Friday, June 5, 2009

The Love Dare continues to receive awards

The Love Dare—the book that began as a plot device in the number-one 2008 indie theatrical film Fireproof, sold more than 2 million copies and, after 32 weeks remains atop the New York Times bestseller list—received the Platinum Award (more than 1 million sold) from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (EPCA) at its Executive Leadership Summit in late April 2009.

Printed and distributed by B&H Publishing, The Love Dare sells in both paperback and leather-like (much as it appears in the movie Fireproof) “Legacy” editions—and in English and Spanish versions. Churches, groups, and individuals nationwide buy the books in bulk and now order accompanying workbooks.

Since Rick Warren’s release of The Purpose Driven Life, no Christian “advice” book has captured wide public interest like this small series of 40 daily challenges to learn and practice unconditional love for one’s spouse.

“We knew Fireproof would spur book sales but no one could have anticipated all this,” said B&H Marketing Vice President John Thompson. “The EPCA award underscores that the book and movie have long graduated from ‘products’ to a marriage movement. Lives are changing—and that’s why we’re all here.”

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization of nearly 250 member companies worldwide involved in publishing and distributing Christian literature.

The Love Dare was written by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, the brother team that also co-wrote (and produced and directed) Fireproof. A Provident Films production, Fireproof was 2008’s number one independent film at the box office—produced for $500,000 and grossing $33 million. In the movie, after he and his wife have agreed to divorce, firefighter Caleb Holt’s father gives him a handwritten book, a 40-day challenge to love his wife. Audiences left the popular movie asking, “How can I get that book?”

B&H Publishing Group, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, produces some of today’s most sought-after books, Bibles, church supplies, and multimedia products.

Read our review of the Love Dare.
Read our interview with Stephen Kendrick.

Sneak Peak of upcoming Marcher Lord Press novel!

Are you ready to receive the awesome sneak peek at the sequel to Hero, Second Class by Mitchell Bonds?

It's available Monday, June 8.

This 10,500-word excerpt,
"The Istaka Passage,"
was originally part of Hero, Second Class but had to be cut because the book was running too long. So it's a deleted scene--a deleted subplot, actually.

Sir Reginald encounters a tribe of wolf-humanoids and a wimpy male Istaka who longs to win the heart and hand of his beloved. It's a great side story for our hero's mentor.

But now Mitchell Bonds has reworked it to fit in his yet-to-be-announced sequel, the second book in The Hero Complex. So it's also a first look at an upcoming Marcher Lord Press release.

And all you have to do to get your free copy of "The Istaka Passage" is purchase any Marcher Lord Press product on Monday, June 8, 2009.

You can buy a book or a T-shirt, a Kindle version of MLP novels or a craft book on how to write your own novel, an e-book or a virtual art gallery or a short history of marcher lords.

Purchase any Marcher Lord Press product--from the MLP store or from Amazon--and you'll get a link to download "The Istaka Passage" for free. (It's a Word file.)

[Note that if you purchase from the Marcher Lord Press store you don't have to do anything else to receive your free download. MLP staff will see your order and send your link. However, if you purchase from Amazon, you'll need to forward your Amazon receipt e-mail (having removed any credit card information) to Marcher Lord Press so we can see that you bought the item(s) on June 8.]

Mark your calendar!
The fun happens Monday.