(Nashville, TN)  How does an acclaimed Christian romance author top a major release, Smitten, co-authored with three best-selling authors and best friends?  She sets a new first by releasing a new solo work, “Bittersweet Surrender, “as Thomas Nelson Fiction’s first e-only novel.

After a holiday season in which sales of e-reading devices reached an all-time high, Thomas Nelson is pleased to be offering something special to e-readers. “The digital market allows for novels to be released sooner to readers in e-only or e-first editions. As readers experiment with different formats to read their novels in, we are doing so as well,” says Allen Arnold, Sr. VP and Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction.  “We’re excited to bring this novel to Diann’s readers and to introduce her to new readers through the various digital channels.”

Hunt also joined  Colleen Coble, Denise Hunter, and Kristin Billerbeck, to write “Smitten,” also now on sale in print and digital editions.  Representing a ground-breaking first-time collaboration for these four seasoned authors and friends, Smitten is the perfect Valentine’s Day read and is the focus of several retail promotions for the season.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher.  The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events.   Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, TN) Thomas Nelson Fiction is pleased to congratulate author Beth Wiseman on her 2011 Carol Award win for her novel “Plain Paradise”.

“Beth Wiseman is a dream author. As a debut novelist in 2008, she immediately skyrocketed to the bestseller list, has quickly become a top-selling voice in her genre, and is now expanding her brand to write both Amish and Romance novels. Most of all, she’s  a genuine friend and true joy to work with. We couldn’t be more happy for this major recognition of Beth’s writing,” said Allen Arnold, Sr. VP and Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction.

Wiseman, of Fayetteville, TX, accepted her award with a tearful word about the poignancy of the honor and her personal connections to this novel.  “Plain Paradise” deals with an adoption—a woman who was given up at birth and her journey to discover the identity of her biological mother.  Wiseman, too, reconnected with her birth mother, and hears regularly from readers who’ve been touched by “Plain Paradise” and write to share their own adoption stories.

The Carol Awards are the American Christian Fiction Writers’ recognition for the best Christian fiction published by traditional publishing houses in the previous calendar year.  Winners are announced at ACFW’s annual convention, where this year nearly 700 authors and industry professionals attended the awards gala.  Boasting more than 2400 members worldwide, ACFW serves to promote Christian Fiction through developing the skills of its authors, educating them in the market, and serving as an advocate in the traditional publishing industry.

Wiseman’s latest release is “The Wonder of Your Love” (October 2011), an Amish novel set in Colorado, following the real-life migration of Amish communities to the area.  Her spring 2012 release, “Need You Now” is a contemporary romance set in Beth’s home state of Texas.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher and one of the largest trade publishers in the United States.  Originally founded in Scotland, 1798, Thomas Nelson’s Corporate Office is located in Nashville, TN, with its Live Events division, the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events, in Plano, TX.  The Company provides multiple forms of inspirational content including:  Bibles, books, eBooks, journals, audio, video, curriculum and digital applications available for download on “smart” electronic devices.  The Company publishes products through its Thomas Nelson, Tommy Nelson, and Grupo Nelson brand names.  The Company’s self-publishing division, WestBow Press, allows new authors a speed-to-market advantage while also benefitting from Thomas Nelson’s publishing heritage.  Thomas Nelson, Inc. continues to inspire the world, with distribution of products in more than 100 countries.  For more information on the Company, please visit www.thomasnelson.com. 

Nashville, TN—Thomas Nelson Fiction is pleased to announce the signing of new author Shannon Dittemore to its growing roster of gifted storytellers.  Dittemore’s debut young adult series—a supernatural, romantic trilogy—will launch with first installment Angel Eyes in summer 2012.

“Thomas Nelson is passionate about expanding our footprint in Young Adult Fiction – with stories that offer teens a mix of suspense, romance, and hope while addressing the spiritual dimensions of life. Shannon is a fresh new voice who we’re honored to partner with in this potent supernatural series of beauty, betrayal and faith that teens will love – and be transformed by.” said Allen Arnold, Senior VP and Publisher, Thomas Nelson Fiction.

“I’m a firm believer that books open doors into the imagination and remind us that we should venture there often. I hope my stories remind readers that life is to be lived. And while you may fall into dark places along the way, light is as close as the prayer on your lips,” said Shannon. An experienced actress, youth minister, and mother, Shannon attended Portland Bible College. She and her family live in Northern California.

For more information about Shannon, visit www.shannondittemore.com.

Nashville, TN—Two Thomas Nelson authors took home wins in the first-ever INSPYs, the Bloggers’ Award for Excellence in Faith-Driven Literature.  Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Amish Fiction) and Green by Ted Dekker (Speculative Fiction) stood out from an impressive list of titles nominated and short-listed.  The Inspy’s statement of purpose: Recognizing the need for a new kind of book award, the INSPYs were created by bloggers to discover and highlight the very best in literature that grapples with expressions of the Christian faith.

(Nashville, TN)—Bestselling romance authors Colleen Coble , Kristin Billerbeck, Denise Hunter, and Diann Hunt recently inked a deal with Thomas Nelson Fiction to collaborate on Smitten, a collection of novellas about the fictional romantic town of Smitten, Vermont. Smitten will release on December 20, 2011.

The four Smitten authors contribute to a blog together—Girls Write Out—about their writing lives and their friendship.

Thomas Nelson Fiction has broadened its romance offerings recently in direct response to readers’ desire for more hopeful romance stories. READ MORE »