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 Coming Glory
Hope Now for Life After Death
Paul W. Swets

2020 Honorable Mention
175 Pages
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Christian - General

Every person has his own reason to look for answers. It could be age, illness, injury, or disease of oneself or a loved one, or it could even be a worldwide pandemic. In any case, most people are incentivized at one time or another to look for a work such as The Coming Glory: Hope Now for Life After Death by Paul W. Swets. In The Coming Glory, Swets addresses the issues of grief and of how suffering can be lessened or at least better understood if a person has an understanding of what comes after this life that we know. Swets’s goal is to comfort those in the last stages of their own lives, or who are dealing with loved ones soon to journey beyond. He begins with a note to the reader, providing a summary of what is to come: “Death is not the end of the story,” he says. Then Swets walks readers through what they can do to prepare themselves spiritually for their departure. He emphasizes that God hears His people, and he encourages the reader to keep his faith to the end.
I appreciated how Swets took biblical verses I know well and put them in the context of preparing for an end to this life and for the glory to come. It is always encouraging to be reminded that it is never too late to go to God, to ask for His help and forgiveness, and to rest in His word. Swets covers topics like what happens after death, how to get ready for Christ’s return, what bodily resurrection means, how to face God’s judgment, and how to find present comfort. At the end of each chapter, he poses a series of questions designed to get the reader to think about faith and life. It seems Swets’s questions could be used and meditated upon during a personal devotional, but they could also be used to prompt larger study or support group discussions. This work is sure to be helpful to many, as Swets provides information in a personal way without confrontation or judgment. If you or someone you know is looking at end of life issues, I recommend you pick up a copy of The Coming Glory.
Recommend this book:
Ruth Ready
While you're waiting on your Boaz, you better be
Kitty Arceneaux

2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Christian - General

Kitty Arceneaux has a realistic, God-centered view of marriage. In Ruth Ready, she shares her insights on how God designed marriage as a union--how it adds value and enriches the lives of spouses. The book is a no-nonsense response to women who expect too much from marriage instead of appreciating that God designed matrimony to provide spiritual intimacy, understanding, and the ability to put Christ at the center of the union. Arceneaux creatively uses the metaphor of the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz as a meditative example of a healthy and complementary union between husband and wife. She draws on her combined experience and observation as a licensed minister and being happily married for 17 years by applying God’s principles to her marriage and as a doer of the Word.
From irritating habits, unrealistic expectations, and other weighty concerns that women fail to solve together with their spouses, Arceneaux does not offer a magical solution that would brush off domestic issues in marriage quickly. She is aware that love can fly away easily during tough times. She suggests that if we marry using the model of God’s love and commit to our partner, we are likely to survive any potentially marriage-ending situation. Ruth Ready presents case studies of vows in crisis, checklists for premarital counseling, and a sensible rationale for women as to why their destined partner will never be perfect. Women in waiting can particularly benefit from this book. After all, many newlyweds who vow to stick together call it quits the next day, month or year. This book calls us to operate in the thought that we should welcome God into our union for He intends to make our marriages last.
Recommend this book:
Mojave Rift
J.W. Gilbert

2020 Silver Medal
244 Pages
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Christian - General

Mojave Rift by J.W. Gilbert is the first book in the ArcPoint series, a tightly written novel that blends fantasy with science fiction to create an engrossing read. Arcon belongs to a forsaken tribe hidden deep in the Acacia forest. His tribe keeps to themselves and doesn’t want to venture beyond the treacherous rift that has offered them protection. No outsiders visit their tribe, thanks to Ranger Dan who guards access to the tribe. Arcon loves his people, but his gaze is directed outside the tribe. Since he secretly contacted Elaina, he’s harbored an irresistible longing to see her, and he is ready to defy any laws and face any obstacle to see her again. But can he survive the place called Mojave?
If there is one thing that gives this novel its strength and depth, it is the handling of character. I also enjoyed the way the setting is written—the reader is left feeling as though the Rift is another character in the novel because it constitutes a powerful element that drives the conflict, the one thing that stands between the protagonist and his happiness. I love to see motivation well written into characters and J.W. Gilbert gives the protagonist one. Apart from Arcon’s strong curiosity, there is a link he has established with the outside world, a link he will do anything to strengthen. The story has many layers when it comes to meaning and interpretation and the adventure of the protagonist signals the break from monotony to innovative thinking. Mojave Rift is fast-paced, deftly plotted and skillfully written.
Recommend this book:
King Here
Never Too Old, Too Rich or Too Anything to Meet Jesus
Trish Porter Topmiller

2020 Gold Medal
186 Pages
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Christian - General

In her inspiring book, King Here, Trish Porter Topmiller tells the story of her father, Charles “Chuck” King, from his early life to his meeting with Jesus during his last years. A successful man who started his career in real estate development, King later lost a considerable part of his money and became addicted to pain pills. Topmiller recalls the most significant events of his life, telling both amusing stories and sad events. If reading that King was always late makes you smile, the passages where he and his daughter have to deal with the loss of their loved ones will remind you of how harsh life can be. However, in the end, God is there, waiting for you, and Chuck King’s life can be a way to reflect on God’s plan.
King Here conveys a message that we need to hear more often nowadays. Indeed, it is never too late to meet Jesus, and even though God’s aim is not always clear, He has a plan. Topmiller explains this thought with such delicacy and liveliness that it is a pleasure to read her words. She makes her father’s story relevant to readers who have not known him. He becomes a familiar figure thanks to the many anecdotes and events Topmiller shares. I especially like the “Chuckisms” (Chuck King’s inspirational quotes) Topmiller uses at the beginning of many chapters. They reveal the wit and insight of their creator. Moreover, the author’s spontaneity and honesty make you value her account and reflections even more. On the whole, I consider King Here a delightful read in which Topmiller made her point gracefully.
Recommend this book:
The Magnitude of the Cross
Understanding the New Birth
Darrell Conner

2019 Honorable Mention
284 Pages
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Christian - General

Mankind can only be saved through Jesus Christ. The Magnitude Of The Cross: Understanding The New Birth by Darrell Conner is a profound and thought provoking book that speaks about God's plan for salvation and mankind's condition after the Fall. All humans enter the world now separated from God and the author speaks about the need to remedy that condition. More than just removing sin from our lives, we should concentrate on becoming one with God. The New Birth is just not about awakening or turning over a new leaf; it is more than that and the author explains and helps us understand the Magnitude of the Cross and the benefits and importance of having a New Covenant Relationship with God. As the book progresses, we understand God's will and Redemptive Plan for our lives, and the author removes many common misconceptions regarding God, salvation, and scriptures.
The author follows the scriptures closely and he uses many verses from the Bible to explain the points he discusses. The discussion is detailed, and the contents are well researched and will come in handy to many of us who are seeking God and want to know more about salvation, sacrifice, atonement, and many other facts related God and His plan of salvation for us. The explanations are well written and that makes it easy for any reader to understand this book. I found the book insightful and the topic will help us reflect on many factors; human faith, God's will for us, the possibility of salvation, and more. The author magnifies Christ and his work on the cross and will help us understand how Christ has accomplished the promises of God to mankind. Everything vital in regards to our relationship with God has also been discussed in this book.
Recommend this book:
Believing
Reflections of Faith
Michael Misiak

2019 Honorable Mention
117 Pages
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Christian - General

Believing: Reflections of Faith by Michael Misiak is a detailed, but easy to read devotional written for both Christians and skeptics. The author shares his personal journey as a Christian and invites non-believers to consider divergent thinking and open their minds to new ideas instead of what they already think about religion. After exploring the validity of the Bible and near-death experiences and laying the groundwork for the reader to consider the reality of God, the rest of the book examines daily life as a Christian, including the timelessness of Christ in the face of thousands of years of fads and being a light in the world even when you are flawed.
Believing: Reflections of Faith is a great book to connect with in a personal way. Michael Misiak writes like a friend giving wisdom from his own experiences so you can sort out what you might be struggling with. His gift for really clever imagery that hits the spot and creates a genuine moment shines brightly throughout the narrative. I especially liked the use of wordplay and scientific analogies to create the unexpected and make you think—as in comparing the three-person God to the awesome power of the sun, special eyeglasses to view the sun, and ultraviolet radiation. Other moments of reflection were very funny and deeply real, like the inventive story of what your point of view might be if you were in heaven about to be born on Earth. An earnest and authentic book that never overstates itself or loses its grip on the subject matter. Believing: Reflections of Faith is a nice option for someone looking to better their understanding of why people believe in God or to renew their own faith if they are a Christian.
Recommend this book:
Move Every Mountain
Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges
Shamiro Anita

2019 Finalist
140 Pages
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Christian - General

Move Every Mountain: Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges is a nonfiction Christian Living/Devotionals book written by Shamiro Anita. Anita is a worship leader at the Grace Abundant Grace Fellowship, a singer/songwriter, and an inspirational author. Anita argues that while life is not always smooth sailing and that we all encounter obstacles that seem like mountains in our everyday lives, God is always there, watching out for us and providing places of rest and comfort after those travails. He discusses each of the “mountains” we encounter, starting with the Mountain of Doubt through the Mountain of Guilt and culminating in The Valley of Peace. Each chapter opens with a quote from Scripture and continues with a discussion of that chapter’s topic, wherein Anita gives anecdotes from everyday life as well as passages from Scripture. He then concludes with a Summary that offers the Key Point of the chapter, a Verse to memorize and a suggested Application.
Shamiro Anita’s Move Every Mountain: Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges is a well-written and engaging look at Christianity and the interactive role God plays in all of our lives. I particularly liked the way each chapter worked so well as a devotional and could easily see each of them being used by prayer groups for study and discussion. Anita’s approach to the Bible is practical and accessible, even to those who’ve not fully committed themselves to being active Christians. His writing style is conversational and easy, making it seem as though he’s there in the room with you and speaking directly with you. The Key Points in the Summary Sections and Verses to Memorize are brilliant and really help the reader to get the clearest focus on the topic covered. Move Every Mountain: Overcoming 15 of Life's Toughest Challenges is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Greater Weight of Glory
A Memoir
Robin Farnsworth

2019 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Christian - General

The Greater Weight of Glory is a powerful memoir penned by author Robin Farnsworth. Depicting the heart-wrenching story of how the author herself came to God, and her relationship with her son Spencer before and after his untimely death, this harrowing yet inspiring tale takes a deep look at religion, faith, and understanding amid the trials of the modern world. Robin and her son Spencer both come to God at different times and for different reasons in their lives, and the story seeks to illustrate how that enlightenment and discovery comes from the darkest moments of our lives, developing into something more eternal and life-changing as time moves on.
I found The Greater Weight of Glory to be a truly compelling read whether it is read from a Christian perspective or not. Though the subject matter deals with discovering God and faith through our trials, author Robin Farnsworth presents her experiences openly, without recommendation or pushiness, and exposes every raw moment of her pain for us to really understand how faith helped her through. These inspirational messages are seamlessly woven into the narrative without stopping abruptly, and the biblical passages included are apt and well arranged to add to the formation of ideas rather than stop for a ‘lesson’ of sorts. Overall, The Greater Weight of Glory is an extremely well-written memoir packed with heart, and will certainly serve as both an interesting read and a source of extreme comfort to those who have dealt with family grief in their lives.
Recommend this book:
Common Stones
A glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own
Alicia M. Smith

2019 Gold Medal
224 Pages
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Christian - General

Common Stones is a work of Christian non-fiction exploring different themes around faith and experience, penned by author Alicia M. Smith. Self-described as ‘a glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own’, the book sets out to explain the differing but equally difficult life experiences of a series of people who have overcome their problems, with a view to how we can all learn from those moments. Written as a series of essays which profile each case, the stories offer inspiring examples of fighting on, using faith and self-help techniques in order to reach a higher ground beyond the struggles.
Author Alicia M. Smith uses a gentle helping touch in dealing with the topic of survival in this collection of anecdotes, biographical tales and teachable, advisory moments. The book is very well organized to ease you into the concept before the stories begin in earnest, approaching the topic in a wide, more relatable way before it gets into specific detail. Some of the scenarios are harrowing in nature, but not graphically depicted, making it all the more incredible to see how the people Smith writes about have overcome their personal hardships. Further to this, the narrative style is never too invasive, almost like a counseling voice that sits back and allows the reader their own reflections, but also presents a bigger picture view of each case. Overall, Common Stones is an excellent message and a piece of essential reading for those who may be losing their faith or joy in life at the moment.
Recommend this book:
What Does God Think?
Transgender People and The Bible
Cheryl B. Evans

2018 Honorable Mention
186 Pages
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Christian - General

Is being transgender against God and the Bible? That is the question that Cheryl Evans, author of What Does God Think?: Transgender People and the Bible, attempts to answer. Evans, the mother of a daughter and a transgender son, said, "I set out to discover what is at the root of the vast differences in opinions about what God thinks, what the Bible says, and what individuals believe about transgender people." She uses scriptures like Ecclesiastes 11:5, Jeremiah 1:5 and many others to clearly show that God loves all people. Furthermore, she disproves scientific studies entailing the nature versus nurture theory. Readers will discover the difference between sex and gender, the role of social conditioning, and how many are thriving in their lives as a transgender person.
Cheryl Evans did an outstanding job writing What Does God Think?: Transgender People and the Bible. As a Christian, I was uncomfortable with the topic. But as I read about her goal to educate others and discuss the issue calmly, I wanted to know more. Each chapter has a thought-provoking scripture. This nonfiction work is comprehensive, honest and well researched. The Thank You section and Book Club Talking Points were great extras. I appreciated the fact that Evans admitted that she was not an academic or scholar -- that was the pivotal element that will truly touch readers as they identify with her position. Her first book, I Promised Not To Tell, inspired her to write her latest Christian true story. I believe Evans will receive critical acclaim. What Does God Think? is highly recommended.
