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:
A Lady's Revenge
Edie Cay
2021 Finalist
343 Pages
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Romance - Historical
A woman boxer? Nowadays, it may not be something to be surprised about, but in the eighteenth century? Gasp! How unladylike. In A Lady’s Revenge by Edie Cay, Lady Lydia Somerset is just that, though only a select few know why. Even fewer understand the reasoning behind her desire to learn how to fight. The so-called gentlemen who hurt Lydia will wish they never laid a finger on her. After she accidentally secures a teacher—a Mr. John Arthur—things begin to take a turn both for the worst and the best. John, or Corinthian John in the ring, is a self-made gentleman who knows a thing or two about growing up on the streets. But in a way, he could never consider himself a part of the ton. This experience sets him apart from the other men. As the two learn about one another and how to survive in the elite world of ladies and gentlemen, things begin to get more than just a little scandalous. Can Lady Lydia juggle revenge and love? Will John overcome his own insecurities?
Edie Cay introduces a rare jewel to historical romance fans. Pugilism within the Regency era, or boxing in layman’s terms, is not a subject you read about often. A Lady’s Revenge has strong female characters and dastardly villains. Cay’s writing displays a sense of strength as well and moves the plot forward seamlessly. She has done her homework with the historical period, and the characters are a reflection of that. With the preview of The Boxer and the Blacksmith at the end of A Lady’s Revenge, one can only hope the same approach continues.
Recommend this book:
Duke of Knight
Gentlemen of Knights
Elizabeth Johns
2021 Finalist
240 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Duke of Knight is the first book in the Gentlemen of Knight series by Elizabeth Johns. After the death of her mother, Emma Lancaster's life takes a turn for the worse as her father gambles away their family fortune, forcing her to take drastic measures. Seeing her plight, her godmother, Lady Violet Umbridge, refers Emma to her nephew Lord Rowley Knight -- the Duke of Knighton -- to hire her as a governess for his youngest sibling, Lady Eugenia. Initially skeptical of his motives, Emma slowly acclimatizes herself within the Knighton household. As the circumstances bring the two of them closer, Emma becomes increasingly desperate to hide her past from Rowley. But when Rowley's brother, Lord Heath, gets himself shot in a duel, the Knighton siblings and Emma are forced to travel to London, where Emma's past comes back to haunt her.
If you're a fan of Jane Austen novels, you will fall in love with Duke of Knight. Author Elizabeth Johns' historical fiction romance/drama is filled with wit, humor, and heart. The narrative flows smoothly, and the plot has its share of twists to keep you glued to the pages. The characters are well-realized with lively personalities to make them pop out of the pages. Emma and Rowley's relationship drives the narrative forward and is the primary highlight of the plot. Emma's tenacity and vigor to overcome overwhelming odds make her a riveting protagonist, and you instantly start rooting for her. I thoroughly enjoyed Duke of Knight. I recommend it to readers who enjoy period romance novels.
Recommend this book:
Her Seafaring Scoundrel
The Crawfords (Book 3)
Sophie Barnes
2021 Honorable Mention
322 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Lady Cassandra had already lived through one scandal years earlier when her fiancé died in an accident on the way to their wedding. As the result of a pre-wedding night together, she had their baby daughter Penelope nine months later. In high society in England during this era, having an illegitimate child was not acceptable. However, Cassandra forged a good life for herself and her daughter. When she attended a ball and danced with Captain Devlin Crawford, he defended her honor. He asked her to marry him, and she agreed, so Penelope could have a father and his name. Her one condition was that no intimacies could occur between them. Cassandra still mourned the death of her fiancé and would not dishonor him. In the romantic historical novel, Her Seafaring Scoundrel: The Crawford Series (Book 3), written by Sophie Barnes, a compelling love story develops.
There are many historical depictions in the plot, such as societal norms, and the joys and dangers of living on a ship. Sightseeing at various ports around the world adds fascinating information. Character development, especially Cassandra’s and Devlin’s, is a strong feature. Penelope also demonstrates how the pre-adolescent years are similar, and different, than the present day. The author’s writing style is easy-to-read and engages the reader from the first page to the last. Author Sophie Barnes has penned an entertaining novel in Her Seafaring Scoundrel: The Crawford Series. Although this is the third book of this series, it can stand alone – although most readers will want to read the previous ones. A perfect beach or fireside read!
Recommend this book:
A Foolish Game
A Regency Romance, Regency Brides
Laura Beers
2021 Bronze Medal
266 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Another wonderful Regency romance from Laura Beers is A Foolish Game, set in a world of duty and politeness, a world where correct behavior rules. The thought of matrimony terrifies Lady Isabella Beauchamp, daughter of a deceased Marquess and sister to Lord Everett, the current Marquess of Northampton, who worries about her reluctance to marry and gain future security for herself. Beautiful, enchanting but a little challenging on the behavior front, she has no trouble finding a suitable suitor if she wants one, but refuses to take any interest. He is offered help from a childhood friend of Lady Isabella’s. The Marquess makes it more interesting by offering Lord Ewin a bonus of £10,000 to be paid to him if he finds her a suitable suitor before the end of that season in 1813! Now follow along as you are drawn into a story of mixed-up emotions, family dilemmas, forced arranged marriages with devastating consequences, and dangerous plots to gain a high position in society. But does Lord Ewin get the £10,000 bonus!
As you would expect from a Laura Beers story, we are given an accurate account of life in the early 1800s. A Foolish Game does not disappoint! The author draws us into a world that is deeply divided between those who have wealth and the poorest in society. Her descriptive style of writing builds vivid pictures of the characters and events taking place in this very different world. While there is a main focus to the story, the author outlines events and storylines to keep you entertained. We enjoy building a love or loathing for each character and learn what makes each one tick, what underlies the reasons for their actions, how they see their own positions in life, and what effect they have on others around them. With plenty of twists and turns to the plot and a little subterfuge and action, we are given an excellent, well-rounded story that will bring a great deal of pleasure to readers.
Recommend this book:
The Market Stall Girl
AnneMarie Brear
2021 Silver Medal
296 Pages
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Romance - Historical
The Market Stall Girl by AnneMarie Brear centers around Beth Beaumont, a young woman who lives with her middle-class family on a farm and spends her day at the stall selling their fruits and vegetables. Noah Jackson is a coal miner living with his brothers, mother, and irresponsible father, but his real desire is to become a teacher and he is studying hard and taking tests to make that happen. The brothers all work underground digging out the coal, earning little and always in danger of a deadly accident collapsing the mine. Louis Melville is the richest man in the village, living in a luxurious mansion, spoiled, and thinking he can have whatever he wants in any way he can get it. Beth and Noah begin spending time together and find a deep love. But Louis has noticed Beth and wants her as his wife. Beth only has eyes for Noah and this infuriates Louis and he turns mean and dangerous to get Beth to change her mind. The results are what make this book so good and you will have to read it yourself to find out all that happens.
The Market Stall Girl is a story of romance, misfortune, and takes us back to the early-middle 1900s in Wrenthorpe, West Yorkshire, England. The Market Stall Girl was a great story and it kept my attention from the first page to the very last. I loved Beth and Noah but had only bad thoughts about Louis. AnneMarie Brear has written a story that is fiction but is very realistic and believable. I have not read any of her other books, but I have added her name to my reading list and look forward to reading book two to continue keeping up with Beth, Noah, and Louis. If you enjoy historical romance then The Market Stall Girl is a must-read!
Recommend this book:
Winter of Solace
The Executioner Knights Book 5
Kathryn Le Veque
2021 Gold Medal
384 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Winter of Solace by Kathryn Le Veque is a medieval romance set in England. William Marshal was the most powerful man in England, after the king. He had a fleet of elite commanders, and the best of them was Sir Caius d’Avignon. Caius was named the Britannia Viper because of his swift, accurate, and deadly strike. Marshal sent Caius and his army to help his niece Alice's husband subdue Hawkstone Castle. Covington de Wrenville, Alice’s husband, alleged that the Thoringtons, the owners of Hawkstone, were loyal to France. When Caius got there and realized that Covington was not only a liar but a greedy murderer too, he became conflicted. Then he set eyes on the Thorington beauty named Emelisse. Caius will be caught in a battle between duty and love, with honor as the referee.
Winter of Solace by Kathryn Le Veque is the fifth installment of The Executioner Knights series. It’s a mighty tale of honor, love, scheming, sacrifice, bravery, and survival. This is an exquisite story, but the road to good times is not without thorns; Alice and Emelisse will agree with me. Winter of Solace has a fantastic plot and an engaging storyline that sucked me in. Greed, getting ahead through marriage, and land grabbing have been a thing for centuries. These parameters made the novel relatable. Also, it was fast-paced with plenty of action so that it felt like a movie. I applaud Kathryn's effort on character development as all the knights were my favorites, including Hallam. Little William brought so much joy that I can’t wait to read how he turned out. I enjoyed reading this book, and I hope the author writes more.
Recommend this book:
The Gangster's Kiss
Love is a Dangerous Thing Volume 1
Ginger Ring
2020 Finalist
248 Pages
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Romance - Historical
While searching for his errant sister in America, an Irishman finds himself working for gangsters in the enthralling historical romance novel, The Gangster's Kiss (Love is a Dangerous Thing, Volume 1) by Ginger Ring. After his sister Eryn ran away to America, John O'Malley leaves Ireland to find her. When John stops to assist the County Judge, who is ill, and escorts him to the doctor, he impresses the Judge's son, the local Sheriff. Concerned for his sister Grace's safety, Sheriff Daniel offers John a job guarding her. Needing money to continue his search for Eryn, John accepts the position. Undeterred from his original objective, John watches over Grace while he continues his search for his missing sister. Can John protect Grace? Will his new responsibility to Grace ruin his chances of ever finding his sister?
Set in the late 1920s, The Gangster's Kiss (Love is a Dangerous Thing, Volume 1) by Ginger Ring is a suspenseful novel filled with romance and intrigue. I enjoyed the main protagonists' bantering and sparring as their relationship formed. Their forbidden romance added intensity and drama to the story. Grace's sympathy for John's mission was admirable, and their blossoming relationship was enchanting. The story flows smoothly, and while some aspects of the plot remain unfinished, it comes to a satisfying conclusion. Containing an entertaining plot combined with historical elements, interesting characters, and an intriguing storyline, this novel is bound to thrill fans of the Miss Fisher novels. I recommend this book to adult readers as it contains mature elements.
Recommend this book:
Songbird
The Songbird Story - Book One
Julia Bell
2020 Finalist
395 Pages
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Romance - Historical
“I was twenty-one years old when I sold my baby.” A powerful admittance from a young woman, Isabelle. There may be all kinds of reasons why someone would sell their baby, but Isabelle’s story is unique. Coming from a working-class background in the late nineteenth century, Isabelle had one dream; to sing opera at Covent Garden in London. She had a beautiful voice and she knew she was opera material. But, first, she needed to study music at the Royal Academy. Without a scholarship and only a small income from teaching music and a young boy to care for (she was already a widow, her husband having died in a mining accident), she didn’t have the means to pursue her dreams. That is until Mrs. Holland placed the advertisement and Isabelle answered.
Julia Bell’s romance novel, Songbird: The Songbird Story Book One, is a passionate story of one woman’s quest. The story is written in the first-person narrative, from Isabelle’s point of view, and reads like an autobiography filled with first-hand experiences and compelling passages of dialogue. The plot follows Isabelle’s career as she makes the difficult decision which helps fund her training until she meets again the couple who purchased her baby. It sounds cold, but worse things have happened throughout history. This story isn’t one to condemn a woman’s decision, but rather to help her come to terms with it and to live her life to the fullest, even if the regrets remain buried deep in her memories. The author knows her music, her history, and provides the reader with a powerful sense of place as the setting is well developed. A fascinating historical read from that intense first line that catches the reader’s attention: “I was twenty-one years old when I sold my baby.” As first lines go, this one’s a clincher.
Recommend this book:
The Forgotten Duke
Diamonds In The Rough Book 5
Sophie Barnes
2020 Honorable Mention
388 Pages
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Romance - Historical
The Forgotten Duke: Diamonds In The Rough, Book 5 is a historical romance by Sophie Barnes. The year is 1820 in London, England. Eighteen-year-old Lady Regina Berkly knew she’d have to one day marry for advantage and possibly find love later. But her dreams are dashed when her father, the Earl of Hedgewick, arranges a sudden marriage for her with a cripple. The marriage would be advantageous but a future disaster, no matter how she looks at it. Left with no choice, she defies her parent and runs into the slums and into the arms of Carlton Guthrie, the Scoundrel of St Giles. The man has a wicked reputation, no doubt with good reason. But Regina has few options if she’s to avoid an unhappy marriage. It comes as a surprise when Guthrie offers her his assistance.
Sophie Barnes is a talented author who brings romance to brilliant life in this historical novel. There is nothing like an anti-hero who struggles with doing the right thing. Guthrie has this twenty-year-old vendetta that he’s sacrificed so much for. The last thing he wants is to fall in love with the enemy’s daughter. I had some hilarious moments as Guthrie’s crew did some unorthodox matchmaking. I really loved the secondary characters and the sub-plot that came with them. Lady Regina wasn’t a silly heroine but the kind of girl with reckless courage. She digs and digs until she finally uncovers Guthrie’s golden core. For anyone looking for an intense and absorbing romance, The Forgotten Duke is the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Taming Jenna
Sensuous Western Historical Romance
Charlene Raddon
2020 Bronze Medal
362 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Taming Jenna: Sensuous Western Historical Romance by Charlene Raddon is an engaging romance with strong hints of the Western genre. Jenna Leigh Whittington and Branch McCauley are two fascinating characters, and in a normal set-up, it would be hard for them to be together. Jenna grew up abandoned by her father at the young age of seven and throughout her life, she’d learned to depend on herself and to handle a gun; a tough girl who knows that men should be kept at bay. But all that changes when she meets McCauley, a guy who knows just what it takes to tempt and turn any woman on. While McCauley has his misgivings about a young woman capable of wielding a gun like Jenna, he finds her irresistible. The only problem is that she is not a pushover. Can he tame her?
Charlene Raddon is a great storyteller and her handling of character is impeccable. The background of the characters is well-written and it is easy for readers to understand how Jenna came to be the strong-willed, self-reliant, and confident woman that she is. The emotions of the characters are well-explored and readers can easily identify with them. The author has created a powerful conflict by writing characters that are strong and flawed, and I enjoyed the struggle as both McCauley and Jenna fought to prove they can’t bend their will to the other. The prose is impeccably good, littered with beautiful descriptions, and imagery that is very reminiscent of the Wild West. Taming Jenna: Sensuous Western Historical Romance is emotionally intense, packed with action, and sensuality. It provides an absorbing reading experience for fans of romance.