Contact: Stephanie Newton, Thomas Nelson, 615-902-2320, snewton@thomasnelson.com

NASHVILLE, Aug. 6 /Christian Newswire/ -- Thomas Nelson, Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of Mary-Ann Kirkby and the release of her first U.S. title I Am Hutterite: The Fascinating True Story of a Young Woman's Journey to Reclaim Her Heritage.

Barnes & Noble has listed Kirkby in its Discover Great New Writers selection for I Am Hutterite. Kirkby's memoir was self-published in Canada in 2007 and released in the U.S. by Thomas Nelson in May 2010. The book has garnered rave reviews as readers react to Kirkby's honest and compelling story told in her charming style. I Am Hutterite won the Saskatchewan Book Award for Best Non-Fiction in 2007.

"Mary-Ann Kirkby has written a remarkable memoir that takes us into a world that is mostly unknown to millions of people," Thomas Nelson Vice President and Publisher Matt Baugher says. "Her experiences of the Hutterite culture as a young girl are masterfully described, and the book's message of tolerance and forgiveness will affect many thousands of readers. It is an honor to publish this great work, and I look forward to the world being introduced to the beautiful life and example of Mary-Ann Kirkby."

Mary-Ann Kirkby was born on a Canadian Hutterite colony near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. One of nine children, Kirkby was raised in the Hutterite tradition, similar in some respects, to that of the Amish or Mennonites. At age 10 her parents abruptly made the decision to leave the comfort and security of the colony and relocated their family to the "English" world. Thrust into a foreign universe that she didn’t understand, Kirkby worked hard to adapt to a new way of life and to reinvent herself by denying her Hutterite heritage in an attempt to avoid the stigma and cruelty associated with being different.

Kirkby spent years as a television journalist before penning her memoir. She was the senior reporter responsible for aboriginal issues at CTV in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and worked in Ottawa for several years as a freelance journalist and as Media Relations Consultant for the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. Kirkby received two Can-Pro Awards. She is a sought after speaker, and member of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.
Thomas Nelson has secured U.S. and World rights to I Am Hutterite.

MARY-ANN KIRKBY IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.
Contact Stephanie Newton, snewton@thomasnelson.com