150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection
Shatter an Illusion of Perfection
Julie Barbera
2020 Gold Medal
264 Pages
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Christian - Living
Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection is a work of self help and empowerment writing in the theme of Christian living, penned by author Julie Barbera. With the subtitle urging readers to ‘Shatter an Illusion of Perfection’, the author takes a deep look at confidence and the concept of perfection itself. With so many people living their lives with certain expectations of what they, or society, think that they should be, Julie turns the subject around and pleads for freedom and relaxation, with the core belief that God’s plans for each one of us will manifest, and that God loves us even when we don’t feel good enough ourselves.
At the cross-section where inspirational fiction meets religious themes, author Julie Barbera has found a way to preach without being preachy and to personalize her gentle narrative style to instill both confidence and God’s love into every encouraging sentence. This is a well-organized volume of considerations, advice and personal storytelling that showcases how the self-inflicted pressures of modern life make us all see ourselves differently than who we truly are. The mirror analogy works time and again in Barbera’s confident but subtle prose, held up at different angles to illustrate our own self-sabotage strategies, and how a renewed sense of faith can allow us to look past those distortions to a clearer view. Overall, Cracked Mirror, Clear Reflection takes imperfection and confidence into a beautifully motivating overhaul and is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking comfort and inspiration through issues of self-esteem.
Recommend this book:
Sins of Summer
Linda Heavner Gerald
2019 Finalist
350 Pages
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Christian - Living
Sins of Summer by Linda Heavner Gerald is the story of a young girl who was destroyed by a monster, but later she found it in her heart to forgive that person and finally set herself free from her past. There is just something about this novel that would not let me put it down. I literally devoured the story because I was so hooked up with Audrey and her journey. The story is real, gritty, raw and very intense. The author holds nothing back and gives the reader exactly what they want and deserve.
Audrey is the Golden Girl; she is pretty, her life is good, and she and John Brock are devoted to each other. Committed to spending a lifetime together, nothing can bring them down. However, tragedy strikes her life when she is abused and betrayed. She has no idea that what happened to her will change her life and any plans she had for her future. Quickly spiraling into alcoholism and other disruptive behaviors, she loses friends and the people who were once close to her. It is years later that she meets a person who changes it all for her. Through that one person, Audrey realizes that if she lets go of the past, it will no longer have any control over her.
Like I said, this is an intense novel and I was sucked into the story. The connection between Audrey and Diana is very powerful. Together, these two realize that they are not that different from each other and they heal together. From nightmares to consolation, these two stick together and grow up together. I really enjoyed this novel, it was simply perfect!
Recommend this book:
Who God Says You Are
Live in the Confidence and Freedom of Your True Identity
Michelle Berkey
2019 Honorable Mention
297 Pages
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Christian - Living
Who God Says You Are is a collection of writings on Christian themes of devotion and self-help by author Michelle Berkey. Set out with the initial goal for its readers to ‘Live in the Confidence and Freedom of Your True Identity’, this book tackles the concepts of culture and outside influences, and the negative effects that those factors can have on our lives. Rather than being defined by societal and economic standards, we are introduced to the biblical teachings of God, and his plan for humanity is explained. With the purpose of serving him and others and the knowledge that he has love for everyone on Earth regardless of their situation, readers can find comfort and inner peace.
For Christians facing tests of faith and difficult times in their lives, author Michelle Berkey has delivered a compassionate and well thought-out set of reminders that can help them through any kind of personal identity crisis. The author’s voice really shines on every page, with a soft-spoken narration that offers help and guidance from God without ever being overbearing or controlling. The combination of empathy, counseling, and biblical elements is very well balanced, and the organization of the book allows readers to start slowly with their own personal issues and beliefs about themselves, before expanding to a wider world view later on. Overall, Who God Says You Are is sure to make a very helpful bedside book for anyone who feels the need for God’s love and support in their lives.
Recommend this book:
Cries of Mercy
Angela Beach Silverthorne
2019 Bronze Medal
344 Pages
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Christian - Living
Cries of Mercy by Angela Beach Silverthorne is not your ordinary love story. As Bren reflects in her journal, she still can’t believe she’s married to Joseph. Their love remains strong even through the loss of three sons. The burden of remembrance causes her to pen a prayer: “Your blessings have poured over us even in our darkest hours.” Surrounded by dear friends, Bren and Joseph reside in The Haven. Joseph is the pastor and Bren works diligently bringing life into the world as a midwife. Even though the community has been ravaged by drugs, crime and the loss of family values, The Haven remains strong, full of hope and vision for the future. Yet, fear and strongholds of the past grip Bren and Joseph. Just when they thought the past was over and the battle won, evil comes to haunt their dreams and threaten their lives again. Everyone has a past and, for many, their past is dark. But for Bren and Joseph, shadowy secrets of sheer evil dwell within their family history. Will their fight, their service unto God change their personal horror into heroism for His glory? Together, they must face and overcome the wickedness that began long ago. United, forever thankful, their Cries of Mercy echo throughout heaven, “Thy will be done.”
Angela Beach Silverthorne breaks our hearts in Cries of Mercy, while simultaneously evoking an unquenchable spirit to fight the good fight of faith. The inclusion of scripture, Spirit-led prayers, and Silverthorne’s powerful words portray the heart and soul of an enlightened life. I had the privilege of reviewing Cries of Innocence, the first book in the Cries Trilogy. Even though I haven’t read the second book, I was immediately captivated and immersed back into the life of Bren. Oh, how she has grown. The cast of characters surrounding her has grown as well; their importance to the continuing saga shines bright in relevance. All of the characters are relatable, real and raw with emotion; the reader feels their grit, fear, and pain. Cries of Mercy does not water down spiritual warfare; the conflict, the battle between good and evil is as intense as it is insightful. Angela Beach Silverthorne is a masterful storyteller. Her story has caverns of depths, layer upon layer; it reveals hope and perseverance through grief and loss, the vitality of love and the importance of unity. The narrative has highs and lows, twists, shock, and awe. Cries of Mercy reveals the fragility of life, yet in equal measure portrays a life that in the hands of God is a life well-lived.
Recommend this book:
Courageously Uncomfortable
When the Real Woman You Want to Be Is on the other Side of Fear
Lisa J. Goins
2019 Silver Medal
234 Pages
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Christian - Living
While Courageously Uncomfortable: When the Real Woman You Want to Be Is on the other Side of Fear by Lisa J. Goins is written for a female audience, it contains insights that can help any reader transform their life. The author challenges women to dare to step beyond their comfort zone and to take responsibility for their growth. At the heart of the book is the message that we become more authentic and experience deeper levels of growth and fulfillment when we step into the uncomfortable area that lies beyond our comfort zone. Using relevant day-to-day life examples, Lisa J. Goins offers a path that women can travel to becoming their better selves. The book is filled with actionable steps and strategies, wisdom that is biblically founded, and a lot of common sense to drive the message home to readers.
Lisa J. Goins has the gift of reaching readers and her message is written in language that is comfortable to read, with examples that are strikingly relevant. For instance: “For women, using up our words isn’t really the issue. The problem is the actual words we are saying. We may be great at surface conversations, but when it comes to the words that matter, the deeper conversations about what’s really going on, we just don’t get there.” The writing is filled with insights like: “Staying trapped in a comfortable place of hiding the truth—whether it’s a past full of hurt, shame, and regret, or current difficult circumstances you are walking through—is keeping you from accomplishing what God has placed you in this world to do.” Courageously Uncomfortable is a wonderful gift to readers, a powerful tool for personal transformation, one that should be received, treasured and shared.
Recommend this book:
Break Every Chain
A Police Officer's Battle with Alcoholism, Depression, and Devastating Loss; And the True Story of How God Changed His Life Forever
Jonathan E. Hickory
2019 Gold Medal
228 Pages
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Christian - Living
A real story with real pain, loss, suffering, and heartache, Break Every Chain: A Police Officer's Battle with Alcoholism, Depression, and Devastating Loss; And the True Story of How God Changed His Life Forever by Jonathan E. Hickory takes readers on an emotional ride through his experience of grace. It’s a tale of hope and inspiration that shows the inscrutable workings of God in the life of a man set for self-destruction. Meet the protagonist, a veteran police officer battling with his demons; an alcoholic who struggles with depression and whose anger, infidelity, and PTSD push him to hurt his wife and daughter deeply. But it is his path to healing that is fascinating.
Readers encounter a human being, a law enforcement officer who, after the painful loss of his father at an early age, witnessed so many dead bodies in his line of duty. When he lost his own son, the failure to make sense of the loss drove him towards a dark path. In this memoir, he chronicles the painful journey towards hell and redemption with unusual honesty and clarity. The writing is filled with light and the author's sense of humanity is captured with unusual finesse and style.
From the very start of the narrative, Jonathan describes an emotional moment of pain between him and his wife, Stacy, and the words that stirred him right to the depths of his being: “I hate you! Everything you ever say is mean, and we don’t deserve to be treated like this! We are your family!” He notes the effects of this statement in the words that follow: “I was a monster and I was destroying my life and hers.” Break Every Chain is deftly written; a moving memoir filled with hope and light. Honest, compelling, and inspirational.
Recommend this book:
I Am . . .
Identity Crisis Undone—the Discovery of Who We Are Through the Eyes of God
Adriene Law
2018 Finalist
206 Pages
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Christian - Living
There couldn’t have been a better book to read this time than I Am . . .: Identity Crisis Undone—the Discovery of Who We Are Through the Eyes of God by Adriene Law, a book that trains the reader to shift their self-perception and embrace the person they are in the eyes of the Creator. I connected with the author from the very first lines of this inspiring book: “I am marvelous. I am wonderfully made. I am a work of art. Those are incredibly bold things to think of myself, and honestly, there are days when I can look at myself through my own eyes, and I really don’t see it.” The author takes readers on her personal journey of faith, a journey of personal transformation and utter liberation, and as one reads her story, one begins to discover that hers is the story of most of us, because it is God’s story for us, the story of our “Beloved-ness,” one that the world doesn’t want us to hear. The less we are aware of this story, the more we suffer.
The book is written in an evocative, popular style and a compelling voice. It is one of the books that fans of Henri Nouwen’s Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World will adore. In the midst of our struggles, it is easy to look at whom to blame and at times we even blame God for what happens to us, but this author unveils the mystery of our vulnerability, letting readers understand — through powerful biblical references — that they are held unconditionally in love by the God who created them. This thought alone is enough to drive in the positive change we all need in any area of our lives, allowing ourselves to be loved by God and letting that healing love flow into our relationships, into our work, in our exercise of Christian virtues. I Am . . .: Identity Crisis Undone—the Discovery of Who We Are Through the Eyes of God is loaded with wisdom and readers will enjoy the way the author weaves her personal experiences and insights into the writing. Here is a book to be received with gratitude and to share as a gift. It is one of the tools you’ll need to discover the inner freedom of being loved.
Recommend this book:
30 Days to Thriving
Practical Inspiration for Reclaiming Your Hope & Health
Jennifer Zimmer
2018 Finalist
296 Pages
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Christian - Living
Is your life plagued with constant turmoil? Do you feel like you are trapped in your own secret hell? Are you ready to break free and experience a life of joy and hope? Thirty Days To Thriving (Practical Inspiration For Reclaiming Your Hope & Health) by Jennifer Zimmer is a heartwarming self-help book that takes the reader from the depths of despair to glowing with love and excitement. The author starts by telling her story, affirming that she is more than capable to coach you out of the dark hole in which you currently reside. Then she gives you simple and direct actions to take, one activity a day, for thirty days. The author encourages you to try each step and continue to use those that resound with you. With bonus success stories and lots of support, this book is certain to bring light to the darkest places and bless those that are desperate for change. Are you ready to live a happy, healthy life?
Jennifer Zimmer's 30 Days To Thriving (Practical Inspiration For Reclaiming Your Hope & Health) is a faith-filled self-help book. Reading this book was like hiring Ms. Zimmer as a coach. I felt like I had a champion beside me as I read; I felt more confident knowing that the author truly could identify with me because she too had experienced deep pain and paralyzing terror. This book is a must-read for those who live with someone that has bipolar disorder or knows someone suffering from it. Although bipolar disorder is not part of my life experiences, the root of what the author went through did resound with my own traumas; therefore, I know that this book can help anyone that needs a glimmer of hope. Hope and inspiration ring throughout this book; even when the author was relating her story. I was impressed with the writing, and even more with Jennifer Zimmer's attitude! I would recommend this book to those who feel they are stuck with no way out.
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The Hospitality of God
Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality
Caleb Camp
2018 Honorable Mention
142 Pages
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Christian - Living
A wonderful gift for Easter, The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality by Caleb Camp looks at one of the least discussed qualities of God — His hospitality. What is God’s vision on hospitality? What place does it have in God’s powerful message of love? Why is hospitality so important for our hostile world? These are questions that are answered in this inspiring and informative book. The author defines hospitality, exploring the etymology of the word and its biblical foundations, and demonstrates what makes it a key quality of God and one of the forms of credible witness to the love he has for humanity.
The discussion on integrating hospitality is so well done and I enjoyed the author’s insightful take on the story of the Good Samaritan and the need for a paradigm shift. In this book, readers will understand how hospitality is one of the things that define the very nature of God, identify traits of hospitality in biblical personages like Joseph, and find material for reflection and a road map to living the spirituality of hospitality. It is interesting that hospitality could be the simple path to embracing what God created us to be for each other — brothers and sisters and sons and daughters of the same Father. Apart from setting us on the path towards peace with our brothers and sisters, The Hospitality of God: Discovering and Living Kingdom Hospitality will help readers find a way of letting God into their hearts and discovering inner freedom and peace. The book is beautifully written and the simplicity of language makes the wisdom and message of this book accessible to a wide audience. Caleb Camp’s book will help readers understand God and what it means to be credible witnesses to His love. A rare gift of love and wisdom!
Recommend this book:
Living With A 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist
Mister B
Lynn Byk, Joseph Byk
2018 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - Living
Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist: Mister B by Lynn Byk is a memoir that reads like nothing I have read in a long while. It is well-crafted, with details that capture the very essence of the day-to-day life of a 98-year-old rocket scientist, his son, Paul, and his daughter-in-law, Lynn. Written in the form of journal entries, the memoir draws readers into the narrator’s perspective and follows the story closely. The memoir features moments of history in Mister B’s scientific work, and his contribution to WWII and the Cold War initiatives. When the couple decides to move into Mister B’s house, they are unaware that an exciting chapter is opening in their lives. Now, the old man is just happy to have people to share his home, but no argument or trick could convince him to allow any renovations to take place in the house. It’s the place he’s occupied with his late wife and he just won’t allow any changes to it.
Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist: Mister B is told in a humorous, endearing tone that will arrest the reader’s attention right off the bat, a rollicking ride, and a hilarious story that looks at the beauty of living with an elderly man who has seen many things and who has been at the heart of history. The humor is terrific and the author’s handling of family dynamics is one of the fortes of this narrative. Coupled with witticism and realistic dialogues, this makes for a great read. I was pulled into the story from the very beginning and couldn’t get distracted as I read through the entire book. Yes, it is gripping, and the humanity of Mister B is so wonderfully explored. It is rare to find a memoir that reads like fiction, but this one does. It’s an exciting read!