About Marianne Evans
From a rainbow in the sky, captured in a precious photograph just hours after I sold my first book, to the moment my 'baby' Devotion landed on bookshelves at Barnes & Noble, I can say with a full heart I've savored every moment of the journey to publication - even the roadways that were tricky...and even emotionally draining...but always worthwhile!
I'm called to write 'Faith-affirming fiction'(TM). Christian inspirational romance, and Christian themed fiction. These are the books I love to read, and love to create.
This season of my journey began when I was blessed to win a writing contest sponsored by Pelican Book Group. Winning the contest is what led to the publication of my Christian inspirational romance debut, Hearts Crossing. This award-winning novella went on to become a four-book series and Amazon best seller.
The Woodland Series provides a look inside the lives and loves of characters you come to know in Hearts Crossing and its sequel, Hearts Surrender. Although Woodland is s a series, each book stands alone as a fully developed, satisfying love story. I hope you enjoy them!
The same holds true for the two series that followed: Sal's Place and Sisters in Spirit. Sal's Place is a tribute to my home town, Detroit, and all things 'Foodie.' Sisters in Spirit is a love song to my passion for Christian music. Next came my Christian fiction debut, Devotion. Devotion earned the coveted Booksellers Best Award from Greater Detroit RWA as well as the Readers Choice Award from Ancient City Romance Authors.
Devotion was followed by my second Christian fiction novel, Forgiveness, which earned the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year award for Best Christian Fiction novel.
Other award winners include: Hearts Communion, which earned top honors from the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year in Romance. Hearts Communion was also named Best Inspirational Romance by Ancient City Romance Authors. My Pure Amore title, Then & Now and my Christmas novella, Finding Home both earned the prestigious Selah Award for Best Contemporary Romance and Best Novella respectively. Bella Natale earned a Selah final shortly thereafter for best novella. The award is given annually by the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Fiction Writers.
How did it all begin? I remember the day clearly. July 22, 1996. My husband and I were headed to northern Michigan to visit my parents. Just as we were heading out the door, the phone rang. It was my agent calling to tell me Kensington Publishing had agreed to purchase my book Friends and Lovers as part of an innovative and exclusive publishing venture with Wal-Mart. These series romances were immensely popular, offered at a price that couldn't be beat. Kensington's Precious Gem imprint launched the careers of many talented authors.
Less than a month later came my second celebration when Right Hand Man was also contracted by Kensington for their Precious Gem line. Soon after came my third release with Kensington, Hannah's Heart.
Now that you know my writing credentials, what else can I share? How about the first question I always ask people? Who's your favorite writer? My list is actually quite long, but there are four who rise to the top of the pile: Karen Kingsbury, Nora Roberts, Elizabeth Lowell, and Ruth Ryan Langan. Check out the pictures below for more on these fabulous writers, mentors, and friends of mine!