Amazon has acquired Avalon Books, a publisher with more than 3,000 backlist books that focused on romance, mystery and western novels.

Amazon made the move as the publishing world gathered for BEA in New York City. Avalon is over 60-years old, founded by Thomas Bouregy. The books will be now be published under Amazon Publishing imprints like Montlake Romance and Thomas & Mercer.

Publisher Ellen Bouregy Mickelsen had this statement: “I’ve been running Avalon Books–which was founded by my father–since 1995, and it is time for me to explore the next chapter of my life … I chose Amazon Publishing because they care deeply about the writers, readers, and categories that have long mattered to our family business and they are uniquely positioned to assure that our titles make the leap forward into the digital future. I am pleased they have asked me to assist during a period of transition to provide continuity and support for our authors.”

This GalleyCat editor fondly remembers browsing stacks of Avalon books at garage sales and libraries as a kid. The release cited Holly Jacobs, Carolyn Hughey and Carolyn Brown as some of its current authors.