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:
Wrinkles
A True Love Story
Mian Mohsin Zia
2016 Bronze Medal
258 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Wrinkles by Mian Mohsin Zia is a story of a deeper kind of love, one that stands the test of time. Here the message is about the love that makes a family. Xavier, a young man, has a great love for his mother and God. This story is thought provoking. The mother-son relationship is endearing. It had me reflecting on the role of a mother and the significance of her role within the family. Xavier has the kind of mother who gives him unconditional love and he is grateful for her gift, yet he is pursuing another kind of love to fulfill his dreams.
He falls in love with Anna, a woman who seems distant and unattainable. He only becomes more obsessed and persistent with gaining her love. In pursuit of his love, Xavier is supported by his best friend, Faisal. Xavier and Faisal share a one-of-a-kind friendship which adds value to the book and makes it even more special. All through the story, I was rooting for Xavier to find his love. The story unfolds as Xavier, his mother, and Anna will encounter yet another person who will need the power of unconditional love that only these three strong individuals can give.
The book cover is striking and depicts the main character in the most important role in the story. Mian’s books relay a message to readers that makes them unforgettable. A bonus is the addition of poems that are reflective of the character’s feelings. Mian Mohsin Zia writes with a passion as he creates three-dimensional characters. You can’t help but feel as though they are your friends. The dialogue seems very real and at times I felt as though I was right there in the story. The events will pull at your heartstrings, evoking emotions as you are turning pages to see how this story will unfold. This is a smooth read as all the chapters blend well and clarity is evident within the story. Wrinkles is a very powerful book that everyone should read.
Recommend this book:
Aundy
One Courageous Mail-Order Bride - Pendleton Petticoats
Shanna Hatfield
2016 Silver Medal
382 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Aundy, by Shanna Hatfield, takes readers back to 1899 and introduces us to twenty-one-year-old Aundy Thorsen. Aundy's life in Chicago hasn't been the same since the death of her beloved fiance, Gunther. She longs for a change so when she reads an ad in the paper from Erik Erikson, a farmer from Pendleton, Oregon, stating that he is looking for a mail order bride, Aundy decides this might be what she is looking for. After corresponding with him, she travels west. She is married right off the train, but an accident occurs that leaves her a widow within days of becoming a wife. When she learns that Erik has left his ranch to her, she decides to stay even though she knows nothing about running the ranch. The Nash family lives next door and are more than willing to take Aundy under their wing. Soon, though, feelings start to spark between Aundy and Garrett; but Aundy is convinced that she is bad luck where men are concerned so can Garrett change her mind?
Aundy is a story that pulled me in and kept me reading because it was like a breath of fresh air where mail order bride stories are concerned. Sure there is romance, but there is also humor, as well as mystery and suspense that surrounded the goings-on at the ranch. Aundy was such a strong character, full of pluck, but with a kind heart, that helped those less fortunate than herself. It was so easy to become invested in her life and want the best for her. The author's attention to detail brings not only the setting but the characters to life as well, but it was the plot twists that kept me glued to the pages of this one. I couldn't help but wonder whether Aundy's ranch would be a success, whether she would open her heart to love again, and wonder who was trying to scare her off the ranch! Fans of good clean historical romance that is rich in detail will certainly enjoy Aundy, but anyone looking for a sweet mail order bride tale filled with a few twists will be pleased as well. Truly one of the best mail order bride adventures that I have had the pleasure of reading.
Recommend this book:
Christmas Stray
Rachelle Ayala
2016 Gold Medal
96 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
In Christmas Stray by Rachelle Ayala, Gabe and Juliette Martin head off to a cabin in the woods to spend Christmas together. A time to be alone and find out if their strained marriage can be salvaged. Christmas Eve the year before, their six-year-old son, Jeremiah, died of leukemia and Juliette has been lost in her grief ever since. She had prayed to God for a miracle, but Jeremiah still died. Their time at the cabin would give Juliette and Gabe a chance to reconnect, if it's not too late. They find a stray puppy and his companion, a young boy, during a snow storm. Gabe and Juliette take them both inside the warm cabin and, as they wait out the severe storm, Patrick and the puppy may just be the Christmas miracle that Juliette has prayed for. How will she deal with turning Patrick back over to his own family when the storm passes?
Rachelle Ayala's characters are well thought out and the emotions of grief and loss are well defined. As Gabe and Juliette still mourn the loss of their only child, this strange boy appears to fill that void, if only temporarily. Juliette struggles to open her heart to feel love again for her husband and this temporary family. Rachelle Ayala's unexpected ending is both touching and delightful, and puts a smile on your face while it warms your heart. God is gracious and merciful and we see the evidence of that in Gabe and Juliette's unexpected and unusual Christmas miracle. This is a delightful story with a heartwarming and tender ending. I enjoyed reading it and plan to read more of this author's work.
Recommend this book:
Kicking Eternity
New Smyrna Beach Series Book 3
Ann Lee Miller
2015 Finalist
331 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
All Rainey ... wait ... Raine wants to think about is Africa. It's been her goal to get there and she has a one-track mind. All she has to do is get through a session of summer camp and she will be on to bigger and better things. Cal is jaded when it comes to religion. Having been force-fed spirituality all his life, he has a hard time dealing with it when he and Raine get close. Drew, Cal's brother, is the director of the camp and also has feelings for Raine. Throughout their experiences, the three learn more about themselves than they ever thought possible. Kicking Eternity by Ann Lee Miller is your summer TBR pile must!
When you graduate college (or the years surrounding the event) it's a little like being a ship lost in a storm. So many young adults flounder for a while, just like Rainey does in this book, and it's comforting to be able to relate to someone who is going through similar confusion about dreams, their life, and their romance. Angst and confusion isn't just for teenagers anymore!
Raine wasn't very likable when I first met her. She's cautious, dismissive, and seems to be searching for everyone's hidden agenda, which seemed disingenuous to me. However, as the book goes on and we are able to peel back a layer or two, it becomes clear that Raine has a lot of insecurities that she is dealing with and it's these that come out when she's interacting with other people. Of the two brothers, I related more to Cal. I've had similar experiences and I really felt where he was coming from. Kicking Eternity was a fun, thoughtful read that breezed by.
Recommend this book:
The Union of the North and the South
Ann Mock
2015 Honorable Mention
330 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
"When God closes a door in your life, he opens a new window." Laura didn't know if she particularly believed in that old saying. She had suffered so much in the last five years since her marriage abruptly ended. Laura has a secret pertaining to her short marriage. When her father becomes ill and reveals their estate is to be sold upon his death, Laura fears her secret will get out and end any happiness the future may hold. Will Laura's secret be revealed or will God open a new window?
The Union of The North and the South by Ann Mock is a Southern Christian historical fiction novel, which introduces readers to the lifestyle of a few wealthy Southern families during the post-Civil War era in 1870. Author Ann Mock captures readers' complete attention with a thrilling and heart-melting romance intertwined with a suspenseful plot. The author centers the story on one main character but allows readers to identify characteristics, personalities, and vivid images of all the characters by skillfully and creatively capturing the complete essence and mannerisms of the time period and its people. The author describes the architectural aspects of the homes, the landscape, and the dress of the characters, giving the reader a full understanding and vivid vision that is as clear as a picture.
The romance between the two main characters is written so elegantly, capturing the simplistic ideals lovers or couples followed in that time period. A fantastic love story capturing the beauty, historical elements, and habits of society in the South in 1870.
Recommend this book:
Shattered Image
Chain of Lakes Volume 1
Stacy Monson
2015 Bronze Medal
344 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
In Shattered Image by Stacy Monson, a rising singing star and an ex-super model try to find balance on a very thin line while holding onto each other. Once upon a time, Kiera Simmons was a super model. When her career ended, she chose to work with teenagers who have a bad body image. She chose to dedicate her time to helping media-influenced teens learn to love their bodies and themselves. She wanted them to understand their true value and their true place in this world. Her life took an exciting turn when she met a rising singing star at her cousin’s studio.
Peter Theisen is living his life in the fast lane. He loves the high he gets while standing in the spotlight. His life is going at a crazy speed and he would not have it any other way. But he feels that his manager is using him as long as he is young and handsome. Was he just an amusement or was there really something in the industry for him? When Peter and Kiera meet, they feel attraction and something deeper. Peter wants the limelight while Kiera wants to stay as far from it as possible. With their conflicting careers in the way, can they stay together or will their love be forgotten?
Shattered Image by Stacy Monson was a really sweet romance. I was not a big fan of Christian romance, but Stacy Monson has changed that for me. There is a lot to be said about a clean romance that has real, pure emotions and real conflicts that you can relate to. A job well done by this amazing writer! I really enjoyed it.
Recommend this book:
Crumpets and Cowpies
Sweet Historical Western Romance
Shanna Hatfield
2015 Silver Medal
347 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
In Crumpets and Cowpies by Shanna Hatfield, the year is 1890; the Crumpet is Lady Jemma Bryan; the Cowpie is Thane Jordan. We first meet Thane as he arrives in England to settle the estate of his dead brother, Henry. The will is read and Henry has left everything to Thane; his money, his business interests, his home and, most importantly, his two young children, Jack and Lily. Jemma is the children’s aunt and has been caring for them a very long time, since their mother took ill and died. Thane and Jemma immediately dislike each other and do a lot of disagreeing and name calling. Jemma is now going to have no home and no money. She will be saying goodbye to Jack and Lily as they prepare to travel back to Baker City, Oregon, with their uncle. Thane knows he is not prepared to care for two children on his ranch and feels guilty leaving Jemma with nothing. He does the only thing a gentleman can do and proposes marriage with a promise to never enter her bed. Jemma has no other option but to agree and soon they are all on a ship headed for America. But will this arrangement work out?
Crumpets and Cowpies by Shanna Hatfield is a romantic delight. I really enjoyed reading this book. Shanna Hatfield has created characters that were impossible not to like. The romance that slowly evolved between Thane and Jemma had me crying, laughing, and cheering. This is a sweet and loving romantic story that is a must-read for young and old. Crumpets and Cowpies has no graphic sex, no bad words, just lots of good, old fashioned reading. Don’t pass this one up!
Recommend this book:
A Father for Christmas
A Holiday Romance
Rachelle Ayala
2015 Gold Medal
155 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
A Father for Christmas by Rachelle Ayala is a warm and loving story. Four-year-old Bree wants nothing for Christmas but to get a daddy, and when she is sitting on Santa’s knee and telling him her wish, he promises to make it happen. Mom Kelly is extremely independent and believes she doesn’t need or want a man in her life. Tyler has recently returned from the war in Afghanistan. Kelly and Tyler both have secrets that they feel will keep them apart, despite the strong attraction between them. Kelly, once a top earning banker, has lost everything and served jail time. Tyler has awful flashbacks and often believes he is still fighting the enemy. Bree sees beyond all of these things and is sure that Tyler is to be her special Christmas gift and new father. The road is long and hard as each fights their own battle, but there are also happy times and moments of joy before their paths are decided.
A Father for Christmas will make you cry and make you smile, and it will bring Christmas into your heart no matter the time of year. Rachelle Ayala has created characters that are impossible not to like and a story that is extra special and hard to put down. A Father for Christmas, while not very long, is loaded with happiness and wonderment. I highly recommend reading A Father for Christmas any time of year as it will put joy in your heart and a smile on your lips.
Recommend this book:
Starlet's Light
The Starlet Series, #3
Carla J. Hanna
2014 Silver Medal
296 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Facing who you truly are and what meaning your life has is never easy, but it is even more difficult when you’re an actress. Truth and lies get woven together in Starlet’s Light by Carla J. Hanna and sorting them out is a painful experience for cancer survivor and actress Liana Marie. Dishonesty and mistrust on the silver screen are multiplied in Liana’s life as she struggles to decide who and what to trust. While shooting in England, Liana decides to set Manuel free, realizing that he has a chance for a normal, happy life without her, though she can’t get him out of her mind. With an understanding of how her past has affected her future, thanks to her father, she begins to move forward in a whole new light, haunted by the decision to let Manuel go. Spending her weekends in the hospital, rather than out having fun with her friends and doing what normal people do on weekends, begins to take its toll and she begins to see through some of the drama in her life. Will love, trust, and commitment find her? Will she continue to be swept up in the lies that surround her?
Starlet’s Light takes a deeper look into the things that are manufactured not only for a Hollywood movie, but those that are manufactured in our lives. Carla J. Hanna does an excellent job of showing how a person navigates the paths of their falsehoods in an attempt to justify them, but always seems to come up short. The depth of thought and emotion becomes all too real for the reader and keeps them hooked as Carla unravels the story. Deep, emotional and thought provoking, Starlet’s Light will have you examining where the paths of your own life are leading you.
Recommend this book:
Starlet's Web: A Hollywood Teen Romance
The Starlet Series, #1
Carla J. Hanna
2014 Gold Medal
311 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Romance - General
Starlet's Web, book one of The Starlet Series by Carla Hanna is a memoir of fictitious Hollywood teenage starlet Liana Marie. Seventeen-year-old Liana is on top of her game and has an Oscar to prove it. However, her success, like several in Hollywood, has a big price tag. It is not easy balancing the life of being a teenager and being a big star. She is trying to live her life the best way she can, hooking up with some cute boys along the way, and fighting off unwanted advances. Then she realizes that she is and always has been in love with her best friend, Manuel, a boy she has known since childhood. Fortunately, Liana has her mum, who has been in the same business for a long time, to guide her; that is, until her mother's best intentions have catastrophic results.
Starlet's Web is a captivating story about the life of Hollywood teenage star and the price she has had to pay. Carla Hanna created a sweet main character who can do no wrong, a girl suffering the consequences of the need to keep up with the Hollywood standards and expectations. She is a kid who has messed up before but now knows better. Carla Hanna's style of writing is very eloquent and evokes vivid images. I could not help but fall in love with Liana as she struggled to stay grounded and fight the temptations that come with the Hollywood life. The book gave me a whole new take on Hollywood stars; their lives are not just about the glitz and glamour.