Piecing Together a New Fiction Line

by Jennifer AlLee

As you may have noticed, the world of books is in the midst of a shake up. Some publishers are folding, some are being bought and folded into bigger houses. And the new frontier of e-books has everyone scratching their heads. In the current climate, it's rare for a publisher to decide to expand. But that's exactly what Abingdon Press (my publisher - GRIN) is doing.

This is from the official press release...

Beginning October 2012, Christian publisher Abingdon Press will launch a new series, Quilts of Love, as part of their growing fiction line. Based on the idea that behind every heirloom quilt is a story of how it came to be, the Quilts of Love series will focus on the romance and adventures of the women who quilted a part of their family history.  

Senior Acquisitions Editor Ramona Richards believes there is a strong connection between storytelling and quilts. “More than a creative art, quilts have been passed from one generation to another as precious heirlooms. They tell our family history, and they have bought communities together.” As a reflection of Abingdon’s diverse fiction line, the Quilts of Love series will feature contemporary and historical romances as well as women’s fiction and the occasional light mystery.

Abingdon Press will release one book per month through March 2014 beginning with Carolyn Zane’s Storm’s Signal (October 2012). Richards says, “Each book in the series tells the story of one quilt, one family, and one unforgettable love.”

You've probably guessed that I have the honor of being one of the authors involved in this line. My book will be the second release (November 2012) and is also the Christmas title: A Wild Goose Chase Christmas. Whether or not you're a quilter, I believe you'll enjoy this fun, romantic story. Here's a little taste...

Izzy Fontaine’s life takes an unexpected turn when a senior citizen arrives at her front door with an heirloom quilt from her deceased grandmother. Grandma Isabella wanted Izzy to have the Wild Goose Chase quilt because she believed it would lead her grandaughter to a great treasure. The news sends Izzy’s family into a tizzy as they question its monetary value and whether anyone but Izzy is entitled to it. Complicating matters, local museum director Max Logan claims Isabella promised him the quilt. Max seems sincere, and his smile is nearly enough to charm the quilt (and anything else he wants) out of her, but Izzy has to be certain. What is it about this quilt that makes everyone want it? Is she on a wild goose chase of her own, or a journey that will her to the treasure Gran intended?

The Quilts of Love line has something for everybody... contemporary stories, historicals, deep emotional plot lines, and light-hearted romps. I hope you'll enjoy it. And thanks for giving me a few minutes of your day to share the news.

JENNIFER ALLEE believes the most important thing a woman can do is find her identity in God – a theme that carries throughout her novels. A professional writer for over twenty years, she's done extensive freelance work for Concordia Publishing House, including skits, Bible activity pages, and over 100 contributions to their popular My Devotions series. Her first novel, The Love of His Brother, was released by Five Star Publishers in November 2007. Her latest novel, The Pastor’s Wife, was released by Abingdon Press in February 2010. Her next two novels are The Mother Road (April 2012) and A Wild Goose Chase Christmas (November 2012), both from Abingdon Press. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Christian Authors Network, and the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.

Visit Jennifer's website at http://jenniferalleesite.blogspot.com/