Story works on our hearts and minds, including the subconscious, in ways that nonfiction cannot
—Cindy Bunch, IVP
Barbour is publishing nearly 20 new fiction releases between now and December, including cozy mysteries, historicals, and a number of Amish ction authors. Wanda Brunstetter, whose Amish romances have sold over 10 million copies, has two forthcoming titles with Barbour: Letters of Comfort (Aug.) and Sisters by the Sea (Oct.).
Skyhorse is also publishing into the popular subgenre of Amish ction with The Weaving of Life, the first book in Linda Byler’s New Directions series, slated for publication on April 25. The next book, Tapestry of Love, will release in August, and the third book (not yet titled) is expected in spring 2024.
“I love how Linda juxtaposes a strong, independent female lead character with the traditions, expectations, and constraints of Amish life,” says Abigail Gehring, associate publisher and editorial director at Skyhorse. “She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like depres- sion and abuse, while also giving readers plenty of what they want from the genre—descriptions of luscious Amish food, innocent romantic intrigue, and the promise that somehow everything is going to be okay.”
Chalice Press entered the Christian ction market last year with the launch of Chalice Stories. The first release, Catherine’s Mercy by Nicole Evelina, is slated for publication on June 13 and tells the story of Catherine McCauley, one of the founders of the Catholic religious order Sisters of Mercy. The imprint plans to release 10 books in 2024 and grow output from there. “Sometimes good ction tells the truth more honestly than good non ction,” says Brad Lyons, president and publisher of Chalice. “And we all know the truth can be gritty and a bit unnerving, but it doesn’t have to be.”
Paraclete’s Raven Fiction imprint has two entries in the category: a contemporary suspense by Greg Garrett in Bastille Day (Apr.), as well as a work of literary ction, Renaissance by Susan Fish (Sept.).
Outside of evangelical or Catholic publishers, Inner Traditions is publishing The Madonna Secret by Sophie Strand (Aug.), a work of literary spiritual fiction that explores Jesus’s teachings as well as the life of Mary Magdalene. John Hays, Inner Traditions director of sales and marketing, says the press will continue to look for new acquisitions in fiction “because of the important role storytelling plays in the spiritual process.” He adds, “Although most of the occult, esoteric, and metaphysical books published are nonfiction, the writers and readers of Inner traditions books recognize the importance of the story in the spiritual journey.”
And while it doesn’t yet have any titles on its frontlist, IVP is looking for fiction that focuses on themes of spiritual formation and personal transformation. The press plans to publish three to five novels per year starting in 2024. “Story works on our hearts and minds, including the subconscious, in ways that nonfiction cannot,” says Cindy Bunch, IVP editorial divisional v-p. “Fiction stirs our imagination, and when combined with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, ction can reveal spiritual truth to us in surprising ways.”