Mechanicsburg, PA — Sunbury Press, the trade publisher based in Pennsylvania, has released its list of top selling novels of all time:

The Closerby Alan Mindell — R. A. Dickey was the first knuckleball pitcher to ever win a coveted Cy Young Award–despite spending most of his career in the minor leagues.  Terry Landers, also a knuckleballer, is Dickey`s fictional counterpart in The Closer.  The main difference, aside from winning the Cy Young, is that at age thirty-three, Terry has never played in the majors.  Once he finally gets his chance, what follows is the heartwarming story of his impact both on the pitching mound and with a family in distress. “ The Closer is an Award Winning book.  Written with extraordinary compassion and deep attunement to the human psyche, Alan deftly defines the keys to a positive mind and winning the Game of Life.  A book that is sure to change minds.  Alan outlines the secrets to success pertinent in the life of each and every reader.  Everyone wants to be a winner.  From ‘Loser’ to ‘Closer’ – don’t put it down until you’ve reached the end!” —  online reviewer. 

the 100th human by Chris Fenwick — December 2012 – The final day of the 5000 year old Mayan calendar nears.  The world is in turmoil – as wars and international tensions continue.  People everywhere seem lost in the complications of day to day struggles – poverty – misfortune – anger and greed.  A small team of scientists have uncovered a riddle concerning this “End of Days”.  As they reveal the symbolic meaning of the riddle, their serendipitous mission is discovered by the Ancient Fraternity of the Veni Victus – determined to thwart such revelations.  These two powers – of good and evil – converge.  Only the spirits of the ancients know the outcome.  The 100th Human is a spiritual quest delving deeply into matters of physics, metaphysics, evolution and the human condition.  Join Jack, Apu and Alana as they race against time searching for those who can assist in revealing the mystery of the ancient symbols – before time literally runs out. ( THIS TITLE IS OUT OF PRINT)

Winter of the Metal Peopleby Dennis Herrick — The Untold Story of America’s First Indian War.  The first named war between the Europeans and the Native Americans was the nearly forgotten Tiguex War, which Spaniards and their Mexican Indian allies fought in 1540-42 against the Pueblo Indians along the Rio Grande, between present-day Albuquerque and Santa Fe in New Mexico.  This historical novel “Winter of the Metal People” presents the first account of the war written from the Puebloan point of view.  It follows a young Pueblo warrior who reluctantly takes leadership of his people in a time of crisis, overcoming self-doubt to lead Puebloans in successful guerilla warfare against the Spaniards.  Praise for Winter of the Metal People and author Dennis Herrick: “A riveting historical novel of immense scholarship and insight.  Dennis Herrick makes the story of the first American Indians in the West to face the military might of European forces as vivid and real as if Coronado’s expedition had ridden out of Mexico yesterday.  Winter of the Metal People will forever influence your perception of the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of the Southwest. ”—Margaret Coel, author of Killing Custer

The Sign of the Eagle by Jess Steven Hughes — This breathtaking historical novel of action and suspense is set in the year 71 A.D. amid the exotic and vibrant streets of Ancient Rome.  Macha, the strong-willed daughter of a legendary Celtic British king and wife of the Roman tribune, Titus, is the only one who can prove her husband innocent of treason, solve the murders of two slaves who possessed information that could have exonerated Titus, and ultimately save the life of the Roman Emperor Vespasian.  Vivacious and iron-willed, Macha undertakes a dangerous journey and fight for her life to evade assassins through the city’s treacherous back alleys, notorious bath houses, and the awe-inspiring palaces of the Roman elite.  With time running out to save her husband and the emperor from certain death, Macha can count on only two allies, the esteemed Senator Bassus-a family friend-and her faithful slave, a resolute and clever Moorish woman, Shafer.  Arrayed against Macha and Titus are the wealthy and wicked Pollia, once scorned as a bride by Titus, and Falco, a military tribune and womanizer, who offers to be Macha’s protector once Titus is condemned and executed.  Join Macha in her quest to exonerate her husband…and discover the real threat against the Emperor…

The Cursed Manby Keith Rommel — WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF DEATH FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU?  Alister Kunkle believes death is in love with him.  A simple smile from friend or stranger is all it takes to encourage death to kill.  With his family deceased and a path of destruction behind him, Alister sits inside a mental institution, sworn to silence and separated from the rest of the world, haunted by his inability to escape death’s preferential treatment.  But when a beautiful psychologist arrives at the institution and starts offering him care, Alister braces himself for more killings.  When none follow, he tries to figure out whether he truly is insane or if death has finally come to him in the form of a woman.  COMING SOON AS A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE. 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Sunbury Press has released The B Team, Alan Mindell’s novel about one-eyed horse and his amazing rise to fame. 

About the Book:
A one-eyed racehorse in the Kentucky Derby?  His biggest fan is a young boy, himself with only one useful eye.  Seven people, all at key stages of their lives, combine to purchase the horse, One-Eyed Bandit, from a claiming race at Santa Anita.  What follows is the heartwarming chronicle of the horse’s remarkable journey and the inspiration he provides his owners. 

Cory nodded.  Apparently he’d been right about the unlikeliness of Rugged Landing being claimed.  If anyone were interested, Carlos probably would have spotted them while walking with Rugged Landing from the stable area to the receiving barn to here.  Cory had also been right about a breeze—a slight one had sprung up, maybe tempering the stifling heat by five degrees. 

Cory patted the lanky chestnut on the side of his neck.  The valet for Cesar Alvarez, Rugged Landing’s regular jockey, arrived with saddle, girth and stirrups.  Working together, Cory and the valet began affixing the equipment to the horse.  Cory really liked this part of the sport—saddling, meeting the jockey, perhaps strategizing and pre-race anticipation.  He glanced quickly at the odds board and saw that Rugged Landing was five to two, lukewarm favorite in the field of ten. 

“Hey guys… Sucker’s gonna win again.” 

Cory didn’t have to look to know who had joined them.  Nor that the new arrival wore the usual old beat-up tan cowboy hat and bright yellow golf shirt and shorts.  This was a part of the sport Cory didn’t like—dealing with Bill Donley, Rugged Landing’s owner.  In his mid-fifties, Donley had an enormous potbelly and a head markedly too big for his body. 

“Sucker doin’ good?”  Donley inquired. 

“Fine,” Cory grunted. 

“Think we’ll lose him?” 

“Not according to Carlos.” 

“Well, we do, we do.  Main thing… squeeze another win outta the sucker.” 

Cory winced silently.  This horse could win a thousand races and Donley would have no authentic feeling for him.  Once he and the valet finished the saddling, Cory rubbed his hands together, patted Rugged Landing again on the neck and motioned Ramon to walk him around the paddock.  The valet left and while Carlos remained in the stall, Cory and Donley headed for the grass in the center of the paddock, where the jockeys for the race were already assembling.  They had no problem finding Alvarez in Donley’s bright yellow silks, almost the identical color of his shirt and shorts.  Garish, no question, but at least easy to spot during a race. 

“Go get ‘em, jock,” Donley greeted Alvarez. “ Sucker’s ready.” 

Cory winced again.  He was, of course, proud of his affiliation with Rugged Landing—obviously much more than with the horse’s owner.  Alvarez—about forty, muscular and short, even for a jockey—shook Donley’s hand, then Cory’s. 

“You know how to ride him,” Cory said.  He saw no reason for any further instruction to the jockey. 

“Don’t be afraid to crack him a few times,” Donley chimed in, “with your stick.” 

Cory winced once more.  Rugged Landing didn’t need to be whipped.  It was almost an insult.  Pretty much like Cory giving the rider instructions.  The horse knew exactly where he was and what he was doing at every stage of a race.  Simply put, if there was any way he could beat you, he would. 

A track official called for “riders up” and Ramon led Rugged Landing to a spot right in front of them.  Cory boosted Alvarez aboard the horse.  As the track bugler played the call to post, a spectator outside the paddock, probably inebriated, yelled something unintelligible at Alvarez.  Cory watched Rugged Landing step onto the track. 

“Sit with me,” Donley said. “ Wanna talk to you.” 

In truth, Cory would rather sit with Carlos and Ramon, who were moving toward a place along the outer rail of the track.  Donley seemed insistent though, and at least his box seats were in the shade.  On the way Cory paused to gaze at Rugged Landing, jogging past them.  Beyond the horse, he couldn’t help noticing the turf course and infield, the grass on both wilted into an ugly yellowish-brown.  How many times had he been here, at Turf Paradise, over the years?  Two, three thousand?  Maybe more. 

A couple of spectators approached to ask him if he liked his horse today.  He merely nodded and smiled obligatorily.  It didn’t take long to reach Donley’s box, directly above the finish line.  The crowd was sparse—the heat, a weekday, final race on the program.  No question Rugged Landing deserved better than this. 

“Want me to get you a drink?”  Donley asked as they sat down in his seats. “ Or a bet?” 

“Neither,” Cory answered, aware that he was very much an oddity around a racetrack, in both categories.  He’d never acquired a taste for alcohol and didn’t care for the sweetness of soft drinks.  Plain water suited him fine.  And, over the years, the few times he’d bet on his own horses was like the kiss of death.  They’d always lost.  Nor did he have his father’s acumen for betting on other people’s. 

“Thinking about New Mexico,” Donley disclosed. 

“For the summer?” 

“Nah.  Year round.  Since they put in slots down there, purses are much better than here.” 

“Would you send all your horses?”  Cory asked. 

“Least three or four to start.  Interested?” 

Relocation wasn’t a new topic for Cory.  Actually, while driving the short distance to the track an hour ago, he reviewed his options once more. 

About the Author
Alan Mindell has owned and bred racehorses for many years.  His horses have raced at many tracks, including Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar, Golden Gate Fields, Emerald Downs, Turf Paradise, Arlington Park, Tampa Bay Downs and Canterbury Park.  A former standout baseball player at the University of California, Berkeley, he won four gold medals as a sprinter in the 2012 San Diego Senior Olympics and is a world-class 400 meter runner in his age group. 

Mechanicsburg, PA — Joe Fair’s heart-felt memoir of his time as a Black Scarf in the Big Red One in Vietnam, Call Sign Dracula, was the top-selling book for Sunbury Press in 2014, taking the Author of the Year Sunny as well as the top nonfiction book.  Alan Mindell’s The Closer, about a baseball pitcher past his prime making a comeback, was the top fiction book for the year.  Sherry Knowlton won the Sunny for Emerging Author of the Year thanks to her debut thriller novel Dead of Autumn.  Following is a recap of Sunbury Press Sunny Awards over the years:

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. 

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — The Closer, Alan Mindell’s heart-warming baseball novel, ranked #1 due to author activities in California.  Mike Campbell’s Amelia Earhart – The Truth At Last moved up on the list, taking #2, thanks to bookstore and library sales. 

Sunbury Press posted its worst month in two years in January due to the frigid weather, the owners’ vacation to sunny Puerto Rico and focus on the opening of the Sunbury Press bookstore in Mechanicsburg.  Additionally, the company did not release any new titles until very late in the month.  Sales were down across the publishing industry due to record cold temperatures keeping patrons from bookstores in the midwest and northeast,

Dennis Herrick’s Winter of the Metal People, about the Tiguex War in New Mexico between the Spanish conqustadors and Pueblo Indians, jumped to #3 on the list, due to sales in the southwestern US. 

Judi Markowitz’s The View from Four Foot Two, a medical memoir about her daughter, held strong at #4, thanks to media attention. 

Dr. Brandon Musgrave’s medical school memoir, Hour 30, returned to the list at #5, thanks to ebook sales. 

The company released five new titles during the month of January:The Roar of Battle by Ted Brusaw, Max’s Clips by Amanda Brown, Star Power by Jim Whelan and Doug Brode, Controversies in Criminology and Criminal Justice by Norbert Ebisike and Lowlife by John Timmerman. 

For a list of Sunbury’s all-time best-sellers, please see the Sunbury Press web site: