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:
Letters to My Father
Crissie Ann Leonard

2023 Finalist
112 Pages
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Christian - General

Letters to My Father by Crissie Ann Leonard is an intriguing Christian novel. Wiletta Jayne, the protagonist, recognized that she was drifting away from her intimate relationship with God, her Father. With this in mind, she took time off work to rekindle her passion for God. During this planned period with God, He led her to buy a stack of letters at a yard sale. These letters were prayers that several persons wrote during times of anguish. Some asked God for help in their difficult situations while others directed their rage at Him for allowing them to experience pain. Wiletta prayed for each of them, but her Father wanted her to do more. She was called to connect with them.
I thoroughly enjoyed Letters to My Father by Crissie Ann Leonard. The issues addressed here are so varied that most readers would be able to relate to at least one of them. Some of the challenges include feelings of loneliness and abandonment, depression, miscarriages, marital issues, and food addiction. I was inspired to pray for those who are facing these struggles. Although I did not like how every dilemma was resolved, I appreciated the authenticity of all the characters. I found the dialogue realistic and thought-provoking. As a Christian, I enjoyed how the scriptures and the significance of the meaning of names were emphasized. I believe that this novel will inspire those who read it to emulate Wiletta and pursue a deeper connection with God. I highly recommend this work to everyone.
Recommend this book:
I Am Sarah
James Davison

2023 Honorable Mention
186 Pages
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Christian - General

I Am Sarah by James Davison is an action-packed continuation in the chronicles of three people raised from the dead by Jesus Christ – Lazarus of Bethany, Elan, the son of the widow of Nain, and Sarah, the daughter of Jairus. Three people who, through their resurrection, received immortality. Down through the centuries, with the guidance of the angel Gabriel, these three are given tasks to perform to ensure the preservation of the faith, becoming catalysts for change and agents of mercy or judgment. In this novel, Sarah takes over the guidance of a school in Italy to assist women in learning the healing arts, while dealing with her inner demons over her participation in the violence of the Crusades. All while she and her immortal friends avoid capture by a secret faction dedicated to returning them to the grave… permanently!
I thoroughly enjoyed this amazing adventure through the Middle Ages. And what’s not to like? A faith-filled fantastic journey down through the ages laced with charm and wit. The banter between these immortals and the world-changing figures they visit is engrossing and thought-provoking. The characters were realistic, the stakes were high, the action was intense, and the world-building was exquisite. I Am Sarah by James Davison mixes the historic with the fantastic with grace and care. The eras described and the settings throughout history show research and vision, and I found the whole of it an immersive and enjoyable read. I highly recommend this novel to fans of faith-filled Christian fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Aivan
The One Truth (Chronicles of the One Truth)
Kayla E. Green

2023 Bronze Medal
124 Pages
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Christian - General

War is brewing and all is not well on the Great Continent. Two young people, from the far reaches of the continent, must find each other and find their own true meaning of life. In the process, they must follow blind faith and a prophet, Aivan, a god no one else believes still exists. Rune, from Kansanai in the north, and Rolf from Etalentin in the south are challenged by conflicting beliefs and the one god, Aivan, also known as the One Truth, who speaks out against everything the two young people once believed to be true. In between, there are evil forces at play, royals who will stop at nothing to secure their position of power, and the two young people, now on a quest for the one truth, must face danger and possible death as their quest intensifies.
Kayla E. Green’s young adult novel, Aivan: The One Truth, is the first book in the Chronicles of the One Truth series. Told from multiple points of view, primarily the two main characters, Rune and Rolf, the plot evolves from the two extremities of the continent until the two characters discover each other and continue their quest together. The plot is well developed with believable characters and beautifully described narrative passages. Like the compelling stories of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia, paralleling the stories of faith in the New Testament, this story will appeal to young readers, challenging them to confront their own quest in a search for self-identity and faith. Powerful story – I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Recommend this book:
New Every Morning
A 31-Day Devotional
Dr. Tim Riordan

2023 Silver Medal
210 Pages
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Christian - General

This week I’ve been diving into Dr. Tim Riordan’s devotional journal New Every Morning, which takes us on a 31-day plan to explore the meaning of God’s love and the places in our lives where we can see it daily. Grounding the teachings of the Bible within the minutiae of day-to-day life, it illustrates how God’s word and the lessons shared with us in the Bible can and should be allowed to influence our daily decisions to enrich our lives with core Christian values. It is a thoroughly accessible work, breaking down the big ideas in the Bible into daily doses, each of which is easy to reflect on and apply.
I have always found the Bible has barriers for people who wish to understand its messages, such as the historical context in which it was first written and the assumption that everyone will understand the social and political backgrounds at play. Dr. Tim Riordan is not just a capable scholar who has carefully grounded his faith with this understanding but also an excellent teacher and guide for the many Christians who should pick up a copy of New Every Morning. His writing style allows for his philosophical understanding of the text and his academic knowledge of the Bible to become accessible to everyone. He brings the teachings of God into the modern world in a way that anyone on a journey of faith can access and apply easily in their lives.
Recommend this book:
The Night Cometh
20 Fantastical Short Stories
Lorilyn Roberts

2023 Gold Medal
188 Pages
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Christian - General

The Night Cometh: Fantastical Short Stories by Lorilyn Roberts reminds us that we are all sinners. If we were placed on the stand in front of a judge, how would we fare given all the wrongs we’ve committed in our lives? Would we be sentenced, having been found guilty as charged, or would someone else - our heavenly redeemer - stand up for us? Isn’t that why Jesus died on the cross - for our sins and our redemption? Twin brothers, one a doctor, the other a priest, each seeks the life that the other leads, as life looks greener in distant pastures. Or is it merely a case of seeking the peace and salvation God offers us through his son, Jesus? “Salvation is a gift, but rewards are earned. Think about it. Each of you wants what your twin brother has. Is that not like Satan, to fool you into believing that what the other person has is better?” These are powerful thoughts to ponder.
I always enjoy immersing myself in a good read, especially one written by an insightful author like Lorilyn Roberts. In her recent collection of stories, The Night Cometh, the author leads the reader on a path of faith, inner peace, and deep contemplation. She tackles some difficult and compelling issues concerning heaven, hell, life, death, eternity, and much more. Each story is impactful and thought-provoking and will guide readers into a deeper understanding and acceptance of what we learn from the scriptures. Biblical verses introduce each chapter and are also incorporated into the text to add credence and structural meaning. The stories are deep, either revealing the author’s perspective or venturing into the dangerous world in which we live. Don’t sell your soul to the devil, don’t seek death as a means to discover true happiness, and don’t believe your life is less worthy than that of your brothers and sisters. There is much we can learn from these stories and the faith that has inspired them. Thanks again, Lorilyn, for sharing your insights.
Recommend this book:
Elephant Wisdom
Poetry on Science, Religion, Division & Loss
M. Gail Grant

2022 Finalist
123 Pages
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Christian - General

Elephant Wisdom: Poetry on Science, Religion, Division & Loss is a collected work of reflections and poetic verses in the Christian, spiritual, and emotional subgenres. It is intended for the adult reading audience due to some of the more serious themes it discusses and was penned by author M. Gail Grant. As the title suggests in its own cryptic way, the work covers taboo subjects centered around the difficulties of dealing with loss, grief, and death, including the death of young infants. Through different experiments in verse and narrative, the author allows thoughts to flow freely on often-repressed topics to enable readers to access these ideas for themselves.
This is the kind of book that readers won’t know they absolutely needed in their lives until they’ve read it. Whether you’re a poetry fan or not, a Christian or not, even a spiritual person or not at all, author M. Gail Grant has crafted a fully accessible and observational work of emotional philosophy that helps connect our minds to our feelings and break away from the chains of polite society. The subject matter itself is brave and unabashed, and this is complemented by superb wordplay and immense narrative quality. The free verse elements were some of my particular favorites because it felt like you were in a direct conversation with someone who has felt grief deeply and can relate to and accept others who are going through the same thing. Elephant Wisdom is a highly recommended read for anyone who wants to explore loss in a safe and open space.
Recommend this book:
The Mystic's Way for Regular People
James Alexander

2022 Honorable Mention
98 Pages
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Christian - General

The Mystic's Way for Regular People by James Alexander is a slim book that explores communion with God and shows how accessible it is to ordinary people. Many people tend to believe that to become a mystic one needs to be learned, a scholar of sorts, but this book explores the essential components of mysticism and proposes a practical way for regular people to develop deeper levels of intimacy with God. Unlike popular belief, the author moves away from the traditional understanding of mysticism in which the mystics heeded the call of Jesus to seek solitude, hidden in their rooms where they can speak to God in secret. The author, a member of the Third Order Franciscan (TSSF), simplifies prayer and communion with God and provides a deeper understanding of the “how,” “why,” and “what” it consists of.
This book is timely and it addresses the spiritual poverty that is felt worldwide, where many still seek God only in the context of being saved or spared the experience of hell; where many seek God as the solution to their multifaceted problems. James Alexander takes readers back to the core understanding of mysticism as “a face-to-face communion with God—a participation in the very life of God.” He articulates with unusual intelligence and logical arguments on a variety of topics, including the nature of God, poverty of spirit, love and joy, peace, prayer, and meditation. The book is filled with relevant biblical references and allusions to some of the greatest mystics such as Francis of Assisi, Theresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and the learned author Alfred North Whitehead. The prose is beautiful and accessible and the author shares strong personal insights in the book. The Mystic's Way for Regular People is a well-written, inspiring book that should be received as a gift of faith. It is filled with spiritual wisdom and it will guide ordinary readers to find their path to union with God.
Recommend this book:
You Can Share the Love of God With Others
Awakening Christian Series: Book Three
Sallie Dawkins

2022 Bronze Medal
230 Pages
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Christian - General

At the heart of Sallie Dawkins’s You Can Share the Love of God With Others is a pressing question that many spiritual books have forgotten to ask: Can every Christian access God's healing power, or is this reserved for an elite few in the Body of Christ? As miracles, signs, and other divine revelations seem to have become an exclusive privilege of what many of us think are the chosen elite, this book objectively addresses the question by discovering the author’s testimony of transformation. She tackles assumptions, doubts, and beliefs by drawing on Bible-based revelations and insights to guide you in unlocking the door to God’s healing power. This is the third and final book in The Awakening Christian Series, the culmination of the trilogy, and it encourages you to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission of spreading the Word.
Simply put, You Can Share the Love of God With Others is an uplifting read for those in need of spiritual recollection. Sallie Dawkins writes in such a reassuring manner that her personal accounts of healing and receiving God’s grace encourage you to shun your laziness in growing with Him. This is a spiritual guide that hooks you into its call to action. Now is always and perhaps the only better time to perform the things that you can do to put yourself in the best position to receive God’s healing power. Whatever perception you have of God, this book reminds us it is important that we do our part to help the situation ourselves and put our trust in Him. Part of the fullness of our spiritual maturity is answering to His call, in the same way that Jesus called for Peter to make it his life's mission to strengthen his brothers and feed God's sheep (John 21:17 NKJV). Read it, feel it, and live it.
Recommend this book:
Beneath the Cross
Meditations on the Seven Last Words
Bishop Gerardo Colacicco

2022 Silver Medal
80 Pages
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Christian - General

Beneath the Cross: Meditations on the Seven Last Words by Bishop Gerardo Colacicco is a fictional yet realistic account of how those who encountered Jesus Christ during his ministry might have reacted while seeing him during his crucifixion. It’s based on the seven last words (actually sentences) spoken by Christ on the cross. The subjects include the woman caught in adultery, the newlyweds from Cana, the blind man at the side of the road, and others. Colacicco speculates about whether these people ever encountered Jesus again, specifically whether they saw him as he was being crucified. Each hears Christ’s seven last words and recalls his or her earlier encounter with him. They want to be there for him just as he was for them.
Gerardo Colacicco is the auxiliary bishop for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. But one does not have to be a Roman Catholic to benefit from this book. Indeed, one does not even need to be religious. Anyone will be moved by the accounts. What I found most inspiring was that the stories told by the subject of the scripture passages were in first-person. Colacicco wrote what he believes the individuals might have thought and said while meeting Jesus the first time and then while seeing him later on the cross. Part of the charm of this book is knowing that it’s from meditations that Colacicco delivered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Colacicco spoke to an almost empty cathedral, although the service was live-streamed, and it’s good to know that Colacicco’s words are receiving further distribution through this book. I recommend Beneath the Cross: Meditations on the Seven Last Words by Bishop Gerardo Colacicco to anyone.
Recommend this book:
Your Words Your World
Louise Bélanger

2022 Gold Medal
99 Pages
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Christian - General

Your Words Your World, authored by Louise Bélanger, will awe and inspire you. This is more than a work of poetry. It is more than just beautiful photographs. It is both of these, but it is more a testimony to the glory of God. The Scriptures say that God’s glory is revealed in His creation and this book proves the point. The photographs of nature will delight your eyes. The words of the poems will dance in your mind. But the important thing about this book is that it points to the Savior on every page. Louise features Christ in her poetry. She builds Him up. This book will inspire and encourage the reader. It will touch the senses as well as the mind. Read this book and bask in the love of God.
Louise Bélanger is a servant of the Most High God. She may not be a pastor nor preach traditional sermons, but in Your Words Your World, Louise speaks volumes concerning the glory and love of God. Her poetry is free verse. She does not belabor the lines with contrived rhymes. She allows her love for Jesus to flow from her heart to the page. Reading her poetry reveals her heart for God. Louise writes about things with which we can all identify. Her photography is creatively displayed in full-page layouts. Some of the layouts are creative. Others are straightforward. Between the photos and poems, readers will be taken to a relaxing and refreshing place. Read this book if you need an emotional or spiritual pick-me-up. It is a wonderful book. It was a joy to read what Louise Bélanger wrote to the glory and honor of God.
