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 - Science/Technology
- 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 Journey Begins Within
Exploring the Depths of the Self and the Universe
Savi

2025 Finalist
225 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

The Journey Begins Within: Exploring the Depths of the Self and the Universe by Savi is a groundbreaking guide to self-discovery, spiritual enlightenment, and self-liberation. Through analyzing heavenly and negative spiritual encounters, the author offers readers practical solutions to help them enhance their intrapersonal growth and spiritual life. The author uses spiritual exploration and personal anecdotes to guide readers toward letting go of their ego while embracing a fulfilling life in the here and now. Savi examines life through different spectrums and reveals the many spiritual truths that shape our reality. Moreover, his book explores multiple verified techniques to draw closer to God, like fasting, meditation, mindfulness, embracing godly encounters, studying our reality, and self-reflection.
Life often distracts us from acknowledging and appreciating the things that should matter the most to us. Savi reminds us that despite these daily distractions, we must dedicate time to ourselves and our spiritual and mental well-being. He shares several doable techniques to help us connect with our true selves. This thought-provoking book does a great job of reminding us that connecting with ourselves is a significant part of enjoying a life rich in balance, peace, and happiness. The explanations and definitions used in this spiritual guide are easy to comprehend and implement. This inspirational book will help direct readers to spiritual transformation and a more fulfilling and centered life. The Journey Begins Within is a must-read for persons aspiring for a more in-depth understanding of themselves and a lasting connection with God.
Recommend this book:
God Was Always Speaking, I Just Wasn't Listening
A Veteran's Journey from Suppression to Salvation
Ben Duelley

2025 Honorable Mention
310 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

God Was Always Speaking, I Just Wasn't Listening is a work of Christian writing by author Ben Duelley, who shares his deeply personal journey through depression and anxiety into a life transformed by faith. Duelley outwardly seemed very successful in his position as a Naval officer with many accolades to his name, but privately, he battled mental health struggles and spiritual emptiness for years. We see the turning point where everything changes for him during a mission trip to El Salvador when a series of supernatural encounters and miraculous events reshaped his beliefs. Duelley reveals how he learned to hear God’s voice and find purpose beyond the pain, offering hope and spiritual insight to veterans like him and anyone seeking meaning.
Author Ben Duelley has a deeply personal writing style that is honest from the very first page, and it draws readers in. His candid depiction of mental health struggles offers a powerful message of hope and vulnerability to anyone who has ever been through difficult times and searched for solace. Whether you're religious or not, the work is about being open to how beliefs can change over time. That search for hope comes through in a relatable and inspiring way, particularly for veterans and those battling inner turmoil. I enjoyed Duelley's descriptions of his spiritual encounters very much. They were described with such vivid detail that it made me feel like I was part of the transformative journey right beside him. Overall, God Was Always Speaking, I Just Wasn't Listening is highly recommended for its unique blend of memoir and faith-driven guidance. It's sure to provide practical and emotional support for readers seeking spiritual renewal.
Recommend this book:
Severed Sacredness
The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone
Lisa Boone

2025 Bronze Medal
492 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

Severed Sacredness: The Miraculous Journey of Jessie Boone by Lisa Boone is a deeply moving memoir about trauma, faith, and resilience. When Lisa’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Jessie, suffers a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident, life as she knew it changes forever. We follow the story as she's tossed into a world of medical uncertainty, rehabilitation, and all the emotional problems that come with health and family struggles. Lisa shares the raw, heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring journey of nearly losing and fighting to save her child. Through the strength of faith, the support of a loving community, and sheer perseverance, she discovers hope even in the darkest moments. The book blends the harsh realities of medical trauma with the emotional depth of a family’s struggle, creating a story that is as informative as it is profoundly uplifting.
Lisa Boone’s storytelling is unflinchingly honest, allowing readers to experience every moment of devastation, fear, and triumph alongside her. Her ability to articulate the full spectrum of emotions—from grief and frustration to gratitude and grace—makes this memoir not just a personal testimony but a source of comfort and guidance for anyone navigating trauma or loss. What struck me most was her ability to find moments of light amid the pain, but she was also totally honest about that pain and never sugar-coated or made less of it. The book also provides a nuanced look at the healthcare system, highlighting both the lifesaving work of medical professionals and the crucial role of patient advocacy. Beyond the personal story, the memoir also explores the power of community and the big impact collective care can have in times of crisis, whether that comes from your religious groups, family, or friend groups. Boone’s reflections on how people showed up for her family offer a moving blueprint for supporting others in their most vulnerable moments. Overall, Severed Sacredness is a highly recommended heartbreaking, and inspiring read, offering hope in the power of love to conquer life’s most unimaginable challenges.
Recommend this book:
Ice and Fire
Thawing a Murderer’s Heart
Baldur Einarsson

2025 Silver Medal
292 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

Ice and Fire: Thawing a Murderer’s Heart by Baldur Einarsson is an emotional memoir that chronicles the author’s journey of transformation and renewal. From a young age, Baldur's life was turbulent, marked by unstable father figures, drug use, and violence. This tumultuous environment led to depression, pain, and a reckless life filled with mischief and crime. Despite his dangerous lifestyle and multiple suicide attempts, Baldur always felt protected by some diving power. He navigated deep personal struggles, including the tragic loss of loved ones and his inner demons, but ultimately found redemption through faith, love, and community service. Burdened by guilt from his past actions, he learned to embrace forgiveness and dedicated his life to healing and helping others.
Ice and Fire is a captivating memoir that inspires anyone seeking change and redemption. We often feel unworthy and tainted when we commit wrongs, but Baldur's journey illustrates that forgiveness and healing are possible and that we can overcome our darkest moments through love. The book addresses various social issues that affect communities and impact children's lives, including drug addiction, the cycle of violence, mental health struggles, child neglect, and sexual abuse. Baldur's experiences highlight how these issues can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and isolation. His story is engaging, filled with shocking twists and turns, and carries a message of hope and resilience that encourages readers to confront their challenges. The narration is clear and flows smoothly, making the book easy to read. Although it covers topics that may be triggering for sensitive readers, I still recommend it for its profound lessons on empathy, transformation, and God’s healing power. Overall, this is a life-changing story and a great read.
Recommend this book:
Run, Girls
A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis
Jenny Cafaro

2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

In Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis, Jenny Cafaro details her life as well as her mother's and father's family situations. After her parents' relationship ran its course, Cafaro discusses the time she and her three sisters spent with her mother's boyfriend and the post-traumatic stress that still affects her from her youth. Leaning on God for support and guidance, she dreamed of becoming a registered nurse and raising a family. When she was young and viewed the daily abuse between her mother's boyfriend and her mother, Cafaro's mother could yell, "Run, girls," at any moment. The author shows her courage to stop running and stand and fight for her goals.
With tenacity and hard work, Jenny Cafaro describes how she raised herself from difficulties and modest beginnings to a successful career. The long-term impact of witnessing domestic violence during childhood is profound and long-lasting, but Cafaro broke the cycle of abuse by selecting supportive partners and making informed choices. As she grew older and faced hardships, Cafaro noticed the Lord's miracles at work in her life as she intensified her scripture knowledge. The memoir can be read chronologically but can also benefit readers who prefer to choose sections that may be more relatable to them. As a Southern woman, I saw parallels from my childhood in topics like food scarcity and the inability to find adequate child care. Run, Girls teaches us that instead of running away from life's circumstances, we should run toward our dreams.
Recommend this book:
The Quest for Family
Beauty from Ashes
Jessica Clancy

2024 Finalist
340 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

In The Quest for Family, author Jessica Clancy invites readers on a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening. Through candid reflection and heartfelt prose, Clancy explores the universal struggle to find one's worth and identity in a world that often measures value by external standards. At the heart of this memoir lies a powerful message of redemption and grace, as Jessica Clancy shares her own experiences of grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, only to find solace and acceptance in the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Drawing upon scripture in Ephesians 2:10, Clancy reminds readers of their inherent worth as beloved children of God, beautifully illustrating the transformative power of faith to heal wounds and restore brokenness.
What resonates most deeply in The Quest for Family is the raw honesty and vulnerability as Jessica Clancy bares her soul on the page. From her struggles with self-esteem to her journey towards self-acceptance, her narrative is infused with a sense of authenticity that will strike a chord with readers who have faced similar challenges in their own lives. Sharing her story with courage and transparency, The Quest for Family offers hope and encouragement to those struggling to find their place in the world. Moreover, fans of memoirs will be drawn into the skillful storytelling and evocative prose. Through vivid descriptions and poignant anecdotes, the experiences are brought to life, allowing readers to take the journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal. Whether recounting moments of doubt and despair or moments of triumph and joy, the narrative is infused with a sense of authenticity and depth that captivates the reader from beginning to end. Overall, this memoir will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering a message of hope, healing, and redemption that addresses the universal longing for acceptance and belonging.
Recommend this book:
Behind the Tapestry
My Discovery of God's Grace Amidst Chronic Pain and Loss
M Rose Peluso

2024 Honorable Mention
346 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

Behind the Tapestry: My Discovery of God's Grace Amidst Chronic Pain and Loss is a work of non-fiction in the biography, spiritual writing, and inspirational subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author M Rose Peluso, this tender narrative memoir unfolds a poignant true story from behind convent walls, detailing Maryanne's struggles with chronic illness and her thwarted dream of becoming a Catholic nun. Initially a graphic designer with aspirations of Hollywood glory, Maryanne's life takes an unexpected turn after attending a Catholic prayer meeting, igniting a fervent desire to serve the Lord in religious life. The narrative raises poignant questions about life choices and the complex interplay between faith, calling, and personal well-being.
Author M Rose Peluso offers a powerfully crafted work that conveys the intricate journey into the depths of one woman's spiritual and physical trials. The book provides a gripping account of Maryanne's challenges within the convent due to her chronic pain, offering a candid glimpse into a heartfelt world of struggle that is told with tenderness, but also confidence, and a guiding warmth that inspires readers to keep the faith with her that things will work out all right in the end. The book is well-structured to give a good balance of emotion versus psychology, delving into the complexities of discernment, sacrifice, and the resilience required to navigate a path that intertwines devotion, personal dreams, and the unrelenting reality of chronic pain. As it builds to its impactful conclusion, Maryanne's story becomes an inspiring testament to the discovery of God's grace amidst profound challenges. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Behind the Tapestry to readers seeking accomplished memoirs on faith and endurance everywhere.
Recommend this book:
And...So We Walked
The Inspirational Story of a Couple's Walk Across America
Rick and Jane McKinney

2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

And…So We Walked is a memoir about Rick and Jane McKinney’s spiritual walk across mainland America. Starting at the Santa Monica pier in California, the couple traveled to Washington, D.C., from January 1, 2006, to July 4, 2006. They spread the Christian gospel as they walked and encountered many people who allowed them to share the good news. The walk presented many challenges, like wild dogs, spontaneous allergic reactions, and people who were unresponsive to their attempts to help them know Jesus better, but the couple persevered. The McKinneys averaged distances of around twenty miles a day and felt that the Lord prepared the way for them.
Rick and Jane McKinney’s roadside adventures are compelling. Just when you think their journey couldn’t get stranger, harder, or more fascinating, they meet a practicing Wiccan, endure a severe accident that involves terribly painful burns, and hear footsteps on an empty stretch of road. The story is meticulously detailed. Jane McKinney took extensive notes as she journaled their experience, and the full-color photographs bring their explorations to life. As a Christian, it’s hard to read their words without feeling inspired to go on a similar journey, even if it’s to walk the same stretch of your city or hometown in search of people who need to hear about Jesus. And…So We Walked is an important book that shares many eye-opening revelations about other groups of people Christians should embrace in the name of Jesus. The McKinneys’ story should be shared with Christians who may need a little motivation to follow God’s calling.
Recommend this book:
Curious
A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction
Christina Dent

2024 Silver Medal
268 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction is a work of non-fiction penned by author Christina Dent in the social issues, personal narrative, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. In this incredible narrative, the author recounts her transformative journey sparked by an encounter with the mother of her foster son. Inquisitive about better approaches to drug-related issues amid widespread addiction and accessibility, Christina embarks on a quest for solutions. Her story unveils unexpected insights and encounters, culminating in a vision for mitigating harm from drugs, healing families, and enhancing public safety through unconventional means.
Author Christina Dent has crafted a thought-provoking book that delves into a heartfelt and unanticipated journey toward reimagining responses to drug addiction. Her narrative, coupled with insightful research and encounters, challenges preconceptions about conventional approaches to drug policy, and I was impressed with the balance between the clarity of discussions on policy versus the emotive components of her personal journey. Her evolution from a ministry leader to a TEDx speaker advocating for radical shifts in drug policy exemplifies the power of open-minded inquiry and is nothing short of incredible. The book serves as both a memoir and a call to action, inviting readers to join Christina in exploring innovative solutions to a pressing societal issue, urging us all to embrace curiosity in pursuit of a safer and more compassionate approach to drug policy. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Curious to fans of powerful social issues writing everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The 6 Pillars of Intimacy
The Secret to an Extraordinary Marriage (The 6 Pillars of Intimacy® Series)
Alisa DiLorenzo, Tony DiLorenzo

2024 Gold Medal
198 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Non-Fiction

After almost thirty years of marriage, Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo wrote The 6 Pillars of Intimacy to help couples maintain successful marriages. Using their religion as a foundation, Alisa DiLorenzo presents six intimacies translated into six pillars of marriage. She defines intimacy, outlines challenges in marriage, mentions marriage mentors, and assists readers in recognizing the "cracks" in particular pillars so you may address them. Alisa explains emotional, physical, financial, spiritual, recreational, and sexual intimacies and how each of them plays a role in a thriving marriage. At the end of each section discussing the pillars of marriage, Tony DiLorenzo discusses his feelings during difficult times in the marriage and what he felt improved their relationship.
No matter your season of marriage, Alisa and Tony DiLorenzo have great suggestions for approaching your partner when you need to strengthen a particular intimacy. The authors erase stereotypes between genders about their needs or preferences while providing confessions about their marriage. They include results from people who have applied their methods and discovered a fruitful relationship. I recommend taking the intimacy quiz the authors have created and reference in the book, as it helps you determine strong and weak areas in your relationship. Things you may not have thought about in elevating your connection with your partner before you read the book will become clearer as you move through the pages. The 6 Pillars of Intimacy is a great selection for readers who are ready to fortify their bond with their partner in a direct and loving approach.
