USA Today focuses on the category in a 1,400-word report that notes how "in our sex-soaked society, nothing seems to inflame the imagination quite like the chaste." "It's a huge, huge, huge trend," said romance blogger Sarah Wendell, co-author of a book on romance fiction.

Exploring the popularity of Amish novels, English professor Pamela Regis, author of A Natural History of the Romance Novel, told the newspaper: "Simplicity is a hallmark of that community, and simplicity is powerful."

For many readers, the novels' appeal "is what they don't include-things like graphic violence and profanity," the report says. "A lot of people say, ‘I just want to get away to a place where it's quiet, where people are thoughtful and respect each other, where they go to bed when the sun goes down,' " commented Steve Oates, vice president of marketing at Bethany House, which publishes Beverly Lewis.

"For almost a decade, we were privileged to publish Dr. Phillips's books," said Dennis R. Hillman, publisher at Kregel Publications. Phillips' "passion for God's Word never failed to touch all of us who worked with him," Hillman added. "He was not only a gifted speaker, writer and teacher, he was true Christian gentleman who didn't make much of himself, but made Jesus first in everything."

Around 200 musicians and groups have been nominated in 31 categories for the prizes, whose winners will be announced during the organization's "Called to Serve" conference at Southside Victory Church in Calgary, Alberta, Aug. 27-28.

The UCMVA New artist of the Year for 2003, Maher is in the running for Song of the Year for "Holds Us Together"; Liturgical/Sacramental Song of the Year for "Remembrance (Communion Song)"; and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for "Alive Again." He also had nods for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Alive Again) and Male Vocalist and Artist of the Year.

Ceili Rain sees eight nominations, including for Song of the Year ("I Made Lemonade"); Pop/Contemporary and Modern Rock/Alternative Album of the Year (I Made Lemonade); and Group and Artist of the Year. Founder and singer Bob Halligan Jr. is in contention for Songwriter and Producer of the Year. He is also one of the speakers at the conference.

Founded in 2000, the UCMVA supports and promotes the development of Catholic-oriented Christian music and video.

Click here for a complete list of this year's Unity Awards nominees.

Eaton was chosen at random from more than 750 entries from visitors who registered at participating suppliers' virtual "booths."

Running through Labor Day, Sept. 6, the show is helping stores set themselves for the fall and Christmas seasons with product news, order specials and training. It is the magazine's fourth virtual trade event since debuting the innovative program last year.

Following My Paper Heart were: 2. Born Again (Inpop Records/EMI CMG); 3. Hello Love (sixstepsrecords/EMI CMG); 4. The Best of The Hoppers by The Hoppers (Gaither Music Group/EMI CMG); 5. Tonight by TobyMac (Forefront Records/EMI CMG); 6. Until the Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns (Beach Street Records/Provident-Integrity); 7. Audience of One by Heather Headley (EMI Gospel/EMI CMG): 8. The Light Meets the Dark by Tenth Avenue North (Reunion Records/Provident-Integrity); 9. Counting Stars by Andrew Peterson (Centricity Music/EMI CMG); and 10. A Beautiful Exchange by Hillsong Live (Sparrow Records/EMI CMG).

The tour starts at a LifeWay Christian Store in York, Pa., today, Aug. 9 and concludes at a Family Christian Store in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Aug. 13. The tour will see Brunstetter visit Christian and general market stores.

For more information on the tour and her September visit to Ohio's Amish country, visit www.booktour.com.