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:
Biblical Keys to Life
The Questions We Have and the Answers We Need
Latina Nichole Smith

2023 Bronze Medal
300 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

Biblical Keys to Life: The Questions We Have and the Answers We Need by Latina Nichole Smith is a thought-provoking book that delves into religion's and philosophy's role in addressing societal dysfunction. Smith clarifies the role of God in our lives and offers insights into finding joy, happiness, purpose, fulfillment, and peace through spiritual guidance. She emphasizes that our relationship with God, not material possessions, provides true fulfillment. Smith asserts there is nothing wrong with being financially blessed, but money and earthly possessions should not be the primary sources of happiness and fulfillment. She emphasizes that only God can save us from the world and ourselves, no matter our situation. It provides a compelling exploration of the journey to acquiring everything God has in store for us.
Biblical Keys to Life explores the challenges of coping with life and offers a unique perspective on the importance of making wise choices. Latina argues that wisdom, as revealed through God’s Word, is the key to overcoming life’s obstacles. By relying on spiritual guidance and taking responsibility for our actions, we can become the best version of ourselves. Throughout the pages, Smith embodies wisdom as the critical solution to escaping the problems we face. She emphasizes the influence of God’s Word on our decisions and choices and highlights the consequences of poor decision-making. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of spirituality and its impact on our daily lives. Smith provides a fresh perspective on finding fulfillment and purpose through a relationship with God.
Recommend this book:
The Last Relapse
Realize Your Potential, Reclaim Intimacy, and Resolve the Root Issues of Porn Addiction
Sathiya Sam

2022 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

The Last Relapse by Sathiya Sam is a Christian self-help guide for men who are willing to address an addiction to pornography to “Realize Your Potential, Reclaim Intimacy, and Resolve the Root Issues of Porn Addiction”. Sam begins by opening up about his 15-year struggle with pornography addiction and the proactive, Bible-based approach that finally broke the cycle. Broken down into four distinct and interconnecting sections with two to three chapters in each, Sam covers Taking Back Control Of Your Life with the fundamentals, Healing From Your Past to address pain, triggers, and moving forward, Regaining Your Confidence and its requirement to dig deep to answer uncomfortable questions, and Becoming A New Man in which Sam really brings in the spirituality aspects for long-term success.
Sathiya Sam presents a well-written, no-holds-barred book on accountability and healing in The Last Relapse. The narrative is relatable and incredibly intelligent and has the right amount of compassion to make a reader feel comfortable while addressing an addiction that is exceptionally uncomfortable. I was heartened by Sam's profound honesty and saddened by the losses he describes. I am also heartened by the hope and positive reinforcement provided and executed so deftly that there is no doubt that those two things have no meaning if a reader is not willing to put in the hard work. And it will be hard. Scripture is employed heavily as the backbone to Sam's coaching and the Bible-based model works to bring readers who are likely to feel unworthy back into God's embrace. It should be noted that this is a guide geared very specifically toward men, and while most of it can be applied toward addicted women with the mental flip of a pronoun, it might not have the same degree of impact. Overall, this is a fantastically written book that will certainly be a catalyst for change.
Recommend this book:
Who Cares?
A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life
Dr. Melita Murray-Carney

2022 Silver Medal
132 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

Who Cares? A Guided Self-Help & Devotional Journal for the Seasons of Life is written to assist readers in journaling. Author Dr. Melita Murray-Carney suggests that writing down personal thoughts, goals, reactions, and more is a way to enhance our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual lives. The chapter titles, which Murray-Carney calls “seasons,” include “Personal Growth,” “Success,” “Change,” and others. The inspirational concepts that the author introduces are followed by personal applications to individuals, then a Bible verse, and then space for readers to write down their thoughts. The book is beautifully illustrated with photographs of the sea, sky, and landscapes. Murray-Carney begins her book by relating a difficult period she was going through in her own life and how journaling helped her overcome that tough time.
Who Cares? is a helpful resource. Although the book is meant for Christians, with the Bible quoted numerous times, all readers can benefit from it, no matter their faith or lack of faith. Although Dr. Melita Murray-Carney provides spaces for readers to write in, anyone who doesn’t want to write in the book itself could just as easily put their reflections on paper, using the book as a guide. The point, as Murray-Carney notes, is to put your thoughts down in writing. This book would be a thoughtful, appreciated gift for anyone. As Murray-Carney says, “Journaling worked for me, and it can work for you too!” Because Murray-Carney wrote her book while the world suffers through the COVID-19 pandemic, she provides additional help in the appendix for readers; a list of resources that can assist readers with navigating the journey through grief.
Recommend this book:
Be A Giant Killer
Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths
Ed Norwood

2022 Gold Medal
302 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

Be A Giant Killer: Overcoming Your Everyday Goliaths by Ed Norwood is powerful counsel on how to face the adversities or the so-called giants that plague our lives. The book is inspired by a tragic event in the author’s life when, at the age of eight, twenty-seven of his relatives were massacred by cult leader Jim Jones in the Jonestown Guyana Tragedy. It is a shame that bears considerable weight until he comes to an epiphany and realizes how the past can influence the future. By using the biblical Goliath as a metaphorical device, the book walks us through the Seven Giants that are present in our lives and it gives spiritual insights on how to overcome them to achieve what God has planned for us. At the end, it helps us come to the realization that the voice of our giant can be silenced.
Be A Giant Killer may appear like a religious tome from the outside, but it has the potential to appeal even to those who consider themselves spiritual but non-religious, perhaps even to being philosophical nonbelievers. What Ed Norwood addresses is a universal concern: We all have giants in our lives. It can be a neighbor, a relative, or a co-worker from hell, it can be a debilitating disease, or it can be financial concerns. So what is your battle plan? Do you just pick up a stone, fire it from your slingshot, and hurl it at your giant? Easier said than done, right? But Norwood tells you that there is a giant killer inside you, and by equipping yourself with God’s spiritual guidance, you become better armed and prepared in facing your own leviathan. It’s an inspiring book, one that gives you the sense of confidence that your greatness is coming.
Recommend this book:
A Gate Called Beautiful
How God Transforms Your Pain into Power
Brandon Sutton

2021 Finalist
206 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

A Gate Called Beautiful: How God Transforms Your Pain into Power by Brandon Sutton is a Christian devotional study that could change your life or the life of someone you know. This one goes deep and is of a serious nature, but Sutton finds the light and shines it amidst the pain. Though this is a memoir-kind of story, it's also designed to be shared, with a "To" and "From" at the beginning, as if it's to be passed on after being read, or given as a gift. The structure of the outline is 44 days and begins with an introduction and testimony, and with photos to accentuate events as the author relays them. From the outset, you know this is going to be an honest book in which the author lays his soul as bare as he can, because he adds his mugshot, causing you to wonder, "What did he get himself into?" Point by point, Sutton explains what happened and leaves in the messy parts. The crux of his story is that God can take something bad in your life and turn it into something good if you only trust in Him and believe.
Sutton conveys his life and the points he wants to make in a personal, inspirational tone, one that is brutally frank, but uplifting. There is nothing more hurtful than being accused of something you didn't do or being punished for a crime you didn't commit. I like the way the author uses biblical passages and examples to illustrate his message, and this will be encouraging to readers who need to hear it. With clear details, Sutton explains how he was arrested for something he didn't do, and the ramifications that came with it. He was a teacher, a family man, and was innocent, and his world was torn inside out. But there is a bright side to the story, all pointing to God's plan, and Sutton is gifted in how he tells it and uses it to help others. A Gate Called Beautiful: How God Transforms Your Pain into Power by Brandon Sutton could be the key that unlocks the door to your new way of thinking--possibly your new life.
Recommend this book:
Hear the Word
Catholic Psychotherapy and Faith: Reflections on Seven Parables of Jesus
Raymond Biersbach

2021 Honorable Mention
151 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

Hear the Word: Catholic Psychotherapy and Faith: Reflections on Seven Parables of Jesus by Raymond Biersbach is a self-help book that will help people understand Catholic Psychotherapy. The author takes Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 13, to help the reader understand what Jesus wanted to say and how that can help you become more grounded. While most people believe religion doesn’t fit in well with medical science, the author disagrees. He takes the reader step-by-step to help them understand what Jesus said and how they can apply it to psychotherapy. He first clears up the “setting” of the parables and then shares the “resources” that will aid psychotherapists to help their clients. He also draws up good arguments for including faith in the therapy and how it can be beneficial for both the therapist and client. The book is filled with resources that will make it easier for readers to connect with their faith while working on their mental health.
Hear the Word is a very helpful book. The way Raymond Biersbach used illustrations to explain the parables and then explained the settings made it easier for me to understand. I particularly enjoyed the resources section of each chapter; he explains what we are supposed to get from the parable and his personal experiences as a psychologist. His personal experiences made it easier for me to understand and reflect a little better with each chapter. Plus, it was rather encouraging to read his experiences because it felt like talking to a friend. The “suggested reflections” was where he asked questions of readers and made them really dig deeper into their mind and soul for the right answers. I felt incredibly calm reading this book and felt at peace. This can be a really educational and encouraging guide for psychotherapists who are trying to grow and for readers who are trying to improve their mental health.
Recommend this book:
The Love of a Father
Faith Principles of the Power of a Father's Love
Ken Gordon

2021 Bronze Medal
232 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

The Love of a Father: Faith Principles of the Power of a Father's Love by Ken Gordon is a non-fiction Christian parenting guide with the aim of educating readers on the frequently misunderstood and often overlooked paternal balance of love for a child. Gordon breaks the book down into three distinct but interconnecting sections as he unveils the framework that shows equality in the love of both mother and father, addressed by breaking down the walls that over time we seem to have cemented ourselves. The sections are Debunking the Myths, Defining the Truth, and Demonstrating the Example. From here the book's subsections sprout forth the fruit of Gordon's rich, scriptural soil with Biblical text that he expands on and how it applies to all things fatherhood.
The Love of a Father is a straightforward lesson that Ken Gordon is able to wrap up in a book that packs a lot of punch despite its compact size. Gordon also sets himself apart in that he addresses readers of varied faith in a wholly inclusive way, offering the choice of either believing the word as truth or viewing it as an anthology of short stories. I've never come across this before and it solidified the spirit of solidarity we share as fathers. Gordon also speaks of the science behind the connection between a father and child on multiple levels, the wide variety of parenting styles [both good and not so great], role models plucked from the source material, and a new set of commandments for fathers themselves, among many other things. The most enlightening to me was the part that provided “Pearls of Wisdom from Your Father”, a list of do's and don'ts to give your child that evolves through the seasons of their lives. An example is the message of integrity and how people should be treated, summed up with the line, “Do not live a life where you have to look over your shoulder.” Gordon has some genuinely sound advice and valid points and I am so pleased to have come across this book.
Recommend this book:
The Girl in the Garage
3 Steps To Letting Go Of Your Past
Sharon Hughes

2021 Silver Medal
124 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

The Girl in the Garage is a work of non-fiction centering on Christian themes such as self-help and psychological healing through God and was penned by author Sharon Hughes. Subtitled ‘The True Story of Radical Healing By a Radical God’, this concise guidebook takes readers through the real-life traumatic experiences of its author Sharon Hughes, who suffered years of abuse which culminated in waking up in a garage after being drugged for hours, aged just sixteen years old. Hughes explains her connection with God and the healing that such faith has provided to her, expanding from her own experiences to show how anyone with a history of darkness in their past can be brought to God’s healing light.
There are many different angles in the self-help genre when it comes to advice on recovering from abuse, and I found author Sharon Hughes’s voice to be heartfelt and compassionate on the topic. The details are neither grisly nor graphic but plainly stated and with a considerate narration that does not seek to shock or sensationalize her story. Moreover, the focus is on what followed on her journey to God, and the formation of her new identity is written with inspiring emotive narration and a true sense of hope. Hughes offers comfort and the promise of newness through her own experience, which is well organized to transition into its more general message of healing as the book goes on. Overall, The Girl in the Garage will definitely suit those seeking solace in God following trauma and is highly recommended to them.
Recommend this book:
Grace-Filled Gratitude
A 40-Day Joy Journal with Inspirational Scriptures
Susan Sparks

2021 Gold Medal
107 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

Forty is a significant number in the Bible. Jesus fasted for forty days. Moses stayed on the mountain for forty days. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years. You get the gist. The amount of time is long but effective. In the instance of Grace-Filled Gratitude by Susan Sparks, these lengthy periods are for learning and implementing appreciation into life. Each day comes with a new scripture and journal entry. Readers have an opening prayer suggestion and a serenity prayer much like a mantra to help increase awareness.
In this day and age rampant with the continual effects of Covid, it is important to find the good in what we have. Each scripture is carefully picked to help readers reflect and brainstorm on how to carry out mindfulness. Although the questions remain the same, the participant’s answers will be different. The end game is to have a better outlook, and I believe Grace-Filled Gratitude has opened my eyes to see everything for the better. God is prevalent in my life. He has his purpose for all of us.
Susan Sparks, a lawyer turned Baptist minister and comedian, has written several noteworthy works--Laugh Your Way to Grace: Reclaiming the Spiritual Power of Humor, Preaching Punchlines: The Ten Commandments of Comedy, Miracle on 31st Street: Christmas Cheer Every Day of the Year – Grinch to Gratitude in 26 Days, and her newest, Love, a Tiara, and a Cupcake: Three Secrets to Finding Happy. Sparks knows both sides of life and brings comedy, love, and faith to our everyday lives.
Recommend this book:
Good Sexual Hygiene & Spiritual Attitude
Anthony A. Morris

2020 Finalist
248 Pages
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Christian - Biblical Counseling

Good Sexual Hygiene & Spiritual Attitude by Anthony A. Morris is a self-help book with biblical foundations that explores the mind of God regarding heterosexual relationships. In this book, the author challenges the libertine ideas on sex and contemporary attitudes that deflect humans from pursuing healthy and empowering sexual relationships. In the note to the reader, the author explains that this book is a counseling aid on spiritual ethics, sexuality, and health and that it provides advice on how to improve moral behavior. The way he goes about it is interesting. He looks at contemporary realities and attitudes of mind towards the expression of sexuality and defines the boundaries while providing insights and advice on how to live the sexual experience in the light of God’s creation.
Good Sexual Hygiene & Spiritual Attitude by Anthony A. Morris moves from an unusual definition of sex to handle very complex and sensitive topics such as starting it right, making the best choices, the destructive power of lies and how trust is affected and destroyed, the importance of hygiene, the experience of pain in relationships and what it means to take advantage of others in relationships and a lot more. The most glaring topic is one that deals with the gap between the old generation and young people and why communication, especially on very sensitive issues, sometimes is difficult and, in some cases, impossible. This book approaches heterosexual relationships from a unique perspective and I enjoyed the author’s take on hygiene and taking care of one’s self. The writing is simple and easy-to-understand; the ideas expressed are bold and thought-provoking. After reading Good Sexual Hygiene & Spiritual Attitude, readers will change the way they look at sexuality and health; in fact, they will change the way they look at and handle others.
