Contact: Liane Worthington, Senior Account Manager/ Publicist, WDC Media PR, 877-862-3600, 570-282-5257, liane@wdcmedia.com

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 /Christian Newswire/ -- Husbands and fathers are facing enormous temptations every day in their lives by being bombarded with all the images of the world and other financial, lustful and emotional enticements, but instead of succumbing to them, they must strive to overcome them as part of the character of manhood, according to Gabriel Pelino, author of “American Daddy--A Father’s Heart Revealed” and founder of Julian Publishing Group.

“Yes, there are temptations, trials and tribulations, but these are just opportunities to be the kind of men God created us to be,” says Pelino. “This is what being a man is all about.  Our manhood must come into play by making Godly choices.”

Pelino, whose mom and dad divorced when he was just six years old, lived with his alcoholic father who lost everything by gambling and drinking.

“There were many a time during my childhood that I yearned for my father’s love, only to face disappointment and the emptiness of a young, lonely life.  I didn’t know it then, but there are many sons who experience such painful childhoods,” Pelino says, “I know now from experience that whatever the shortcomings and feelings of inadequacy of being a man, a husband, and a father, determination and faith can overcome them.”

Pelino recently released "American Daddy--A Father’s Heart Revealed," a deeply moving and dramatic photo essay depicting the power of father-child relationships, and as a result of the successful launching of the book, has become a national spokesman for fatherhood and being what he calls “a real man” in a world that is full of difficult trials.  According to Pelino, the temptations and trials are opportunities to model to wives and children by responding in Christ-centered way.  Pelino says the grounding and centering of Christ in a man’s heart will bring victory to every situation.

“Part of raising children and being a good husband and father is making choices,” Pelino says.  “I am going to make the right choices in order to model them to my family.  This is what we live for as men: to make the right choices.” Pelino believes fatherhood is hard work and that life is not easy given the condition of the world.  But he has found that the Christ in him is greater than the world and instead of shrinking from responsibility, men need to take responsibility.

“Sure we are going to stumble and fall on our faces from time to time,” Pelino says.  “But stand up.  Be a man.  Shake it off and go again and know that you can march through another day because Christ is with you.”

"American Daddy--A Father’s Heart Revealed" captures the essence of relationships between fathers and their children through dramatic and sensitive photography. Such displays weave together compelling, heartfelt stories of what it truly means to be a father. "American Daddy--A Father’s Heart Revealed" uncovers the sensitivity and strength of devoted dads, such celebrating the love of fathers, magic of childhood, and the bond between the two. This coffee-table book includes 35 artistic and poignant black and white photos from award-winning photographer Cynthia Leal. She captures the tender, precious moments that fathers share with their children. Alongside each captivating image is a candid and heartfelt story from the man in the photo, revealing what being a father uniquely means to him. Books can be ordered from www.americandaddy.net