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:
Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms
Jamie Eubanks
2021 Finalist
341 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms by Jamie Eubanks immediately presents a woman walking through the blizzard, shivering and exhausted, leaving tracks in the snow, and hugging her five-year-old child to her breast. The woman is Jillian Braedon, who is badly hurt and pursued by the FBI. When she falls unconscious, her daughter, Valerie, faces the inclement weather in search of help and finds John Mills’ cabin. John Mills, a recluse who walks with a cane, rescues Jill. Jill’s journey through recovery also unearths other disturbing mysteries and Mills quickly understands that he is the only thing standing between Jill and those who will stop at nothing to kill Jill and her daughter for a secret that once protected them.
Jamie Eubanks’ storytelling skills are stellar and the reader is pulled into the narrative right off the bat. The story starts in the midst of action and it introduces a compelling premise. A woman who is wounded and bracing against the storm with a five-year-old daughter immediately intrigues the reader who wants to know who is pursuing them, and why. The author doesn’t provide instant answers but gets readers interested in the characters as the plot builds from one explosive moment to the next. The story is emotionally strong and readers will adore Mills, a character that is physically challenged, suffering from pain in his leg that keeps him awake at night. As the bond between these characters strengthens and a struggle for survival continues, new paths open for each of them. The writing is exceptional and the descriptions are vividly written. Characters are enriched by the author’s masterful handling of backstory. Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms is a perfect read for fans of mystery and deftly plotted stories with unforgettable characters.
Recommend this book:
The Christmas Spirit
Alexandrea Weis
2021 Honorable Mention
259 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
With Christmas just around the corner, Courtney Winston, an accountant who sidelines as a writer, definitely feels the pressure – she needs to finish her revisions by the first of January. The problem is, the editor and the publisher are not simply asking her to tweak things; they are completely changing everything! Even with a heavy heart, she follows the advice of her agent and goes on with it. She ditches her family’s Christmas celebration and books a remote cabin where she can be alone to concentrate on her novel. What she doesn’t know is that the peace and quiet she’s asking for is not going to happen – not in this cabin.
Alexandrea Weis’s The Christmas Spirit is a one-of-a-kind paranormal romance story. There’s a good balance between heart-wrenching drama and light comedy. Most of the lines are sure to put a smile on the reader’s face. The fast pace is consistent and the suspense is wild, making the book unputdownable. A few elements in the story are predictable but that’s nothing compared to the whole lot more that will keep everyone guessing. The comforting falling action is a wonderful match to the nerve-racking build-up and climax. There are no loose ends and that twist at the end is just priceless. This is one of those books that can be made into a blockbuster movie. Courtney’s character is fantastic – she is complex but relatable; vulnerable but strong. It’s amazing how she and Peter attract and connect with each other. The excitement of reading this book does not change whether it is read around the Christmas season or not.
Recommend this book:
The Mountaineer's Painting
A Ghost Story
David Francis Curran
2021 Bronze Medal
142 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
The Mountaineer’s Painting: A Ghost Story by David Francis Curran tells the story of Kevin Frost, who feels compelled to drop everything that he is currently working on to go in search of the artist and anybody who may know something about a painting that he purchased from a yard sale. Kevin hangs the scenic painting in his bedroom and, as he sleeps, he starts to have dreams about a group of mountain climbers and a tragic accident that may not have been an accident at all. Kevin investigates the untimely death of a climber and in the process learns everything he can about mountain climbing, the rest of the climbers who were part of the group when the accident occurred, and the deceased climber's widow.
What a delightful, enjoyable story. David Francis Curran includes images of basic equipment and there is a key to their purpose at the end of the book. The Mountaineer's Painting is well written with many lively characters that we can all relate to, an exciting story, and a compelling plot that is well thought out. This novel is a quick, easy read filled with intrigue and anticipation, all keeping the reader interested from beginning to end. I enjoyed this unusual story and the pictures make a nice change. The author introduces the main character in the beginning so that the reader can create a mental picture of what he would look like. The interwoven twists, turns, and intrigue of people's lives make for a thrilling novel. There are no negative aspects to this story, and with no bad language or erotic scenes, it is suitable for all ages. A well-earned five out of five!
Recommend this book:
His Father's Blood
Legends of the Family Dyer
David W. Thompson
2021 Silver Medal
251 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
The present is not kind to Indian half-breed John Dyer when demons from his past catch up to him in His Father’s Blood which is Book 2 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series by David W. Thompson. Trying to make a living and keep out of everyone’s way doesn’t work when John hears the cries of a young slave woman who is being attacked by white men. He is duty bound to step in and rescue her, but that leaves him prey for the men who don’t appreciate being interrupted. John manages to escape when he calls his animal familiar, a giant black bear. Finally settling on Devil’s Peak across the Maryland boarder in Virginia, John seems to have made peace with his past and present and is happy to lead a simple life.
Things end up out of control again as Sally Ann, an unusual young woman from the local town, sees what John can do and asks to learn his ways. Against his better judgement, John teaches Sally Ann basic healing remedies but after she finds his secret book, she demands to learn more. In the meantime, John meets Ada, the daughter of the traveling minister, and falls in love. Knowing that he is unacceptable to her father because of his heritage and abilities, he tries to stay away, but Ada’s love for him will not allow that. John’s life is not going to be easy, though, and things spiral out of control again. Will he ever be able to have a normal life?
Engaging, wonderfully written and full of interesting contrasts, His Father’s Blood by David W. Thompson gains your attention on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. With a poignant comparison between good and bad on multiple levels, including the contrast of Christian practices and shamanism that can be used for good or evil, you experience plenty of thought-provoking ideas. The paranormal mystery is offset by a love story, but the pasts of all the characters also play a significant role in how they behave today, setting the stage for the action. His Father’s Blood is an excellent story and can be read alone, but since it is Book 2 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series, you might enjoy it more starting at the beginning with Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer, the story of John’s great-great-grandmother.
Recommend this book:
Haint Blue
A Tipsy Collins Novel
Stephanie Alexander
2021 Gold Medal
364 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
Haint Blue is a work of fiction in the paranormal genre and is the second entry in the Tipsy Collins series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Stephanie Alexander. The book follows psychic Tipsy Collins as she adjusts to life following her divorce. As her steady life starts to get undermined by bad luck and violated trust, she and the ghost who haunts her house find themselves with a new mystery to solve. The ghost of a woman who died in mysterious circumstances has been haunting a cottage, and Tipsy is shocked to discover she already has a link to the turbulent deceased.
Haint Blue is a highly engaging paranormal mystery filled with frolic, fun, and genuine nail-biting moments as we race to its conclusion. The book is filled with charming and likable characters that will keep you invested throughout. Protagonist Tipsy is the driving force of the story; she is a fierce, interesting, and colorful character that you will feel empathy for immediately. The author does a masterful job of giving us a look at Tipsy’s backstory without getting off track. The plot itself is well thought out with twists and turns you do not expect, but the conclusions and links make sense all the same. I enjoyed how uplifting and warm this story felt, and the humor that was given to break up some of the more emotional scenes. Author Stephanie Alexander gives us a really fresh take on the paranormal genre, setting this novel apart from others within the genre. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Haint Blue to fans of intriguing mystery novels with a paranormal twist.
Recommend this book:
Bay of Darkness
S.K. Andrews
2020 Finalist
307 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
Bay of Darkness: The Kelly Society by S.K. Andrews is the story of loss, second chances, and fighting for what is right. After her fiancé is killed by a shadowy creature, Vivian wakes up after a month-long coma and realizes that her life will never be the same. During her coma, her fiancé appeared to her and revealed that she holds immense physical and psychic powers. She is the only one who can save the world from an evil called Dagda. So Vivian begins her journey which takes her to Ireland where she learns to harness her powers and prepares to battle Dagda. However, her resolve is tested when she meets the enigmatic Neal. She quickly falls for the charming man and she feels guilty about that. But she finds out that her personal feelings need to take a step back if she wants to defeat Dagda. Dagda will end the world if Vivian cannot stop him. Can she do it? Is she strong enough?
I was blown away by the details and vivid descriptions. Everything is explained so richly that I had no issue with imagining what was going on. Author S.K. Andrews created a believable world with believable characters. I connected with Vivian from the moment she and Philip were introduced. The story opened with a bang and the author kept the momentum going. There was never a lull in the story, I never felt like something was missing and I enjoyed the progress of the story. The chemistry between Vivian and Neal was amazing; it was tough in the beginning, but they made it work as the plot progressed. I loved to hate Dagda too. I enjoyed Vivian's progress as she grew more confident and got better control of her powers. I cannot wait for what the author has in store for us in the future because Bay of Darkness really impressed me.
Recommend this book:
Whispers of the Sidhe
A Gripping Supernatural Thriller (Zoë Delante Thrillers Book 3)
C.L. Roberts-Huth
2020 Honorable Mention
352 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
Whispers of the Sidhe: A Gripping Supernatural Thriller by C. L. Robert-Huth is book 3 of the Zoe Delante Thrillers series. Zoe Delante, a police clairvoyant, is picking up the pieces of her life after the last case. When the phone rings, the last thing she expects to hear is her naga friend, Seth, pleading for help; he’s been arrested for murdering Zoe’s father. Only her father died nearly 30 years ago. Heading to Arizona, Zoe is dragged into a world of intrigue and politics, where nothing is as it seems and where she’s about to find out that her father’s death may not have been what it seemed either. Zoe needs to work out who her friends are, who she can trust, as she heads out of her comfort zone and into one of the biggest mysteries of her life.
Whispers of the Sidhe by C. L. Robert-Huth is an entertaining read. It is the third in a series and unless you have read the previous two you may just get a little lost in this – definitely NOT a standalone book. I haven’t read them but I managed to keep up with the story and, with a little background info dropped in by the author, I worked out who was who or what, as the case may be. In terms of the story, it had a smooth, flowing plot with plenty of action and some cool characters. Even without the previous books, you soon get to know who these characters are. Be prepared though; this is a complex and fast-moving story, with lots of different characters in and out all the time. That did kind of make it hard to keep up with and if you take your eye off the ball for one second, I suspect you might just lose the plot. Other than that, it’s a great story if you like supernatural tales with plenty of fantastical creatures.
Recommend this book:
Ghost Hampton
Ken McGorry
2020 Bronze Medal
460 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
Ghost Hampton by Ken McGorry is a thrilling paranormal tale with a difference. Lyle Hall, once a greedy lawyer, is a changed man. A year ago, he was in a car accident that left one woman dead and him confined to a wheelchair. The accident left him with empathic senses. His wife divorced him and his daughter, a police detective, has little contact with him. The ‘Old Vic’ is an 1880’s brothel, about to be bulldozed to the ground. Lyle encounters a young girl, Jewel, who looks 12, outside the brothel and soon learns she has been dead for 100 years. She needs help and to persuade Lyle, she shows him a vision of his daughter’s name on a grave. The date of death? Just four days away. And so begins a roller coaster journey to stop the destruction and help Jewel. Accidentally letting it slip that the place is haunted, Lyle finds himself at the center of a media frenzy, resulting in Silk, a paranormal news reporter, locking him into an exclusive contract. As the day of his daughter’s death approaches and more and more people hound Lyle, he turns to drink and makes a terrible decision.
Ghost Hampton by Ken McGorry is one of the best paranormal tales I have ever read. If I could review it in one word, it would be ‘wow!’ This story took hold of me from the very first page and got me reading right to the very end. I was hooked, on the edge of my seat, as the story picked up pace very fast and raced towards the end. The character development is second to none and you really get to know the main protagonist very well – you will be torn between rooting for him and wanting to shake him very hard! This story has everything – a great, unique plot, an eclectic mix of fabulous characters, plenty of drama, a little romance thrown in for good measure, enough well-timed comedy to lighten it and reality. Ken McGorry has written several plot lines and neatly woven them so they come together right at the end. Be prepared for a tense, suspenseful story that also has you laughing as well. Fantastic story, I hope there’s going to be another one – I feel Lyle’s story has a long way to go.
Recommend this book:
Charleston Green
Stephanie Alexander
2020 Silver Medal
364 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
Charleston Green is a work of women’s fiction penned by author Stephanie Alexander. Accessible to all readers with only one short scene of mild violence, this enjoyable tale mixes speculative and paranormal elements with relationship drama and family strife. Our protagonist is Tipsy Collins, a divorcee with three children, who is plagued by both an irritating ex-husband and the power to communicate with the dead. In her new house on Bennett Street, Tipsy discovers that couple Jane and Henry Mott are haunting the abode and that their martial arguments revolve around not being able to remember if one of them killed the other. So begins an intriguing and heartfelt drama.
The dual plot strands of the adorable characters in author Stephanie Alexander’s novel are sure to keep readers turning pages from cover to cover. For a story about ghosts and hauntings and custody battles, the air of the piece is wonderfully light for the most part and this is a genuinely enjoyable drama that uplifts as it unfolds. Alexander’s narration is filled with Southern charm and realistically drawn characters, and Tipsy, in particular, is a highly likable heroine who finds herself in the wake of some tough challenges as the plot twists and turns around her. I personally enjoyed the presentation of the genius-like Henry Mott the most, and the surprising conclusion to his and Jane’s plot. Overall, Charleston Green is a highly entertaining and enjoyable read for fans of women’s fiction; a cozy clairvoyant mystery and family saga.
Recommend this book:
One Loan Soul
A Loan Soul Novel
L.B. Carter
2020 Gold Medal
284 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Paranormal
In One Loan Soul by L.B. Carter, Darcie Rose died at age 29, a deceased taxidermist who killed her ex-best friend, landing her a spot in the almost highest circle of Hell. She successfully becomes the number one worker in Hell’s Souls On Loan Exchange (SOLE) Program. SOLE offers loans for those who aren’t willing to go all out to sell their soul to the Devil. In exchange for the life boost that they desire, their soul will temporarily switch places with Darcie, giving her a temporary reprieve from Hell. It's considered the best job that any condemned soul could hope for. Unfortunately, Darcie's next task is botched from the beginning. Someone or something is messing with the program, threatening her number one status. She needs to find out and right the wrongs before drawing ire from the Big Boss Lucifer himself.
“Rule number one: don’t let anyone know you’re impersonating your host. And rule number two: don’t interact with anyone from your life.” Who knew the working system in Hell could be so interesting? A loan instead of selling one's soul forever to the Devil? L.B. Carter's One Loan Soul is a bizarre but entertaining supernatural fantasy with an imaginative premise. In an engaging story from start to finish, I found Darcie Rose easy to root for, despite her being one of the Devil's minions. It's a fun rollercoaster ride with hilarious antics involving characters such as a plastic-surgery-addict actress, a Japanese intern, a shark-bitten surfer, and even a small horde of zombie animals. I'm eager to find out how she's going to fix the lives of several people who were unfortunate enough to be tangled up in SOLE's mess. Overall, a solid debut for the series from Carter.