Thomas Nelson has expanded its fiction roster to include best-selling novelist Robin
Lee Hatcher; historical author Tracy L. Higley; medical suspense writer Dr. Richard Mabry; and promising newcomer Billy Coffee. “After a year spent conducting market
research through extensive surveys and face-to-face focus groups, we know what
the most passionate Christian fiction readers most want to read next,” says Allen Arnold, Senior VP and Publisher, Thomas
Nelson Fiction. “And
we’re using that knowledge to make strategic acquisitions of what we believe
will be future bestsellers.”
Best-selling novelist Robin
Lee Hatcher is
known for her emotionally-charged romance novels, both historical and
contemporary. Her numerous honors include the Christy Award, the RITA Award for
Best Inspirational Romance, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, and
Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Hatcher’s more than 60
titles include two Thomas Nelson Women of Faith Fiction novels: The
Perfect Life, and Heart
of Gold, released this month. Thomas Nelson has
signed her to a new exclusive multi-book contract, with first release scheduled
for October 2013.
Tracy L. Higley writes riveting, romantic stories showcasing her lifelong interest
in ancient history and mythology. Her Biblical historical fiction is rich
in details she uncovers from frequent travel and research. “It’s my
desire to shine the light of the gospel into the cultures of the past,” says
Higley. “I figure what better way to do that than to visit the cultures
themselves?” Higley’s previous novels have been honored as ECPA Book of the
Year and Christy Award finalists. Garden
of Madness, inspired by the story of mad king
Nebuchadnezzar, releases May 2012 at a special $9.99 introductory price.
When he decided to turn
his attention to fiction, Dr. Richard Mabry had retired from a
distinguished medical career that spanned twenty-six years in private practice
and ten as a professor. His previous medical romantic suspense novels have been
named finalists for Carol and Romantic Times awards. “Dr. Mabry writes
compelling stories and characters with fascinating medical detail. Move
over Robin Cook! Mabry has a bright future,” says fellow best-selling romantic
suspense author Colleen Coble. His exclusive multi-book contract with
Thomas Nelson begins with an April 2013 release tentatively titled Stress Test.
Author Billy
Coffey has
a gift for gentle, emotive stories with rural Southern charm and a supernatural
thread. His novels Snow Days and Paper Angels have received critical
acclaim, named top picks by Christian Retailing and Library Journal.
Publishers Weekly says he evokes “the spirits of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘The
Shack,’ and ‘The Five People You Meet in Heaven.’” He is a regular
contributor to several publications, writing about faith and life, and his road
to authoring fiction. Coffey’s exclusive contract with Thomas Nelson begins
with a May 2013 release, working title Into the Maybe.
Meanwhile, Christian Retailing reports that Bethany House has signed Christy Award-winning author Dee Henderson.
The author of the acclaimed O’Malley series and the Uncommon Heroes series, Dee’s novels have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RWA’s RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, the Holt Medallion, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Golden Quill. Her first novel with Bethany House, a romantic suspense title, will hit shelves in October.