a Different Interpretation of a Familiar Tale

Novelist Ralph E. Jarrells is pleased to announce the release of the historical novel Jesus * Judas: Best Friends Forever. The novel was published by WordCrafts Press and is available from major online retailers including Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BooksAMillion.com, and in fine bookstores both nationally and internationally, in hardback, trade paperback, and in all major ebook formats.

“At WordCrafts Press, our motto is We Tell Stories,” said publisher Mike Parker, “Ralph E. Jarrells is a master storyteller. Whether you agree or disagree with his interpretation of the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Jesus * Judas: Best Friends Forever is sure to make you take a step back and ponder the greatest story ever told.”

It was a magical night.

Clear. So clear that you could see forever. A million, million stars filled the blackness, the moonless sky, from border to border, from north to south, from east to west. The stars seemed so close, as if you could reach out and touch them. Like you could reach up, swirl your hand around and capture a handful of them. So many stars they must have multiplied just for that special night.

Then… a sudden flash… in the East. A blinding flash as bright as the sun. It brightened the eastern sky. As the light faded, there was in the same place a star, ten times brighter than any other. Was it a sign? What could it mean?

This celestial manifestation was an announcement of the birth of a man who would change the world.

His name as Judah bar Simon. But you know him as…
Judas Iscariot.

Jesus * Judas: Best Friends Forever, which is available in hardback, trade paperback, and all major ebook formats, is already generating a buzz among readers. The paperback version of the novel debuted on Amazon.com’s Bestseller chart at Number 35 in the Religious History Fiction category and at Number 36 in Ancient History Fiction. The hardback version followed close behind at Numbers 38 and 39 on the respective charts..

Jesus * Judas: Best Friends Forever follows on the heels of Jarrells’ previous historical fiction novel, Fiery Red Hair, Emerald Green Eyes, and a Vicious Irish Temper about the notorious female pirate, Anne Bonny, and serves as a fitting introduction to his debut novel, Ill Gotten Gain, which ponders the fate of the 30 pieces of silver Judas received for betraying Christ. All three are available from from WordCrafts Press.

About the Author

Ralph E. Jarrells entered the field of writing novels late in his life after retiring from a career in corporate America that included senior management positions in marketing, advertising and publishing.

Although writing the “Great American Novel” was never in his plans, with the encouragement of his wife, he completed his first novel, Ill Gotten Gain, after entering his 70s.

“This is a good example that you are never to old to start a new chapter in your life,” Jarrells said. “At an age when I should perhaps think about fishing or rocking in a chair overlooking the ocean, finishing my first novel was an accomplishment. Now, having my third novel selected for publication was an honor.”
Connect with Ralph E. Jarrells online at:his website.