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:
The Jesus Factory
Scott Lindquist
2012 Bronze Medal
242 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Remember how Dan Brown’s “The DaVinci Code,” while being fiction, got people talking about their beliefs or lack of belief in organized religion? “The Jesus Factory” by Scott Lindquist is such a book. Through a fictional story, Lindquist presents a story about the lost message of a hidden apostle and the main character’s (Pete) search for spiritual truth. Much as Jesus presented lessons in the form of parables in the Bible, this story unfolds in the same way in that it really is a lesson or a thought-provoking issue for each reader as an individual but they are reading it as part of a story of someone else’s struggle.
Before I became a Christian, I hated televangelists and what I thought of as “organized religion” because those issues have been so manipulated by some that it is enough to turn you against God. “The Jesus Factory” addresses those very same issues and invites the reader to think for himself about spiritual matters, while actually drawing the reader nearer to a relationship with God. Pete, the focal character in the book, has to reconcile his beliefs with his experiences of preachers using the Bible as a weapon to humiliate and control people and the petty politics of church congregations.
Christians, non-Christians, agnostics, and seekers will all enjoy this book because the plot is good and the story line is relatable. There is a theme in the book about empowering women and gender equality that isn’t overdone. It is a good read, but may be an emotional rollercoaster for some.
Recommend this book:
The Quest for Forgiveness
She was on a collision course with her past
J. L. Rothdiener
2012 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
"The Quest for Forgiveness" grabs your attention within the first few lines when Brianna Bays is introduced as a stunning young performer who captivates her fans with her musical talent as well as her beauty. As you take life’s journey with Brianna, you will encounter both laughter and tears as you travel back with her to her childhood in Iraq through her adoption and her quest for the truth about her life and who her real parents were. A birthmark in the shape of a heart above her right eye embarrassed Brianna for most of her life but she believed it was the only evidence to link her to her biological parents. As she endlessly searches for answers to her past while still maintaining a successful, fast-paced life as the nation's top entertainer, it seems as if more questions than answers develop. However, Brianna’s search for peace culminates in her decision to accept Jesus as her savior and the search for her real parents comes to an unexpected finale.
If a book doesn’t capture me immediately I will put it down. However, J.L. Rothdiener is able to spin her tale in such a way that you find yourself turning each page with anticipation. The story line evolves ever so quickly and I found myself totally engulfed in the journey for Brianna's "quest for forgiveness". I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Recommend this book:
The Soul Reader
Gerard Webster
2012 Finalist
260 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Ward McNulty's family lived for years on Timuqua Island near Jacksonville, Florida. Ward's father led a citizen's revolt against the financial backers who wanted to buy out the residents, knock down their modest homes, and build an exclusive resort called the North Beach Project on the island. Sadly, Dan McNulty was killed as a result of the rebellion he led. Now Ward, broke and badly crippled from an accident, has been asked by his former love, newspaper reporter Carrie Hope, to join with her in writing a book about the North Beach Project, which was covered in the media when three of its five financial backers were killed. Ward wants no part of such a dangerous project, and he's not certain that he wants anything more to do with Carrie. However, there is still romance brewing between Ward and Carrie, and they join forces with Anton Gross and other friends from law enforcement to hunt down the elusive David Schoenhauer, the power behind North Beach Project and its international money-laundering schemes. But first, Ward and Carrie have to confront the highly lethal assassin, known only as "Culebra." Ward McNulty has one skill that sets them on the right path. Like his father, he can read into people's souls to judge if they are good or evil.
Gerard Webster has created a first-rate thriller with non-offensive Christian overtones that is highly well edited and well written. The plot unfolds believably, and suspense is maintained throughout the story. Characters, major and minor, are extremely well delineated and believable. "Culebra" and saintly Dona Rosa Aguilar are fascinating literary creations. The story's ending is brilliant and satisfying. The Soul Reader is a book that will appeal to readers everywhere who love first rate suspense.
Recommend this book:
The House
Anjuelle Floyd
2011 Honorable Mention
312 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
The House by Anjuelle Floyd is about Anna Manning who stayed with her husband for thirty-five years, through the birth of their four children, and now all she wants is to be free...free from the years of infidelity, the years of spending weeks on end alone while her husband was out of town working and never alone. The only things that kept her going were her children and the house. Anna fights for her share of the home and her part of the money, but her husband refuses to sell. When he finally agrees, she knows something is wrong. She soon learns he is dying and only has 3-to-6 months to live. How can she leave him now? As the house draws the family back together again, all their problems from the years back emerge. Will Edward's pending death bring the family closer together or tear them further apart?
This book was really hard to put down. It has what most all readers enjoy: drama, love/ hate relationships, fears, lessons in life. Spousal and child abuse do not have to be physical; emotional abuse can cause more problems as it's rarely seen, and children take what they have seen into their adult lives. There could be no better title for this book. The House has seen and felt it all, and now for a short time, it has them all back together. This is a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Angels All Around
Alice Greene
2011 Bronze Medal
152 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Angels All Around by Alice Burnette Greene is a well written work of Christian fiction. It is the story of two angels who are sent into this world through birth to carry out the creators plan. But there is a problem, the opposers, the demons from the underworld are out to foil the plan. The two main characters, Kenisha and Michael are meant for each other. Kenisha was born to a unwed mother who thought she would never have another child. Through a mix up with the parents Michael was born in different family. As the two become close we watch the battle between good and evil play out in their lives as the angelic hosts in Heaven do all they can to help Kenisha and Michael remember the plan God has for them as demons battle to keep them apart.
This amazing tale has it all: greed, corruption, abuse, love, hope, and spirituality. It demonstrates that God has a plan for everyone's life. Unfortunately, we do not take the time to listen to the small voice in our mind. To everything there is a purpose. Ms. Greene took time to develop the characters in this book. She not only gave dimension to the lead characters but also to the exceptional cast of secondary characters. I was quickly caught up in the story and felt as if I were a participant. This is a fast read and one I will read again.
Recommend this book:
A Higher Court
One Man's Search for the Truth of God's Existence
John L. Betcher
2011 Silver Medal
225 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
William Kensey was summoned for jury duty. Like most jurors he was more than a bit reluctant especially when he discovered the purpose of the trial. Kensey and his fellow jurors were asked to rule whether God exists.
Perhaps middle aged, Kensey was asked to serve on the jury because he had recently lost his dad in a traffic accident. Perhaps he was asked to serve because he questioned his faith after the funeral. Perhaps this was his wake up call.
Several things jumped out at me in this trial. One was the diversity of the jury. They were from different cultures with different beliefs. The one thing they had in common was they had read very little if any of the many books written about God. The jury was forced to listen to many witnesses; a great many topics were discussed including: science, medicine and evolution. The court was more interested in proving God does not exist than that he does. Many of the arguments presented were questions most of us ask at sometime in our life. "If God knows everything including what we are going to do before we do it then do humans actually have freewill?" "If God is so loving, why do people suffer?"
John Betcher offers readers a book that will make them think. He has presented both sides of the issue and allows readers to determine where they stand. This book is difficult for me to review, because I do not want to give away too much. Even in giving my opinion I am in danger of sharing too much. Betcher pointed out the five obstacles that prevent man from believing in God: anger, fear, ego, idolatry, and comfort. A Higher Court is a gripping novel that will leave the reader pondering the depth of their beliefs. I became William Kensey as he sat in the courtroom listening to both sides of the argument. Who was really on trial, God or the individuals? Is my faith strong enough to face scrutiny? Will I accept the mission?
Betcher is a brilliant writer, he entertains as he teaches. The ending really surprised me. I wonder if Betcher was given a mission--of course he was, I believe we each have a mission and perhaps his mission was to write this book. The plot of A Higher Court is amazing, and it obviously took a great deal of research. I will be watching for more books by this author and highly recommend this book for Christians and non Christians alike.
Recommend this book:
Contingency
Paula Wiseman
2011 Gold Medal
340 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Bobbi was shocked when she discovered her husband Chuck was having an affair. When he returned from his business trip she confronted him and asked him to leave. She still loved him and wanted their marriage to work. Chuck realized how foolish he'd been. He didn't want a divorce. He was a self confident, self assured and self centered person. He found it difficult to be humble. Bobbi and Chuck turn to their pastor for guidance. Pastor Phil counsels them separately and later together. He explains the need to confess sin, seek forgiveness and offer forgiveness.
Adultery is a terrible sin. It hurts spouse, children, parents, friends and coworkers. In Contingency the author cleverly demonstrates the damage and the process of healing. The sons Brad and Joel each reacted in a different way. Brad wanted justice while Joel was ready to offer forgiveness. Chuck was brought to his knees before he could truly repent of his sins. Bobbi was so deeply hurt that it took time for her to heal. Bobbi's sister Rita was filled with anger. She never liked Chuck and was determined to force Bobbi to divorce him. Pastor Phil was wise in his counsel. He was patient with the whole family.
Contingency is beautifully written. I was held captive from the first page to the last. I was cheering for Bobbi and Chuck to reconcile. The characters are well developed. I had tears dripping as I read this book. Perhaps the plot hit too close to home. Marriage is never easy, it takes work. It takes a strong relationship with Christ. I cherish the message in this book.
Recommend this book:
Sage
The Rugged Hills Series Book 1
Debora Clark
2011 Gold Medal
280 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Through the words in Luvina Bozeman's journal, we follow the lives of the Bozeman Family as they struggle to make a living in the rugged hills of the Ozarks.
Luvina (Lenny) and her sister were always close but their bond strengthened after the death of their mother. When Lenny ran off with Josiah Bozeman, her family was heartbroken. Lenny wrote to her father but the letter was returned, leaving her to believe that her family was dead. Lenny goes on with her life, although saddened by her loss.
Thirty three years later, Lucy receives a mysterious package, a green hat box. When she opens it, the strong smell of sage is overwhelming. Inside the box she discovers her mother's old apron and her sister's journal. Through the journal she relives her sister's life, the hard times and the good times, through war, and the birth and death of Lenny's daughter. She finds the missing pieces of her own life.
"Sage" is a unique historical novel. It stands out in the crowd of novels. The plot and characters touched my life. There is a strong Christian influence in this magnificent book. I have been to the Ozarks several times. I could easily imagine the courage and strength the Bozeman's had to survive there. They had faith that the Lord would keep them safe and watch over them.
This is book one of Debora Clark's "In The Rugged Hills" series.
Recommend this book:
Magog Rising
The Second of The Lightning Chronicles
Jimmy Root Jr.
2010 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
The story begins with a glance back in time to Ezekiel as he stands before the people terrified, but filled with the Spirit of God. He realizes the people are listening.
Our next scene is the late 1960s, Russia. Ten year old Anatoly Telnikov watches as his an old man reads from pages of the Bible. It was no longer in book form because reading it was prohibited. Soldiers entered the secret place of worship and beat the people. As they drug Anatoly away, the preacher shouted out, ““I, the Lord, say to you; remember my people in the latter days. I will bless all who bless them, and I shall curse all who curse them. You shall be a deliverer to them before the end.” The child would never forget what he had witnessed.
The U.S. turned its back on Israel and, as predicted, Israel was attacked. Mushroom clouds are evidence of the nuclear attack. The reader watches as similar events unfold around the world. Moscow put into action a plan to bring down both Israel and the U.S. Major General Telnikov was eager to destroy the two super powers.
Has prophecy been set in motion?
This action-packed thriller will keep the reader eagerly turning the pages. The plot is exciting, entertaining, and filled with a message for God’s people. While never preachy, this story carries a warning. There are a lot of characters in this book, each is well developed. The author spent a lot of time developing the secondary characters too. This book stands well alone, but I recommend reading them in order.
Recommend this book:
The Soldiers of the Cross
The gates of hell shall not prevail
J. Laurence Stillwell
2009 Gold Medal
222 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
J. Laurence Stillwell uses a unique medium to convey his message. Few authors could successfully accomplish this feat. The story of Paul is told in a soft poetic form. God speaks to Paul through a dream. He takes him on an incredible journey to see the spiritual world surrounding him. Paul discovers that a spiritual battle surrounds all of us. Paul sees war through a new perspective. He realizes that he must take action.
Stillwell has quite a message for readers. We can no longer be an innocent bystander, for there are no innocent bystanders. By doing nothing we are doing something. As an example people who refuse to vote for or against something have basically cast a vote. I see a deeper meaning in Stillwell’s art. I am a Christian and tend to see things through that perspective. If you love the Lord and serve Him then you must share the Good News with your family, neighbor and the whole world. Few people would let a child starve yet they starve spiritually. Few people would turn their back on a neighbor that needs help yet if you do not share the Good News you have turned you back on their need. There is a spiritual battle surrounding us. We cannot set back and do nothing we must take a stand. "He who is not with me is against me…” Matthew 12:30a.
Stillwell incorporates over 300 scripture into his story. As a former marine he has seen war. He brings his experience and emotions to his work. Soldiers of the Cross is beautifully written. I highly recommend it to all.