Quality + Controversy = Sales

So far this year I've read 80 books, two of which I've marked Favorite: Travelers Rest by Ann Tatlock and My Stubborn Heart (Bethany House Publishers) by Becky Wade. Favorites are those rare books that I will read again. They're the unique novels that seamlessly weave together engaging story, multi-faceted characters, and intelligent prose creating a beautiful literary tapestry that I could view again and again.

I was thrilled to learn that My Stubborn Heart has landed at #18 on the August 2012 CBA Bestseller Fiction List. (Congratulations Becky!!) How exciting to see this debut author's name nestled among those names that have permanent residence on the list: Karen Kingsbury, Ted Dekker, and Francine Rivers.

Her appearance among these bestsellers makes me wonder to what extent controversy  played in propelling those sales. (In my opinion, the controversy was silly. Check out blog posts listed below for more info.) I'm not drawing quality into question here, but rather I'm pondering whether controversy helped draw readers to her book? How many readers picked up this book because they read of the controversy? How many only learned of it because of the controversy.


Personally, I'd love it if my someday-released books would spark a controversy. Just think of the free publicity! But the product I put out has to be quality (as is My Stubborn Heart) or sales will dive as fast as they rise.


What do you think? Is controversy good for Christian fiction? Do you believe it aids or hurts sales?


Blog posts discussing the controversy:

http://mikeduran.com/2012/06/thank-you-bethany-house-publishers/
http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire/2012/05/the-goodness-in-my-stubborn-heart.html
http://www.novelrocket.com/2012/06/realistic-christian-behavior.html
http://www.10minutewriter.com/?p=1805

Travelers Rest

By Ann Tatlock

Bethany House Publishers, 2012

352 pages

When I read, many factors play into how I’ll rank a novel, but three typically stand above the rest: prose, character, and story. It’s a rare novel that meets all three criteria and an ever rarer novel that excels in all three. When an author achieves this, the result is a page-turning, prose-savoring novel that draws the reader in emotionally, making you care deeply for the characters.

TRAVELER’S REST by Ann Tatlock is one such novel. It’s no surprise for me, though, as Ann Tatlock’s work frequently end up on my Favorites list, as this one has. This is definitely a book I will read again and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy thought-provoking fiction.

Story Description

A YOUNG WOMAN determined to honor her commitment...

AN INJURED SOLDIER convinced life is no longer worth living...

A RETIRED DOCTOR certain it's too late to be forgiven... 

Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated. Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. The answer she finds may not be at all what she expected...

About the Author

Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy-Award-winning novel All the Way Home. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Ann lives with her husband, Bob, and their daughter, Laura Jane, in Asheville, North Carolina.

Visit her website at www.anntatlock.com.

Novel Anticipation - More April 2012 Releases

Last week I spotlighted several debut authors releasing their first novel (see Debut Novel Anticipation). Now this week I'm excited to bring you new titles from four of my favorite authors. It's an eclectic group of books, so there should be something for all tastes.

Are there any other April releases you're looking forward to reading?

THE RIDE OF HER LIFE
Lake Manawa Series #3
by Lorna Seilstad

Revell, 384 pages

The Ride of Her Life is the 3rd and final novel in the whimsical Lake Manawa series written by my good friend Lorna Seilstad. As Lorna's critique partner, I've had the privilege of reading this fun book in its early stages and can't wait to read it in its polished form.

Description: The only man pragmatic Lilly Hart needs in her life is a six year old. Widowed two years ago, Lilly leaves the shelter of her intrusive in-laws' home to stand on her own and provide for her young son by working for the summer as a cook at Lake Manawa.

However, her in-laws find that life utterly unsuitable for their grandson, and when a row ensues, a handsome stranger--who designs roller coasters, of all things--intercedes on her behalf. Still, Lilly is not about to get involved with any man, especially this cocky (though charismatic) gentleman. Little does she know she is about to begin the ride of her life.

TRAVELER'S REST
by Ann Tatlock

Bethany House, 368 pages

Ann Tatlock is one of the most gifted wordsmiths around. Reading her novels is akin to listening to a symphony, and her character development is always unique multi-faceted. If you enjoy literary authors, you'll love Ann Tatlock.

Description: Jane Morrow has a dilemma. She's engaged to Seth Ballantine, a member of the National Guard's 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, and he's returned from Iraq severely wounded. Jane hasn't seen him for nearly a year, and with trepidation, she heads to the VA hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, where he is being treated.

Seth isn't happy to see her. He'd asked her not to come. He wants to end the relationship. But Jane loves him, and despite his injury, she's determined to convince him that they can have a life together. Her faith has never been strong, yet she hopes God will answer her prayers and tell her what to do. Beautifully written, Travelers Rest takes readers on a journey through pain and tragedy to a place of hope and redemption.

LEGACY ROAD
by Graham Garrison

Kregel Publications, 256 pages

Legacy Road is Graham Garrison's sophomore effort and a sequel to Hero's Tribute, one of my favorite novels from 2009 (and I'll likely reread it before diving into Legacy Road). I've been looking forward to reading this book for a long time.

Description: Wes Watkins's journalism career took off when he was asked to eulogize Michael Gavin, a stranger to Wes but a hometown hero to the humble folks of Talking Creek, Georgia.

While researching Gavin's life, Wes was confronted with an estranged relationship of his own that he wasn't prepared to address, having ignored for years the occasional letters from his imprisoned father. Wes has chosen to focus instead on his growing career and his budding relationship with Emmy.

His life is looking up . . . until his marriage proposal to Emmy goes south. Left to wonder if he can reconcile with Emmy before she is deployed to Afghanistan, Wes can no longer avoid the other reconciliation that troubles him. But when Wes uncovers a painful truth about his parents' past, patching things up with his father may prove impossible. Wes's life is close to spiraling out of control. Will Wes learn to forgive? Or will the best year of his life turn into the worst?

BECKON
by Tom Pawlik

Tyndale House, 384 pages

Tom Pawlik has quickly proven himself a master in the Christian *horror* genre. After reading his books, you might want to sleep with one eye open.

Description: Some things weren’t meant to be discovered. Three people are each drawn to the small town of Beckon, Wyoming. A young anthropologist researches a Native American legend and makes a terrifying discovery. An ex-cop investigating her cousin’s disappearance finds herself in grave peril. And an aging businessman is lured by the promise of a miracle.

One by one they discover the town’s ghastly secret. The only question is . . . will any of them make it out alive?