail, he artfully unfolds the drama of a young and forbidden love, exquisitely keeping us rapt in the story, wondering in each moment, what will happen next?”

—Rabbi Rachael M. Bregman, Temple Beth Tefilloh

 

“Another tour de force! Cressler submerges us in a luxurious narrative evoking the loves, lives, intrigue, and history of 10th century Córdoba, a time of religious and political amity among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Our master storyteller provides a cautionary tale of how human desire can corrupt the power of love through the love of power. We cheer for Rayhana and Zafir while we witness the horror of books burning on the pyre of one man’s insane desire to stem the love of knowledge. We rejoice in the many triumphs of al-Andalus, yet despair at lessons not yet learned about how human beings may live and love together. Shadows in the Shining City is a lovely, moving, and inspiring story of how it might have been. We believe!”

—Professor Susan Abraham, Loyola Marymount University

“Cressler is a master of meticulously researched detail. His intricately woven characters plumb the depths of love and fear, cunning treachery and wisdom, immersing the reader into the heart of 10th century al-Andalus as it balances on the edge of a cosmic shift, with repercussions that continue to reverberate today. What better way to learn history than through the eyes of lovers both young and seasoned: lovers of books and scientific discovery, of beauty and of harmony among diverse peoples, and ultimately, human love that defies all obstacles to proclaim,

‘I believe’!”

—Cathy Devlin Crosby,Cofounder of Neshama Interfaith Center

 

“Cressler is a master of rich description, pulling the reader into each scene. An incredible love story supported and sustained by the remarkable coexistence of religions that characterized that magical era. (We) are left yearning for a return to convivencia.”

—Father Bruce Maivelett, S.J., Jesuit Superior,

Ignatius House Retreat Center

 

“Cressler’s suspenseful novel, set at a decisive moment in Spain’s pre-modern history, challenges our all too comfortable prejudices about medieval culture as the eternal dark “other,” an allegedly primitive and less cultured period we have long left behind. Under the deceptive garment of an engaging love story, Cressler reveals the human continuities between the medieval past and the modern present, confronts twenty-first century religious intolerance with the decline of a relatively peaceful convivencia among tenth-century Spanish Muslims, Christians, and Jews, and celebrates the powerful role of learning and intellectual curiosity for interfaith dialogue.”

—Professor Richard Utz, Chair, School of Literature, Media and Communication, Georgia Tech, and President,

International Society for the Study of Medievalism

“Cressler has done it again! He has woven an intricate and fascinating web in 10th century Córdoba from the threads of court intrigue, war, lust for power, passion, and most of all, love. The author reminds us that the most powerful force available has always been, and will always be, love; and that people from different cultures and religions can not only live together in peace, but also thrive and flourish even more profoundly in diversity. Cressler helps us all to believe that these highest values are still attainable and worth fighting for. A great read with a heartfelt message for today’s world!” 

—Marian Monahan,Cofounder of Neshama Interfaith Center

“Cressler is a vivid writer who creates a breathtaking adventure that is both intensely entertaining and informative. The reader is immersed in the cultural, religious, and scientific currents of one of the most remarkable periods of Spanish history. I look forward to the next one!”

—Father Thomas Kenny, S.J., Chaplain and Teacher,

Atlanta Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

 

 

Reader Reviews

“Cressler has done it again! Against a tapestry of historical grandeur and religious conflict in 10th century Spain, he has woven a compelling tale of political intrigue, cultural turmoil, and forbidden love. Page turning was never so easy, or so unstoppable! Can’t wait for the third installment of this memorable trilogy!”

—Roger A. Meyer, M.D.

“A medieval masterpiece filled with love, intrigue, betrayal, and passion … (that) leaves the reader thirsting for more!”

—Dennis Day

“A superbly written novel (that allows readers) to glimpse the complex events that shaped Spain … (and) become living witnesses to a slice of the history of al-Andalus, which Cressler brings to life with such love and care.”

—Acar Nazli

“Takes you into the intrigue of a sophisticated civilization in medieval Córdoba. Full of ambitious plots, secrets, and true love. It kept me on the edge of my seat!”

—Trish Byers

“A love story inspiring to those lucky enough to have been loved unconditionally, and to those who hope for such a blessing someday. This riveting story kept me on edge throughout.”

—Preston Bennett

“A fast-paced, fun read that makes medieval Spain come alive. Characters of differing cultures and faiths come to life in a way that shows the goodness that is possible when we are tolerant.”

—Patty Smith

“A love story (that) will make you see that times change but mankind remains the same; capable of great love and awful treachery. Take a trip back to 10th century Spain and see people of faith—Muslim, Christian, and Jew—live with and love one another. There is hope for us all and it begins with love.”

—Bud Treanor

“I have undergone an education about a period of time of which I knew little, and best of all is that in becoming educated, I was thoroughly entertained!”

—Bob Wilhelm

 

“You will be awestruck (and) your breath will be taken away over and over again as you read the beautiful love story of two young people … whose unwavering love outshines the powerful, intriguing political forces set against their union.”

—Denise Black

“(Cressler is) a first-rate storyteller. Wonderful three-dimensional characters, dramatic situations, and fascinating historical and cultural details.”

—Tom Nadar, Ph.D.

“Exhilarating! A beautifully told story of love that finds a way to triumph. Historically compelling, with characters that make the time come alive.”

—Tom Jablonski

“Weaves fiction and fact into a suspenseful, intriguing, passionate saga. A compelling story exploring themes of love, religion, and the thirst for power. A must read!”

—Barbara Nalbone

 

Shadows in the Shining City: Book Two of the Anthems of al-Andalus Series

Authored by John D. Cressler

List Price: $24.95
6″ x 9″ (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Black & White on White paper
606 pages
Sunbury Press, Inc.
ISBN-13: 978-1620063453
ISBN-10: 162006345X
BISAC: Fiction / Historical

Coming soon on Kindle and Nook

For more information, please see:

http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Shadows-in-the-Shining-C…

 

 

 

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Cressler’s “Shadows” in the limelight! Sunbury Press bestsellers for June 2014

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released the bestsellers list for June, 2014. John Cressler’s novel “Shadows in the Shining City” led the way.

About Shadows in the Shining City

The Golden Age of Moorish Spain was during the 10th century, a time when the benevolent Syrian Arab Caliphs ruled Iberia from Córdoba, the site of the iconic Great Mosque and home to the Royal Library, one of the largest collections of ancient books ever assembled. 10th century Córdoba was the richest, most populous, and most cultured city in the western world. Under the tolerant Muslim Caliphs, the pinnacle of convivencia was attained, that unique period of Spanish history when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together in relative harmony and peace. Multicultural Córdoba was an enlightened city that treasured its books, celebrated art and literature, advanced science and medicine, and its myriad accomplishments were envied by both the west and the east alike.

Shadows in the Shining City is a prequel to Emeralds of the Alhambra, and the second book in the Anthems of al-Andalus Series. Shadows tells the story of the forbidden love between Rayhana Abi Amir, a Muslim princess of the Royal Court, and Zafir Saffar, a freed slave. Young love blossoms in 10th century Madinat al-Zahra, the Shining City, the Caliph’s magnificent Royal Palace located just outside of Córdoba. Their love story is set against the backdrop of the epic rise to power of Rayhana’s ruthless father, a man history will come to both celebrate and revile for the role he plays in dooming the bright future of Moorish Spain.

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for June, 2014 (by Revenue)
Rank	Last Month	Title	Author	Category
1	–	Shadows in the Shining City	John Cressler	Historical Fiction
2	1	Revolt!	Terry Ray	Political Fiction
3	3	The Cursed Man	Keith Rommel	Thriller Fiction
4	9	The Closer	Alan Mindell	Sports Fiction
5	–	Pit Bulls	Anthony Julian	History
6	–	Call Sign Dracula	Joe Fair	History
7	12	Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last	Mike Campbell	History
8	18	The Lurking Man	Keith Rommel	Thriller Fiction
9	–	Pit Bulls II	Anthony Julian	History
10	15	Winter of the Metal People	Dennis Herrick	Historical Fiction
11	–	Twilight of the Drifter	Shelly Frome	Literary Fiction
12	–	At the End of the Day	Madelyn Killion	Literary Fiction
13	–	Emeralds of the Alhambra	John Cressler	Historical Fiction
14	–	The Death of Obsession	Ray Fashona	Thriller Fiction
15	–	The Sinful Man	Keith Rommel	Thriller Fiction
16	–	A Darker Shade of Freedom	C James Gilbert	Historical Fiction
17	–	Jesus the Phoenician	Karim El Koussa	History
18	–	The Machine	Horace J Taylor	African Am Fiction
19	17	Hour 30	Brandon Musgrave	Medical Memoir
20	–	Sanctuary Dishonored	Robin Lee	Art History

Sunbury Press enjoyed the best June ever. Sales were up 33% over last year. For the six months ended June 30, Sunbury Press had its best start to a year ever, its 10th year in business. Sales were up 11% over last year’s start. Trade paperbacks led the way with an 18% increase year over year. The company also reintroduced hard cover books with several titles this month. They outperformed the entire ebook category. Ebooks continued their decline from their peak in 2012, dropping 20% in June, as compared to last June.

John Cressler’s novels Shadows in the Shining City and Emeralds of the Alhambra were helped by advance sales in preparation for a July 22 release party. Terry Ray’s Revolt! continued to sell briskly in upstate Pennsylvania. Keith Rommel’s The Cursed Man, The Lurking Man & newly released The Sinful Man sold well thanks to promotional activities for a limited edition hardcover, strong sales at Rocky’s Hardware and interest in The Cursed Man movie. Alan Mindell’s The Closer climbed back up the chart thanks to sales to San Diego area bookstores. Anthony Julian’s Pit Bulls I & Pit Bulls II benefitted from the First Friday event at the Sunbury Press store and the release of hard cover editions. Joe Fair’s Call Sign Dracula was #6 thanks to author activity at military unit reunions. Mike Campbell’s Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last climbed to #7 on the winds of interest in the anniversary of the loss of the aviatrix. Dennis Herrick’s Winter of the Metal People climbed to #10 thanks to sales in New Mexico. Shelly Frome’s Twilight of the Drifter and Madelyn Killion’s At the End of the Day were two older novels helped by author activities. Ray Fashona’s The Death of Obsession was spurred by sales at a book expo in upstate New York. Recently released A Darker Shade of Freedom by C James Gilbert was bolstered by author activities in the Gettysburg area. Karim El Koussa’s Jesus the Phoenician returned to the charts thanks to interest in Europe. The Machine, by Horace Taylor, charted thanks to author activities. Brandon Musgrave’s Hour 30 continues to be the top ebook, ranking #19 overall. Robin Lee’s Sanctuary Dishonored rounded out the list.

The company released five new titles during the month of June:

SUNBURY PRESS – New Releases for June, 2014
Electric Funeral	Mark Slade	Horror Fiction
When Heroes Were Giants, 2 ed	James Witherell	Sports History
Impresario of Terror	Jack Adler	Thriller Fiction
The Sinful Man	Keith Rommel	Thriller Fiction
My Mom Is an Alien	Joanne Risso	Childrens Fiction

For a list of Sunbury’s all-time best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm
For a complete list of recent and upcoming releases, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/COMING-SOON_c47.htm

 

 

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Mike Campbell is the Sunbury Press Author of the Year for 2013 — Other “Sunnies” winners announced

Mechanicsburg, PA — Mike Campbell’s thoroughly researched solution to the Amelia Earhart mystery, Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last, was the top selling book for Sunbury Press in 2013, taking Sunny awards for overall sales and for the nonfiction category. Karim El Koussa’s Jesus the Phoenician, questioning the origins of Jesus Christ, was a close second. The Sunny for the top fiction book of 2013 went to John Cressler for his Emeralds of the Alhambra.  Anthony Julian, author of Pit Bulls, won Emerging Author of the Year. Following are the top books for 2013:

SUNBURY PRESS – Bestsellers for 2013 (by Revenue)
Rank	Title	Author	Category
1	Amelia Earhart: The Truth at Last	Mike Campbell	History
2	Jesus the Phoenician	Karim El Koussa	Christian
3	Hour 30	Brandon Musgrave	Medical Memoir
4	Emeralds of the Alhambra	John Cressler	Historical Fiction
5	Pit Bulls	Anthony Julian	Pets
6	The Sign of the Eagle	Jess Steven Hughes	Historical Fiction
7	Winter of the Metal People	Dennis Herrick	Historical Fiction
8	Keystone Tombstones Volume 2	Joe Farrell & Joe Farley	History / Biography
9	Keystone Tombstones Volume 1	Joe Farrell & Joe Farley	History / Biography
10	“Patsy!” – The Life and Times of Lee Harvey Oswald	Douglas Brode	HIstorical Fiction
11	There Is Something About Rough and Ready	Lawrence Knorr, et al	History
12	Keystone Tombstones Civil War	Farrell, Farley & Knorr	War Biography
13	Of Guilt and Innocence	John Scanlan	Police Procedural
14	Five Drops of Estrogen	Nirmal Joshi	Biography / Memoir
15	Rockabilly Rebel: Known and Unknown Stars I’ve Known	Mack Allen Smith	Music
16	In the Shadow of a Mountain	Susan Daigneault	War Biography
17	Linnea’s Kitchen: Yummy Ayurvedic Recipes and Life Lessons	Linnea Jepson	Cookbook
18	Raising Monarchs	Sue Fox McGovern	Self-Help
19	The Closer	Alan Mindell	Literary Fiction
20	That Night at Surigao	Ernest Marshall	History

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“Monarchs” rule the July bestseller list at Sunbury Press

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — “Raising Monarchs,” Sue Fox McGovern’s book about raising butterflies in the backyard,  was #1 thanks to author events in Illinois.  Dennis Herrick’s “Winter of the Metal People,” a historical novel about the Tiguex War in New Mexico ranked #2 due to author events in that state.

Sunbury’s sales for July 2013 were up 19% over July 2012, making it the best July ever for the company.  Year to date, sales are up 32% over last year.  EBook sales continued to be flat while print sales were up. “The eBook trend continues,” said publisher Lawrence Knorr. “The Nook platform is down 54% this month as compared to last year. Kindle is also down a bit.  Our sales increase is primarily due to direct sales from our eCommerce site.”

Dr. Nirmal Joshi’s newly released “Five Drops of Estrogen,” a memoir about the female influences in his life, grabbed the 3rd spot thanks to author activity

“The Closer,” Alan Mindell’s baseball novel, took the 4th spot thanks to online sales.

John Cressler’s “Emeralds of the Alhambra,” last month’s #1, slipped to 5th, but continues to sell steadily.

Markus Roberts’ “More Bread Please” ranked 6th due to author events.

The Joe’s — Farrell and Farley — took the 7th spot with “Keystone Tombstones Civil War” thanks to interest in the Gettysburg 150th anniversary.

David Parmalee’s “The Sea is a Thief” slotted at #8 thanks to summer sales along the Virginia coast.

Mike Campbell’s “Amelia Earhart – The Truth At Last” moved up a notch, taking #9 on the list, thanks to continued steady sales.

The late Linnea Jepson’s “Linnea’s Kitchen” cookbook nabbed #10 thanks to online sales.

Following are the top overall print sellers by category:

History / Memoir – “Five Drops of Estrogen” by Nirmal Joshi
Fiction  – “Winter of the Metal People” by Dennis Herrick
Horror/Mystery – “A Dead Issue” by John Evans
Children/YA – “In the Field” by Joanne Risso
The Arts – “As a Guest of Clive Barnes” by Susan Emmi
Self-Help – “Raising Monarchs” by Sue Fox McGovern
Metaphysical/Spiritual – “Messages from Beyond” by Michele Livingston
Reference – “Linnea’s Kitchen: Yummy Ayurvedic Recipes and Life Lessons” by Linnea Jepson

The company released six new titles during the month of July:
“The Book of Zane” by Tess Almendarez Lojacono
“The Lust for Reverence” by A. Gimbernat
“A Dead Issue” by John Evans
“Love, Sex and Other Near Death Experiences” by Michael Brown
“Wild Life” by C. A. Masterson
“Five Drops of Estrogen” by Nirmal Joshi

For a list of Sunbury’s all-time best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm

For a complete list of recent and upcoming releases, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/COMING-SOON_c47.htm

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John Cressler’s debut novel “Emeralds of the Alhambra” is a love story based in medieval Spain

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — Sunbury Press has released author John Cressler’s “Emeralds of the Alhambra: Book One of the Anthems of al-Andalus Series.”

About the Book:
How could we forget? We live in a world being torn apart by religious tensions and fanaticism, yet we managed to forget that for hundreds of years Christians, Muslims and Jews lived together in peace, sharing languages and customs, embracing a level of tolerance and mutual respect unheard of today. Working together, these three peoples spawned one of the great intellectual and cultural flowerings of history. When and where? Medieval Spain. Our aching world desperately needs to recall this forgotten fact, these rich possibilities.

Emeralds of the Alhambra, a historical novel, reawakens this remarkable era via the relationship between William Chandon, a wounded Christian knight brought to the Sultan’s court in Granada, and the strong-willed Layla al-Khatib, who is on a quest to become the first female Sufi Muslim mystic in a male-dominated society. As Chandon’s influence at court grows, he becomes trapped between his forbidden love for Layla, his Christian heritage, the demands of chivalry, and political expediency. Chandon must make a choice between love and honor, peace and war, life and death, a choice which ultimately will seal Granada’s fate as the last surviving stronghold of Muslim Spain.

Emeralds is set in the resplendent Alhambra Palace in Granada during the Castilian Civil War (1367-1369), a time when, improbably, Muslims took up their swords to fight alongside Christians.

Praise for “Emeralds of the Alhambra”:
“A deeply moving and enlightening novel on the co-existence of religions.”
─Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

“…Cressler has woven an imaginative and intricately persuasive story…[a] vivid and gorgeous world of romance, intrigue, murder and negotiations between multiple religions in medieval Spain…[a] story of love between human beings, for God, and for the creation so graciously bestowed on us. A thoroughly gripping and engaging first novel.”
─Professor Susan Abraham, Harvard Divinity School

“…Seamlessly weaves history, religion, passion, loyalty and romance into a compelling, beautifully-written narrative which brings [the reader] into the richness, majesty and complexities of this different, yet alluring world…”
─Rabbi Rachael M. Bregman, Temple Beth Tefiloh
and Rabbis Without Borders

“… More than ever, we need stories like Cressler tells, confirming the transformative power of relationships. Cressler illuminates the beauty and meaning found in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, reviving an important shared history…”
─Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith Youth Core

“…A work of honesty and sensitivity that renders in depth, and with painterly detail, the living contours of a great civilization that the modern world needs to re-discover…A moving story of love across boundaries, set at a critical point in history…with unmatched and vivid descriptions of place, lifestyle, manners and practices…”
─Salma Khadra Jayyusi, poet, writer, and literary historian.
Founder and Director of EAST-WEST NEXUS/PROTA for the
dissemination in English of Arabic cultural achievements

“[Cressler’s] compelling characters and vivid imagery bring this tale of intrigue and barrier-breaking relationships to life in a way that even a visit to the Alhambra did not…[Celebrates] the power of love to forge human hearts into timeless bonds.”
─Cathy Devlin Crosby, Cofounder of Neshama Interfaith Center

“A captivating love story that speaks deeply to the purest and most humane places of the heart. A highly enjoyable and enthusing novel.”
─Aytekin Erol, Lawyer Society of Cinematographic
Work Creators, Istanbul

“Emeralds of the Alhambra has it all – mystery, intrigue, duels and interfaith romance…Cressler artfully draws us into the fascinating lives of the novel’s main characters with vivid prose. We experience the blows and blood of the fierce battles between enemies, as well as the luminosity and laughter of spell-bound lovers…Transports readers back to medieval Spain and offers them a peek behind la Convivencia and all the rivalry, romance and complex relationships that existed between Jews, Christians and Muslims.”
─Tayyibah Taylor, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
of Azizah Magazine

“…A story of passionate love…and the spiritual quest for God…Cressler adds a most important element to the mix by weaving in the “problem” of how to reconcile interfaith concerns, [making] this wonderful novel especially prescient for the third millennium.”
─Marian Monahan, Cofounder of Neshama Interfaith Center

“History, conquest, and a captivating love story…Dares us to engage in conversations with those of different faiths. This is more than a novel, it is a resource.”
─Angela Harrington Rice, Senior Executive Producer,
Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters

“[Cressler] has a finely-tuned, sensuous capability to drink in and pass on exquisite sights, smells, colors, sounds and tastes…[At] the deepest level…Cressler helps [the reader] understand the…overwhelmingly powerful force that love truly is…and the role love plays in our experience of the Divine.”
─Father Gene Barrette, Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette

“…The novel’s rich and descriptive narrative serves as a call from the past, challenging us to realize that more is possible than we dare imagine. In its pages are found nearly everything that makes us human…”
─Professor John B. Switzer, Spring Hill College,
Cofounder and Director of the Muslim,
Jewish, Christian Trialogue

About the Author:
JOHN D. CRESSLER is Ken Byers Professor at Georgia Tech (Atlanta), and the author of five non-fiction books. Emeralds of the Alhambra is the first release in the Anthems of al-Andalus series and his debut novel. Visit the author at http://johndcressler.com.

Emeralds of the Alhambra: Book One of the Anthems of al-Andalus Series
Authored by John D Cressler
List Price: $19.95
6″ x 9″ (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Black & White on White paper
444 pages
Sunbury Press Inc
ISBN-13: 978-1620061978
ISBN-10: 162006197X
BISAC: Fiction / Historical

For more information, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/Emeralds-of-the-Alhambra…

Soon to be available on Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader & Kobo

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Medium Michele Livingston’s “Messages from Beyond” tops Sunbury Press’s May bestseller list

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — “Messages from Beyond”, Michele Livingston’s spiritual guidebook relating the popular medium’s views on metaphysical topics,  was #1 thanks to author events and activities. John Cressler’s “Emeralds of the Alhambra,” a soon-to-be-released historical romance based in medieval Spain ranked #2 due to pre-sales.

Sunbury’s sales for May 2013 were up 28% over May 2012, with growth in eBooks outpacing growth in print. “Our strong start continues,” said publisher Lawrence Knorr. “Sales are up 49% year-to-date compared to last year. We’ve just returned from BEA with even more ideas on how to grow the top and bottom lines and increase opportunities for our authors.”

The just-released special Civil War edition of the “Keystone Tombstones” series by Joe Farrell and Joe Farley (with Lawrence Knorr) debuted at #3 thanks to author events and local interest.

Mike Campbell’s “Amelia Earhart – The Truth At Last” moved up a few notches, taking #4 on the list, despite TIGHAR’s attempts to debunk the author’s theories.

Anthony Julian’s “Pit Bulls,” containing historic photographs of the pets with their families, continues to sell briskly, ranking #5.

Charles “Ken” Godfrey’s “The Final Charge,” a revisionist history fantasy about the Battle of Gettysburg and Pickett’s Charge, returned to the charts thanks to the pending 150th anniversary of the battle.

Doug Brode’s “Patsy!”. about Lee Harvey Oswald’s involvement, or lack thereof, in the Kennedy assassination, continued to sell well thanks to a national advertising campaign.

Doug Gibboney’s just released “More Scandals of the Civil War” debuted at #8 thanks to author activities.

Shelly Frome’s novel “Tinseltown Riff” grabbed a spot on the chart thanks to upcoming author events in Connecticut.

Bob Ford’s “Beagle Tales 3” rounded out the list thanks to author events.

Following are the top overall print sellers by category:

History / Memoir – “Keystone Tombstones Civil War” by Joe Farrell, Joe Farley & Lawrence Knorr
Fiction  – “Emeralds of the Alhambra” by John Cressler
Horror/Mystery – “Of Guilt and Innocence” by John Scanlan
Children/YA – “The Ghosts of Laurelford” by Margaret Meacham
The Arts – “As a Guest of Clive Barnes” by Susan Emmi
Self-Help – “Linnea’s Kitchen: Yummy Ayurvedic Recipes and Life Lessons” by Linnea Jepson
Metaphysical/Spiritual – “Messages from Beyond” by Michele Livingston
Reference – “Linnea’s Kitchen: Yummy Ayurvedic Recipes and Life Lessons” by Linnea Jepson

The company released five new titles during the month of May:
“Whimsy and Wry” by Guy Graybill
“Diamond Madness” by William Cook
“More Scandals of the Civil War” by Douglas Gibboney
“More Bread, Please” by Markus Roberts
“Keystone Tombstones Civil War” by Farrell, Farley & KNorr

For a list of Sunbury’s all-time best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/BESTSELLERS_c3.htm

For a complete list of recent and upcoming releases, please see:
http://www.sunburypressstore.com/COMING-SOON_c47.htm

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