USA Book News Recognizes Historical Fiction Author Jessica James

    GETTYSBURG, PA, November 26, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- USA Book News, the premier online magazine featuring mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of the 2013 USA BEST BOOK AWARDS on November 14. Historical fiction author Jessica James is among the elite group named as a Finalist in the Fiction/Religious category for her latest Civil War novel Above and Beyond.

Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year's contest yielded over 1,500 entries from mainstream and independent publishers, including St. Martin's Press, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Penguin and John Wiley & Sons.

Above and Beyond is the romantic tale of two people thrown together by war and torn apart by destiny. Released in July, 2013, it received a favorable review from Publisher's Weekly, the book industry's top trade magazine, and hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list in the Christian Historical Fiction category.

"The publishing industry has come a long way since I independently published my first book in 2008," James said. "It is gratifying to see that books published by authors can compete, win, and be recognized alongside those of traditional publishing houses."

James, who won the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction for her last Civil War novel Noble Cause, is well known for her ability to describe the emotions and turmoil of the period, and for her expertise in blending romance with historical fiction. Her books have been compared to Gone with the Wind and Cold Mountain, and are widely read by men and women in both the historical fiction and romance genres. Because of their inspirational and historical content, her novels are also used in high schools across the country.

Author Bio: Jessica James is a former newspaper editor who spent 18 years in a newsroom before turning her attention to writing fiction. She has won many national literary awards for her novels set during the American Civil War, including the coveted John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction. She resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is featured in the book 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading, published in 2010. Information about her books and appearances can be found at www.jessicajamesbooks.com.

Patriot Press was created by author Jessica James in 2007 as a way to publish books that emphasize the history of our country and traditional American values. All of Patriot Press' books are proudly printed in the USA and contain wholesome content that is both educational and inspirational.

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