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:
Murder for the Time Being
Joanie Bruce
2017 Finalist
322 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Murder for the Time Being by Joanie Bruce is a fictional mystery suspense novel with a bit of romance that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy clean reads with no explicit language, sexual situations, or graphic violence. Lexi Wynn is a young computer expert who is terrified for her life after a bank robbery, knowing that someone is after her. Her life is heading downwards fast, with her only hope hinging on her computer skills being enough to help her bring a killer to light, but a car collision with handsome Drew Sheffield might just be enough to turn her life around. Drew Sheffield walks away from the collision with Lexi Wynn lingering in his mind, so when he sees the chance to help her, he seizes it with both hands. Amidst danger and mystery, will these two be able to seize the moment and allow their love to blossom or will it all go down the drain?
Murder for the Time Being by Joanie Bruce has a very vivid cover that hinted at the inner plot of the book without giving anything away; I really liked that Lexi was on the cover as it gave me a clear picture of what she looked like. I only wish Drew could have been on it as well. I personally felt that the author did a good job of balancing the elements of the plot with the attraction between Lexi and Drew. Lexi quickly became my favorite character as she had a sassy personality, good morals, and was willing to fight back instead of giving up. Overall, it was very pleasurable to read a book that had an enjoyable plot, with action that was not bogged down with needless violence and gore!
Recommend this book:
For No Apparent Reason
S.K. Derban
2017 Honorable Mention
252 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
For No Apparent Reason by SK Derban is a murder mystery. Madison is focused on her life as a law student, with no time for frivolous things like romance. Every stage of her life has been planned to precision and she has made peace with not having any real relationships until she has successfully passed the bar exam. Of course, fate always intervenes and when Madison shelters from a spring storm, her life is changed forever. Suddenly, she is on a different path, a path that takes her into a shady world of money laundering, greed, and murder, a path that teaches her how to choose her friends and what love can do for her. How will Madison’s perfectly planned life ever be the same again?
For No Apparent Reason by SK Derban was an interesting story, one that I found very difficult to put down. There is plenty of suspense and plenty of action, all designed to turn a perfect life completely on its head. This book has an intriguing plot with some colorful and well-developed characters living lives that you can’t help but be drawn into. The development of both the story and the characters was drawn out through the book and each chapter brought something new into the mix. This is a delightful combination of suspense, mystery, and romance all rolled into one, a bit more on the light-hearted side and not too much of the dark, heavy stuff you sometimes get in this genre. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a light read that they can’t put down.
Recommend this book:
Martin Hospitality
Martin Generations Volume 1
Abigayle Claire
2017 Honorable Mention
385 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Martin Hospitality is book one in the Martin Generations series by Abigayle Claire, and is a great and inspiring read indeed. Meet eighteen-year-old Gemma Ebworthy, a lonely pregnant woman. She now sleeps in a barn, after being rendered homeless because of her condition, and she doesn’t think things will get better any time soon. But then she must adjust and find her own space within the large Martin family in rural Texas. The Martins seem to attract her in ways she could never have imagined, and when she has to face her past again, she must choose to reveal her entire life to this family animated with a strong Christian faith, and risk gaining their full trust or losing it entirely.
Abigayle Claire’s novel is an inspiring story that centers on hospitality, family, humanity, and faith. The reader is immediately drawn to the young pregnant girl, seeking a home at the beginning of the story, and her encounter with the Martins. The story captures the life of a Christian family living in the rural area; it’s the kind of family one would meet in a developing environment. The joyful and boisterous atmosphere within the family comes across clearly throughout the narrative. The writing is excellent and the prose features vivid descriptions and dialogues that combine humor and wit to enhance the plot. Character development is impeccable and surprises in the plot line are exciting enough to make for a great reading experience. Martin Hospitality is deftly and tightly written, a story with as much entertainment and lessons as anyone can hope for.
Recommend this book:
The Field Trip
Greg Elsasser
2017 Bronze Medal
400 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
There is very little that is as it appears to be in The Field Trip, making for a twisting and turning plot that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until the last word of the book. There are many characters in The Field Trip that are necessary to the suspense, but the main character is Chasen Derrick and his most annoying student, Eddie. Chasen is currently working at the Dysart Academy, receiving an unusually large salary that he appreciates but never questions. He halfheartedly agrees to take a class on a field trip to England, and he and the students set off to enjoy their sightseeing in London. The trip is off to a good start until they become bystanders in a fire and then everything is turned upside down and sideways. As they plan to board the bus to the next spot in Oxford, two students are missing and Chasen hurries off to find them. The students load onto the bus and are driven away without their teacher. Chasen then finds himself and Eddie (the missing student) stranded and they soon are being accused of terrible deeds. The two find themselves being the hunted and use all of their strength, wits and knowledge to move from scary situation to life threatening situation. No one is whom they think and everyone they come across may or may not be a friend or the enemy.
The Field Trip kept me up long past my bedtime and had me ignoring my daytime chores. I can honestly say that this is the best Christian fiction suspenseful book I have read in, well, forever. Greg Elsasser is brilliant in his combining of God, mystery, intrigue and fantastic characters. He brings in religion without it becoming overwhelming; suspense permeated throughout the story and believability was top notch. I was never 100% certain if it was all really fiction or if perhaps there was some truth in it; that is how well the story was presented. Please do not pass this one up; it is sooooo good.
Recommend this book:
To Fear The Dawn
Sean Young
2017 Silver Medal
348 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
The battle between good and evil is a common occurrence in our world. Sean Young clearly showed the battle between good and evil in To Fear The Dawn, with the good side comprising Nicholas Gallagher (the computer genius and billionaire), Decklin Kanabas (the controversial priest), and Lajé Jaffa (the last of her kind), with Hypatia's children representing the evil side (prominent men and women who had infiltrated all sectors in a bid to carry out their global conspiracy and control the world). Nicholas finds an ally and trusted friend in Decklin Kanabas after he escaped from prison because his life was being threatened by the same people who tried to frame him. The trio ( Nicholas, Decklin and Lajé) eventually become bound together by their common interest, which is to protect themselves from Hypatia's children and bring them down. Evil seems to be gaining ground; how long can good hold out?
To Fear The Dawn makes you feel as if you are watching an exciting movie; it is action-packed, interesting and suspenseful. The idea of an imminent danger also makes you feel as if you are right alongside the characters and, just like them, you don't know exactly what you are up against. To Fear The Dawn caught my attention from the cover, which is bold and fierce, and it sustained my attention till the end. I loved the action, the breath-taking suspense coupled with betrayal, and I was really intrigued by Decklin Kanabas' character, his abilities, intelligence, cunning and skill.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts
A Family and The Power of Intuition
Sherry Maysonave
2017 Gold Medal
334 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
The Girl Who Could Read Hearts by Sherry Maysonave is an inspirational story that vividly treats the themes of intuition, religion, God, love, and many others. The book tells the story of a girl with the extraordinary gift of seeing what most ordinary people do not see, the gift of a sharpened perception, and one that troubles her as well as her parents. What does it mean to see colors in the hearts of others? Could she be living within the bounds of the normal or does her experience border on insanity? Such are the questions that disturb Kate Kindrick and her family, but there is worse than that, and can she bear it all in her young heart?
Sherry Maysonave is a very skilled author and her work explores one of the challenging issues that many people face in contemporary society: the loneliness of the gifted person. The story is well written and there is a powerful psychological depth that will haunt many readers. But the story is highly inspirational, one of those tales that will encourage readers to have the courage to stand out, to accept their gifts, and to embrace who they really are. The author’s tone is gentle and compassionate, and her voice rings through with clarity and authority. The highly accessible writing is punctuated by vivid descriptions and colorful dialogue. The author knows how to lead readers into the mind of her protagonist and allow them to connect intimately with her. The Girl Who Could Read Hearts is a story of faith, a powerful defense for those who dare to follow the light they see within them. A highly recommended read!
Recommend this book:
The Stonegate Sword
Harry James Fox
2016 Finalist
478 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
I loved The Stonegate Sword! This is all you really need to know. I'm going to tell you about the accurate portrayal of the characters. I'm going to tell you about the very realistic feel of this fictional world, a world that feels so real you are drawn into it, not just reading about it. It's probably not everyone's type of book, but it is my type and I will tell you why. Harry James Fox has created a post apocalyptic America where, although life is hard and evil abounds, people are still good and good ultimately triumphs.
I am often disappointed by fantasy books and their writers. I am especially drawn to books with the right combination of medieval daily life and military life. In The Stonegate Sword, Harry James Fox gives us a detailed look at both. I was completely immersed in the tale of Donald of Fisher, a Lore-man or scribe, who becomes a fierce warrior due to fate and prophecy more than any desire in his own heart. He fights for all the right reasons, and Harry James Fox describes the process of Donald going from boy to man AND from scribe to soldier with just the right touch. When I joined the army, an old sergeant told me that the secret to success in the army is attention to detail. He was right. It's actually the secret to success in life. In The Stonegate Sword, Harry James Fox gets all the details right.
Recommend this book:
Alana Candler, Marked for Murder
Joanie Bruce
2016 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Alana Candler, Marked for Murder was just one twist after another in an action packed mystery that reads like a thriller. Toss in a dash of romantic tension and I just couldn't put it down. Literally. I read it in one sitting. It was well-paced and well-written. It is clear that author Joanie Bruce has a gift for suspenseful story telling. The story follows Alana, who finds herself unsuspectingly targeted for murder. Confused and on the run, she finds an unlikely hero in her brother’s old high school buddy, Jadyn, now a successful businessman. When the two collide, there is an attraction that can’t be denied, but neither can it be dealt with easily because Alana’s life is on the line and Jadyn must hide his profession since she has had a bad run of relationships with men in powerful positions in the past.
There was solid character development, including the development of dynamic supporting characters that made the story feel authentic and truly come to life. The romantic thread was well balanced with the main plot of Alana's survival. The hero, Jadyn, is definitely a likable fellow as the dashing knight in shining armor who constantly swoops in to save our helpless heroine. My only minor complaint is that his character was pushed a little bit into the zone of too idealistic. Even still, it was one of those suspenseful romances that was clean and I could still feel the pull between the characters in a way that made me root for love to win!
Recommend this book:
Maiden General
How a 17-year-old Girl Saved France at Orleans: A True Story
Mike MacCarthy
2016 Honorable Mention
288 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
It is said that God works in mysterious ways and that was certainly the case when ‘Joan of Arc’ became the savior of France in 1429. Maiden General: How a 17-year-old Girl Saved France at Orleans: A True Story by Mike MacCarthy tells the true story of a 17-year-old virgin farm girl, Jehanne. Since the age of 12, this young woman had been receiving messages from God regarding removing the English from French soil and ensuring that Charles VII be crowned King of France. After defying the odds to obtain a meeting with the Dauphin, the heir apparent, and gaining his trust and support, Jehanne went on to lead French troops into battle to lift the siege of the city of Orléans. Jehanne’s devotion to God and her deeply held Catholic beliefs enabled her to inspire the men to fight and, in spite of serious injuries, she led them to victory, bringing the Hundred Years War to a close. From humble beginnings, never asking for praise, Jehanne trusted in the Lord, dedicating her life to His purpose for the sake of her country.
The history of 15th century France and the Hundred Years War comes alive through the detailed yet engrossing narrative masterfully created by Mike MacCarthy. Full of passion, Maiden General: How a 17-year-old Girl Saved France at Orleans: A True Story paints a clear and poignant picture of life in the French countryside and court, as well as providing a touching testimony to the intensity of Jehanne’s belief. To read this tale is to marvel at the accomplishments possible through absolute faith in and devotion to God. All history should be written this well! This is a beautiful story and the author's passion is obvious. If only more people listened to what God wants from their lives, imagine what a wonderful place the world could be!
Recommend this book:
After the Thaw
Therese Heckenkamp
2016 Bronze Medal
359 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
In After the Thaw by Therese Heckenkamp, Charlene Perigard is still in the process of trying to put her life together after being kidnapped and traumatized three years earlier. She is in love with a fire fighter named Ben and she is making plans for the future, but first she must fulfill a deathbed promise that will force her to revisit her past. She must deliver a letter to Clay, the brother of her kidnapper and the man who saved her life. Her life becomes steeped in threats and violence and she has to find some place safe, away from family and the people she knows. As she fights to stay alive and find a way to live in peace, as she struggles with possible feelings for Clay, her relationship with Ben begins to fall apart. If Charlene can survive this current nightmare, she will have to make a choice.
Therese Heckenkamp develops a story with descriptive language and sub-plots that draw you deep into this tale of intrigue, romance and terror. After the Thaw is riveting and hard to put down. The characters are vivid and well defined, the emotions are intense, and the story carries you along on a tumultuous journey of love, hate, terror, revenge, regret and more. Charlene Perigard's dark and dangerous present, things that nightmares are made of, force her to rely on her faith, her God that can see her through anything and who is the only one that can keep her alive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Excellent.