Publisher's Weekly names "Quaker Summer" by Lisa Samson one of the "Best Books of the Year"

In a starred review of Quaker Summer ($14.99; 978-1595542076; February 2007) earlier this year, Publishers Weekly hailed Lisa Samson as "one of the most powerful voices in Christian fiction" and "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks." This month, the trade journal bestows another honor on Samson, naming Quaker Summer to their list of "Best Books of the Year."

The gold standard industry trade journal, Publishers Weekly reports to have reviewed a staggering 6000 books in 2007. Their "Best Books of the Year" list is a diverse compilation of the staff's favorite 150 titles across all genres. Three positions on this year's list belonged to religious fiction titles.

"We are thrilled for Lisa to have received this well-deserved honor from Publishers Weekly," said Allen Arnold, Senior Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson's Fiction division. "Lisa continues to impress readers with her compelling writing. Her unique voice makes her a valuable asset in our mission to reach the broadest possible audience with the best stories always told from a Christian worldview."

Samson's novel is in good company. Among the honored selections were National Book Award nominees, Oprah picks, and highly-anticipated releases like J.K. Rowling's conclusion to the Harry Potter series.

Also honored as the 2007 Women of Faith Novel of the Year, Quaker Summer is the compelling story of Heather Curridge, the typical super mom living a life of privilege. But somehow at the end of the day, Heather feels so inadequate. When she wrecks her Suburban outside of Baltimore, things start to fall into perspective. Through this ordeal, Heather comes into close contact with an inner-city nun and a Quaker spinster. Inspired by their radical lives, Heather experiences a summer of awakening and grace. With the help of these remarkable women and her devoted friends and family, she discovers just how much she is able to give.

Lisa Samson is the Christy-award winning author of 19 books and lives in urban Lexington, KY, with her husband and three children. Quaker Summer is her first title with Thomas Nelson. Embrace Me, an intriguing story of love and belonging set in a traveling circus, releases March 4, 2008.

Read our review of Quaker Summer here.