Every publishing house has an origin
From the Publisher's Desk
To Our Readers,
Every publishing house begins with a story.
Some are founded in bustling cities by entrepreneurs and investors. Others emerge from generations of printers, booksellers, and publishers. Parsons House Press began differently. It began with a family story.
For years, I immersed myself in the history of the Parsons family—reading letters, studying genealogy, exploring old maps, walking the places my ancestors once called home, and piecing together the lives of those whose stories might otherwise have been forgotten. What began as historical research gradually became something much larger: a desire to preserve those stories through fiction grounded in historical truth.
As the Sons of Maine series took shape, I realized that I wanted more than a way to publish books. I wanted to create a home for them.
Parsons House Press was founded on the belief that stories rooted in history deserve thoughtful stewardship. Every detail matters—from careful research and honest storytelling to elegant typography, enduring design, and books made to be treasured for generations. We believe a book should be more than a product. It should be an heirloom.
Our name reflects that philosophy. A house is more than a building; it is a place of belonging, memory, and tradition. A press is more than a means of printing; it is a commitment to sharing stories that endure. Together, they represent our purpose: to honor the past while creating works that inspire future generations.
Whether you are holding one of our novels, exploring the history behind them, or simply discovering Parsons House Press for the first time, thank you for joining us. It is our hope that every book we publish invites you to slow down, to reflect, and to remember that history lives not only in archives and museums, but also in the lives of ordinary people whose courage, sacrifices, and dreams continue to shape the present.
Welcome to Parsons House Press.
May these stories find a lasting place in your home, your library, and your heart.
With gratitude,
Julia Burns
Founder & Publisher
Parsons House Press
Every publishing house has an origin.
Some begin in bustling cities, founded by entrepreneurs with ambitious plans for commercial success. Others grow from generations of printers, booksellers, and editors whose names become woven into literary history.
Parsons House Press began in a quieter way.
It began with a question.
What happens when the stories of ordinary people are forgotten?
That question led to years of research into the history of the Parsons family, whose roots stretch deep into the coast and countryside of Maine. Census records, letters, deeds, family Bibles, newspaper accounts, and faded photographs gradually revealed lives marked by resilience, sacrifice, joy, and perseverance. The more these lives emerged from the historical record, the clearer it became that history is not merely a collection of dates and events. It is the story of families, communities, and the places they called home.
From that realization grew Sons of Maine, a multigenerational historical fiction series inspired by real people, real places, and carefully researched history. The novels seek not only to entertain but also to preserve the spirit of those who came before us and to illuminate the connections between past and present.
As the series evolved, another realization emerged.
These stories deserved a home of their own.
Parsons House Press was founded to provide that home.
The name reflects both purpose and philosophy. A house is more than a structure; it is a place where traditions are preserved, ideas are nurtured, and generations remain connected. A press is more than a means of printing books; it is a commitment to sharing stories with integrity, craftsmanship, and enduring respect for the reader.
Today, Parsons House Press remains dedicated to publishing works that celebrate history, heritage, and the enduring relationship between people and place. Every book bearing the Parsons House Press imprint reflects our belief that literature has the power not only to preserve memory but also to strengthen the bonds between generations.
This is only the beginning of our story.
Our Mission
Parsons House Press was born from a desire to preserve stories of family, place, and history. Inspired by generations connected to the coast and countryside of Maine, the press celebrates the enduring human experiences that connect the past with the present.
Parsons House Press publishes engaging historical fiction that honors our shared past.
Parsons House Press publishes engaging historical fiction that honors our shared past.