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:
Captive Set Free
How to Find Freedom Through Forgiving
Valerie Limmer

2023 Finalist
294 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

Captive Set Free by Valerie Limmer focuses on forgiveness. The book begins by listing different situations where people may be supported by their anger, but they choose to forgive and/or live peacefully with their circumstances. The author continues to illustrate the value of forgiveness through examples from other cultures, scripture, and personal experiences.
Captive Set Free will speak to the heart of the reader, encouraging them to take the path to salvation through love and forgiveness. The call to action is clear, as almost everyone has a situation they need to resolve, and the words in the text motivate readers to take positive steps to relieve themselves from the burdens weighing them down. One of the most poignant passages of scripture is quoted in the middle of the book, and the conversation between the apostle Peter and Jesus about the number of times we should forgive spoke to my heart. Valerie Limmer points out that humans are inclined to sin, and the Lord forgives us, so we should exercise the same compassion for those around us.
Limmer used many examples from her life and included relatable questions that will resonate with her readers. The book is a wonderful complement to daily scriptural studies, as it focuses on love and acceptance as recommended by Jesus. Captive Set Free would be a great book for anyone who is struggling with guilt over their actions or is frustrated about their need to forgive someone they feel may or may not deserve their pardon.
Recommend this book:
Paws, Purpose and Possibilities
How Therapy Dogs and Faith Healed My Heart
Gail H. Scoates

2023 Honorable Mention
163 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

Paws, Purpose and Possibilities: How Therapy Dogs and Faith Healed My Heart by Gail H. Scoates is an inspiring work that offers impactful lessons about faith and healing from therapy dog work. After losing her sister Karen, Scoates was determined to see something good emerge from her heart-breaking loss. In 1998 when therapy dog work was still new, she was invited to join her church’s faith-based therapy dog program. She knew what therapy dog work could do after seeing how dogs had helped Karen during the latter part of her life. Scoates decided to join, a decision that took her on a wonderful journey as she helped uplift the lives of others through therapy dog work. She shares this amazing story and the lessons she learned along the way in her heartwarming book.
With profound lessons related to faith, Paws, Purpose and Possibilities is a powerful depiction of how great things can come from pain and grief. I enjoyed learning about each therapy dog. All of them were special and their interactions with children and adults were moving. It was also lovely to read about how Scoates’s work grew, including the wonderful moments she experienced and the people she encountered. The faith lessons shared are practical and can be applied in daily life. There are many happy and funny moments included which I enjoyed. Gail H. Scoates has provided a wonderful work that readers will love. It is unforgettable, with important lessons and useful information for anyone who wants to get involved with therapy dog work.
Recommend this book:
Learning on the Fly and Laughing Till I Cry
A Journal of Mothering My Daughter From Ages One to Seven
Deb Preston

2023 Bronze Medal
351 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

Deb Preston documents her heart-warming and humorous journey to motherhood in Learning on the Fly and Laughing Till I Cry: A Journal of Mothering My Daughter From Ages One to Seven. The journal captures the highs and lows of motherhood and everything in between. It includes many moments of introspection and learning. The work shows the beauty within the mundane. It involves many beautiful events experienced in Preston's and her daughter's everyday lives, including funny conversations, warm hugs and cuddles, and enlightening instants when both mother and daughter learn from each other. The diary is comforting too and aptly captures the challenges and rewards of parenting. In between entries, hilarious snippets of amusing observations or experiences shared are included, which further enliven the journal.
I loved that the incidents captured often resulted in profound faith-based messages that expound biblical lessons and show how they apply in daily life. I also appreciated the work’s honesty in its depiction of motherhood. Mothers will relate to Deb Preston’s struggles and share in both mother and daughter’s wonderful, joyous moments. I enjoyed their lovely, close bond and loved the amusing observations and conversations included. Since the work is organized in a day-to-day format, it will offer aspiring mothers a candid look into what motherhood and parenting involve. While demanding and trying, the book shows that motherhood can be a wonderful, fulfilling journey. Told through the lens of a mother and her daughter, Learning on the Fly and Laughing Till I Cry is a must-read for any mother looking for a light-hearted, relatable, and uplifting read.
Recommend this book:
Divine Detour
The path you'd never choose can lead to the faith you've always wanted
Lori Ann Wood

2023 Silver Medal
235 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

In her candid 40-day collection of essays, Divine Detour, Lori Ann Wood reflects on the thoughts, questions, and life lessons she has had to navigate before and after receiving a crushing diagnosis. After going to her family doctor for what she thought were flu-like symptoms, Wood received a devastating diagnosis. In 2015, her life took a sudden turn when she was diagnosed with heart failure, a chronic and progressive disease. As doubt and fear began to rise within her, Wood turned to her faith. Instead of dismissing the questions she had, she turned to God with them. By looking to Him, she has discovered empowering faith and endurance during her journey.
I appreciated that Wood documents her daily struggles with honesty. Her work is a treasure chest of hope and wisdom that has been learned in hard places. I love that the essays do not shy away from the difficult questions many people wrestle with when facing challenges. It covers these questions and goes beyond to give important, life-giving biblical revelations relevant to periods that involve uncertainty and change. I also appreciated that the essays include lessons learned prior to the diagnosis. Other insights shared regarding unanswered prayer, trust, and God’s eternal purpose were practical and eye-opening. Divine Detour by Lori Ann Wood is a powerful, hope-filled Christian work with thoughtful discussions about hardship, change, and hope. It is an encouraging companion for anyone facing unexpected detours in their life.
Recommend this book:
Living for His Glory
Strengthen your Faith as you Find Hope and Purpose in Life's Seemingly Insurmountable Challenges
Kim S. Kinney

2023 Gold Medal
321 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

At one of my numerous Sunday school services, our teacher told us we were created to praise and worship God. This duty has stayed with me as a constant reminder, much like what Kim S. Kinney says in her book, Living for His Glory. Most Christians run to God or pray to Him when they have problems that are too big for them to handle. They then forget about God’s intervention once their hearts’ desires are met. When the Spaffords’ daughters were drowning, they all appeared braver than their mother, fully trusting in God’s ability and mercy to save them. Ultimately, their deaths marked the end of Horatio’s biological fatherhood, leaving him broken and devastated. Where and how will he draw the strength to remain in the faith?
My favorite aspect of this book is the author’s inter-textual infusion, which complements the narration and enhances our understanding of the discussion. For example, the symbolic application of Horatio’s disaster to Job’s similar disaster not only justifies the biblical teachings but also reflects that Christians still emulate Job’s decision to remain blameless and righteous. I loved the inclusion of Bible verses alongside the various arguments offered by the author. These scripture texts give Living for His Glory by Kim S. Kinney a sense of authenticity. The author's writing skills are clear in how she imparts biblical truths so that all readers can relate to and appreciate the message of God's Word. The texts can be read from random sections, depending on one's preferences. The chronological unrelatedness of the contents makes it a resourceful tool for Christians taking Bible classes. I recommend it to Christians who desire to dedicate their lives to serving God in truth and integrity. An excellent book for Christians to find daily upliftment and strength in God to combat life's adversities.
Recommend this book:
Life Resumed
Paulina R Jaramillo

2022 Finalist
253 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

It is inevitable that, sooner or later, we have to face a tragic or sad event. Whether it is the loss of a loved one or the end of a relationship, the feelings we experience are often anger and grief, and we may also feel a sense of loneliness and betrayal. If you are in this situation, Life Resumed by Paulina R. Jaramillo will be helpful. Thanks to her accurate observations, the beautiful images, and many quotes (from the Bible and other authors), plus the writing exercises, you will be able to get out of your distressed state and start living again. This book also includes many sections that relate to children facing a loss, so it is recommended if you need to support a young person.
I believe that Life Resumed is the perfect read for those facing the loss of a loved one (whatever the reason), mainly because it is a practical book. Anyone who already jots down their thoughts knows the benefits of writing, and that is just what Jaramillo invites her readers to do. Her explanations are short but effective, and I found them especially valuable when she talks about children. It is not always easy to help kids get through tough times, but here is a clear guideline on how to do it, which is valuable to adults. I recommend this book to anyone experiencing a dark period. After reading this book, it will be much easier to look to the future.
Recommend this book:
Encountering the Great I Am
With His Name Comes Everything
Judy Jacobson

2022 Finalist
410 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

Encountering the Great I Am: With His Name Comes Everything by Judy Jacobson explores God's divine plan through an exploration of His divine name and focuses on this as a primary question. The question is addressed through the evolution that occurred between His command for His name to be remembered by each generation and how we came to know the names of the Lord, God, and Father. Jacobson focuses on this mystery and incorporates various sacred objects such as sacred fire, the tabernacle, the Spirit of the Prophecy, and the Ark of the Covenant. This book goes into what these objects have in common while delving into the ways in which God communicates with His people.
This book is written from a personal place with Judy Jacobson weaving her own experiences throughout. Encountering the Great I Am is an ideal resource that teaches while also providing a connection to Jacobson through her honesty. At the forefront of the book is an exploration of God's name which serves as a biblical study. Underneath are elements of healing, sharing, and compassion for those seeking answers, are curious about God's name, and need a deeper connection in their life. The tone of the book comes from a devoted place that is thoughtful and curious with Jacobson exploring sacred objects in a way that will have you seeing them differently or with a deeper meaning than you had before. Jacobson's writing style makes her book relatable and makes it easy to form a deeper spiritual connection. You will also find ways to communicate with God. Thought-provoking and earnest, this book provides a great companion for a Bible study as well as personal research. Encountering the Great I Am is an honest, poignant, emotional, and uplifting book that explores ways of communicating with God, a study of His name, and Jacobson's personal experience.
Recommend this book:
Beyond the Scale
Emotional Healing from Food Addiction
Debra Moss

2022 Honorable Mention
146 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

Beyond the Scale: Emotional Healing from Food Addiction by Debra Moss is a non-fiction self-help Christian guide for those who struggle with unhealthy relationships with food. Moss uses her own life experiences in the narrative as she addresses the progression of her food addiction, which can be traced back as far as the age of six when her grandmother warned that if Moss' weight wasn't curbed as a child that she would grapple with the effects for the rest of her life. Moss breaks the book down into four distinct and interconnected sections: Mind, Soul, Body, and Putting It All Together. These are then further distinguished by addressing the crux of the psychological, spiritual, and physical nature of food addiction and establishing scripture-based guidance to pierce the veil of its toll.
It takes a great deal of courage and an even greater amount of faith for an individual to go public with their story of addiction. It is frequently met with surprised concern by people beyond the addict's immediate circle and is almost always followed by a frown, a few polite nods of the head, and the realization by the addict that the person they have just confided in now views them as someone with a problem that is their own fault, and that stems from a deep moral weakness. Of course, addiction is so much more complex than that. In her book Beyond the Scale, Moss' application of scripture to every element of the journey means readers are able to navigate a way out of the darkness of addiction into the light of progressive healing in all aspects. I was most moved by Learning To Love Yourself in which Moss writes, “You were never meant to live a life of deprivation, especially when it comes to love.” Later, Moss expands this to include not only self-love but the love God has for the individual and the love the individual has for God. This is the only way to truly seek progress over perfection. The book is well-intended, well-written, and profoundly instructive, and I have no doubt others who read it will be able to view circumstances with open eyes and open hearts.
Recommend this book:
Lemonade!
Squeeze Your Challenging Life Experiences into a Successful Business
Melane Mullings

2022 Bronze Medal
338 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

When life throws a stick into the spokes of our bicycle, we often sit down, head in our hands, and say: “Why me?” What if we really should be asking ourselves: “Why not me? How can I turn this into something positive?” In her book Lemonade! Squeeze Your Challenging Life Experiences into a Successful Business, Melane Mullings shows us that our lemon experiences can be used to make a difference. The moments that could have broken us might just be the reason for our existence. She gives a list of 17 basic ingredients to find our purpose in life and to turn it into a success, into our Lemonade! Continuously guiding, reassuring, and rooting for us, she willingly shares the pivotal lessons she has learned on her own road to success. After all, life is a journey, and we should be enjoying every single moment.
I have to admit that I do not readily open books listed as non-fiction or even business-related. Perhaps it’s because of my constant search for my own purpose that I selected it, and I’m happy I did. Melane Mullings has set out the 17 strategies in such a way that pitfalls and failures are expected as part of the journey, and to look forward to it. She has written this book in a way that is easy to understand and easy to follow. The terminology is not daunting. I love the fact that the entire strategy is centered around a Higher Power, a complete and utter surrender to His Grace and Guidance. Her passion saturated this book and had no other place to go but to the reader, filling them up. I am definitely keeping Lemonade! near me and will be returning to it again and again.
Recommend this book:
Love Is
A Year-Long Experiment of Living Out 1 Corinthians Love
Kim Sorrelle

2022 Silver Medal
208 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Living

Love Is: A Year-Long Experiment of Living Out 1 Corinthians Love by Kim Sorrelle is an exploration of living a life of love pursuant to one of the most profound thoughts written on the subject in Corinthians. The book is divided into fourteen chapters that are titled according to how 1 Corinthians defines love. Beginning with Love is Patient, the author expounds on the idea of what patient love is and how it influences the moments when it is present. It then ends with a chapter on Love Always Perseveres that gives reasons why true love never gives up. All the examples given are based on hands-on experiences and observations by the author, and she ends every chapter with a short prayer—devotional acts with deep, personal meaning that you can use to uplift your heart and mind.
Kim Sorelle walks her talk as she crosses cultures from the United States to Haiti to affirm her epiphany on what makes God an ideal definition of love. Sorelle is not a love expert, but like everyone else, she knows a thing or two about love from its universality and timelessness. She also has a healthy understanding that it can hurt. I like how she puts a semantic play on the words to come up with profound ideas. When she writes that you can be lovesick, loveless, and lovely, she gives you a digestible concept of love, an idea that for most scholars and intellectuals has a great deal of structure. So what is love really? If you prefer an experience-based explanation of the subject with spiritual leanings, reading Love Is could help.
