'The UnChristmas Story: The One Who Said No' is Released

Joseph A. Mussomeli's new book, The UnChristmas Story: The One Who Said No ($11.99, paperback, 9781498494885; $5.99; eBook, 9781498494892) is part alternate history, part moral fable, and part Christian philosophy. This book seeks to entertain as it explores a crucial, but all too often overlooked aspect of the Christmas story. This story, set in Judea approximately 150 years before the birth of Jesus, seeks to explore some of the challenges and doubts that probably beset Mary as she struggled to accept God's offer. While Judith, the heroine of this story, ultimately rejects God's offer, the fears and temptations she wrestles with are likely the same ones that Mary confronted. She is made of real skin and bone, with blood and not just grace flowing through her veins. Mary, like Judith, must have been someone with deep fears and seductive temptations that she must have struggled to overcome.

Mussomeli writes, "I have spent the last 35 years serving the US government as a diplomat in a variety of places, including several in the Middle East. This short novel highlights in a world 2000 years ago the issues of modern-day religious extremism, terrorism, and political intrigue. After reading this story about the mythical Judith, the historical Mary becomes in our eyes both more human and more heroic."

Joseph Adamo Mussomeli is a retired diplomat. He was the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Slovenia from November 2010 to January 2015 and the Ambassador to the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia from June 2005 to August 2008. As such, he received the 2008 Presidential Distinguished Service Award for improving that bilateral relationship. He and his wife Sharon have three children, Isaac, Alessia, and Thomas.

Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the world's largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 12,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order The UnChristmas Story: The One Who Said No through Ingram Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Media Contact: Joseph A. Mussomeli
Email: jamussomeli(at)yahoo(dot)com

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