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:
All My Roads
Caribou Springs
Cortny Joy
2022 Finalist
474 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
All My Roads: A Caribou Springs novel is a work of romance fiction penned by author Cortny Joy. The work is best suited to the mature adult reading audience due to the presence of intimately described sexual scenes and references to loss, violence, and abuse. In this heartfelt and emotive novel, we are introduced to protagonists Ken Holbrook and Stacey James. Ken’s life has been a maelstrom of grief and crisis for some time, so Ken is wary when newcomer Stacey arrives on the scene and immediately bonds with Ken’s young daughter. But as he learns that Stacey has demons of her own to slay, the pair begins to journey together on a path that could lead them back to healing, hope, and happiness.
Author Cortny Joy presents a deep and inspiring romance novel with faith and trust at its core, making for a really satisfying read overall. The darker content in the characters’ pasts is handled with grace and never overplayed for melodrama, and it allows us as readers to get an in-depth view of two people whose faith has been shaken as they turn to one another (albeit reluctantly at first) in order to heal. I felt for Stacey especially, and her turbulent story will certainly resonate with many people who come to this book looking for hope and love beyond disaster. As for the romantic scenes, they were elegantly penned, emotionally and physically intense, and will satisfy romance fans thoroughly. Overall, I would highly recommend All My Roads to romance fans and emotional drama enthusiasts alike.
Recommend this book:
Shoes on the Stairs
Jan Steele
2022 Honorable Mention
308 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele is the story of a mother struggling to face what she’s lost. Claire Blackwell is dead, taken too early after an accident but she can’t seem to find the white light and move on. Instead, she’s left watching over her husband and children as they fall apart. She watches her son struggling with being bullied, her eldest daughter feeling like no one ever notices her, and her youngest daughter never being able to find her shoes. She sees her husband struggling to cope with everything and another woman trying to insert herself into their lives. While Claire tries to find out why she is in limbo, she suddenly starts appearing to her family. Now is her chance to put things right, to help everyone move on, but not all the family wants to acknowledge her presence. As tensions rise and Claire’s time is nearly up, can she save her family before it’s too late?
Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele is a wonderful, heartwarming story that many mothers will likely relate to. You will feel Claire’s pain, her sorrow, and her struggles to pull her family together from beyond. The characters are so well-developed, you feel like you know them intimately; you feel like you are the one watching from above as the story unfolds. This will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, all the ups and downs, sweetened somewhat by a little humor. It will leave you breathless as you wonder how the journey will end – you won’t be disappointed, I assure you. Multiple themes are covered here, not just death and having to say goodbye but also bullying, healing, and learning to live again. There is a lot going on in the story so you must keep your wits about you to keep up but, overall, a good read and it will keep you reading to the very end.
Recommend this book:
Solomon's Porch
Janet Morris Grimes
2022 Bronze Medal
310 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Solomon's Porch by Janet Morris Grimes is a moving work of fiction about a man named Solomon struggling with dementia, but it also offers so much more. It's about the fight to survive, be remembered, and yearning to relive the past. This focuses on the protagonist's glory days when he lived in the lively military town of Ginger Ridge. All he has are flashbacks, memories, and yesterdays. He doesn't see himself as valuable, but he makes an impact on the future, nevertheless. They say everyone has a story to tell, and this book illustrates that concept in an unforgettable way.
The author skillfully weaves a multi-faceted story of self-worth, forgiveness, belonging, and hope. Though it has Christian themes, the powerful characters, situations, and plotline translate well for a general audience. The multiple POVs add an extra dimension to the characters, as it really brings you deeper into their thoughts, personalities, and lives. Some of the plot points overlap, and this makes for a more textured read. The issues can be painful at times, but Grimes handles them sensitively and respectfully. I like the message that we all have a role to play in life, and we never know how we may affect the lives of others. Another part I liked was Solomon's attachment to Ginger Ridge and what it meant to him. This book would be perfect for book clubs, classroom discussions, or a special gift, but most of all, it's an inspiring read for the individual. This author masterfully handles plot, setting, description, ambiance, character-building, themes, dialogue, subtext, pathos--all the things that go into a good story. Solomon's Porch, by Janet Morris Grimes, is one of those rare "Great American Novels" that you hope to come across and then pass on to someone else.
Recommend this book:
Mystic and the Secret of Happiness
A journey toward fearlessness...
Anne-Claire Szubaniska
2022 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Mystic and the Secret of Happiness is a fictional journey intended to uplift and inspire, penned by author Anne-Claire Szubaniska. Though the author states that the book represents her own emotional journey to happiness, the plot is relayed through the perception of a cat called Mystic. When Mystic’s dear friend Bumpa goes missing, his life seems to collapse entirely. Losing his purpose and his desire to go on, Mystic is lost and directionless, constantly looking inward to the negativity he feels. When he looks at the world beyond his own whiskers, however, the world opens up again in a dazzling new way. The beauty of the world and the power of happiness is revealed to Mystic and the reader, with a bright promise for the future if you can change your thinking to be more like this delightful little cat.
As a straight novel, Mystic’s adventure could be viewed as simplistic in parts, but it’s the overall purpose of Anne-Claire Szubaniska’s writing which makes this work stand apart from its predecessors. Seen through the eyes of small, furry characters, the metaphors for life are stronger than ever by their distancing from the human brain. I found myself wanting Mystic to appreciate life, and in doing so highlighted the self-damaging processes that I know I and many others are prone to do. Mystic and the Secret of Happiness holds up a mirror to the reality of the cages we put ourselves in, and I’d recommend it as an essential read for anyone who knows they are their own worst enemy.
Recommend this book:
Time and the Tree
Róisín Sorahan
2022 Gold Medal
282 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
A modern-day fable that is sure to captivate both young and old, Time and the Tree by Róisín Sorahan is about the value of wisdom, the sanctity of inner peace, and the mutability of time. After sleeping for a long period, a boy wakes up thirsty under a large tree. The tree directs him to a fresh spring that feeds the forest. The tree becomes a friend to the boy, providing him with shelter, watching him play in the woods, and witnessing him grow up. The tree experiences the different seasons and encounters different visitors seeking guidance. Every visitor has a different interest and agenda. But the tree, being as old as time can remember, has accumulated enough wisdom to understand the ways of the world, and as it witnesses many comings and goings, it continues to probe further, always toward that which lies just beyond its reach.
Róisín Sorahan’s story is reminiscent of beloved tales like The Giving Tree and Hope for the Flowers. But Time and the Tree takes a step further as it addresses the mystery of ontology and the agency of time. Philosophical but not complicated, its simple and crisp plot can only be described as sublime. This is the kind of story that you read because you want to. You are free to interpret it as a practical philosophy for life and work. Time and the Tree has the potential to gain popularity for the relevance of its message that we all need in this volatile, predictable, and emotionally draining society. As a protagonist, the tree as an immovable living entity has no control over external events and situations, but it puts emphasis on learning to understand and control what it can give and what is within its power. Sorahan’s enchanting prose has the ability to touch you in a way that no other stories can. It is not exactly a feel-good story, but it is brimming with symbolism and existential undertones that will move you to read it over and over again.
Recommend this book:
The Menu
Steven Manchester
2021 Honorable Mention
318 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
The Menu by Steven Manchester is an inspirational novel to savor. It's about a man named Phinn Reed, who has the chance of a lifetime. A chance found mostly in fairytales or romance novels. The chance to choose what he wants out of life. Chief among them is love. The heart wants what the heart wants, but what is the recipe for true happiness? Sometimes love can be found where we aren't looking, and this is the case with Phinn. Love doesn't always make sense, but it always finds a way. Out of love comes more than just the physical--faith can come, and so can family. For those who want to know if you can love, lose, then love again, you're going to have to read this book. We live and die with our choices. What will Phinn choose from God's menu?
This book will take you on a deep dive of questions we all have from time to time: What happens when we die? Is there an afterlife? Will we ever be with lost loved ones again? Manchester is a master at crafting a heartrending story that stays with you, characters that are true to life, and plot points that will make you think and break your heart. The author has skillfully wrapped a self-help book inside a poetic novel. He knows how to bring smiles along with the tears. You won't forget Phinn and Maddie, and it's certain you'll find yourself among the pages. If you like stories where love endureth all things, don't miss The Menu by Steven Manchester.
Recommend this book:
Life Lessons
She thought she was learning to be a student midwife - she was learning to be herself. (Lessons of a Student Midwife)
J E Rowney
2021 Bronze Medal
241 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Life Lessons by J.E. Rowney is an inspirational New Adult novel about Violet Cobham who dreams of becoming a midwife. Now the path to midwifery is hard work, and being part of a team, learning how to get along with and respect other members of staff are essential. And while Violet is not afraid to get her hands dirty, the demons of anxiety that have been hounding her since she was eleven trigger her self-doubt. Luckily, her best friend Zoe provides her with much-needed support. But will it be enough to help her get through a vocation that will make immense demands upon her, where there will be days where she becomes more like a social worker for every woman, baby, and even husband?
In Life Lessons, J.E. Rowney deliberately positions Violet as an inspirational character study for others to emulate as she bravely squares off against the challenges of midwifery, and, through the help of her best friend, navigates her way out of anxiety. I salute Rowney for crafting a novel that espouses what many readers could perceive as a well-worn message, but this is delivered in a rare scenario that you least expect. Effectively told in a first-person POV, Life Lessons has an observational and realistic tone that conveys some melodramatic sentiments without any lachrymose clichés. It evolves far more than your typical girl power novel with its well-written prose that supports its inspiring message. It’s a novel that has the potential to brighten up anyone’s day, and for that alone, it deserves your attention.
Recommend this book:
Sugar Birds
A Novel
Cheryl Grey Bostrom
2021 Silver Medal
328 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Sugar Birds, a novel by Cheryl Grey Bostrom, accomplishes so much that you can’t help but fall in love with it. Aggie Hayes enjoys the outdoors and loves climbing trees and sketching the bird nests that she finds. Her father introduced her to sketching and the wonders of nature to keep her mind off her mother’s worsening depression. Her mother had admonished her to stay on the ground as climbing was too dangerous. Cautious not to upset her mother’s volatile condition, she sulks and lights a small campfire that spreads rapidly, setting the woods and their cabin ablaze. Aggie flees the woods with the guilt that her parents have perished in the fire. Meanwhile, sixteen-year-old Celia Burke is also running away from her own problems. She hears about the fire incident that draws her to help search for Aggie, and this is where their lives begin to cross.
Sugar Birds is familial tension at its finest. This is just the right story about young people navigating through growing pains. There is hardly any false step that Cheryl Grey Bostrom has taken in writing a story about coming of age. Both Aggie and Celia are sympathetic characters that complement each other by their distinctive characteristics. Aggie has that spunk and curiosity common among girls her age, while Celia is in her rebellious phase and is trying to make sense of what is happening in her world. As if the travails of growing up are not enough, Bostrom has provided the storyline with antagonists that you will love to hate. Sugar Birds pushed the right emotional buttons for me, and if you love gritty coming of age stories, this is the one to read.
Recommend this book:
Trusting the Currents
Lynnda Pollio
2021 Gold Medal
288 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Trusting the Currents by Lynnda Pollio is an uplifting story about the spiritual journey of self-discovery, faith, forgiveness and courage of the author, and inspires readers to rise above the insecurities and obstacles in their lives and face the fear of darkness and uncertainty head on. The book teaches readers acceptance and also to learn from their experiences in life and make positive changes in their lives. The presence of a mother and her love during ups and downs in life runs through the book. The book is inspirational and encourages readers to look inward and effect the positive transformation that makes life more meaningful.
The narrator's spiritual awakening, her falling in love, her stepfather and cousin Jenny form an integral part of the story that speaks to readers about the author's transformation. The author teaches readers to trust their own hearts and open their eyes to their surroundings. The book also helps to bring inner peace and happiness and it also touches readers in many ways. Many readers will be able to relate to the author's experiences and this book will sow the seeds of hope in their souls. The writing style is powerful, expressive, exquisite and descriptive. All the characters are memorable and will remain in readers' heart for a long time. This timeless story of love, courage and spiritual transformation is definitely worth reading and also owning in one's personal collection.
Recommend this book:
Finding James
Nancy Blaha
2020 Finalist
304 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Karen hasn’t been back to her hometown in South Carolina since her twin brother killed himself years earlier. Getting a call from her alcoholic mother on the day she finds out her husband has been seeing another woman, she heads back to the place where she grew up to see the father that abandoned her and her brother when they were kids. Karen immediately is confronted by her memories of the past and the people she left behind. From an ex-boyfriend that decided to let her go rather than make the journey to California, to the best friend who didn’t care to keep in touch after her brother James’ death, Karen tries to keep her feelings in check during this brief visit.
I enjoyed reading Finding James by Nancy Blaha. I thought it was a very realistic storyline and a plot with very relatable characters. It was really easy to get into the story and feel the heartbreak Karen was feeling about her husband and then finding out about her father. It’s a lovers' triangle, but it has a very unique and different approach which made it easier for me to enjoy. Romance typically isn’t my genre, but I found myself enjoying Finding James and following Karen's journey back to her hometown and the road bumps and issues she faces finally coming home to see her sick father. I think Nancy Blaha has created a wonderful story of heartache, first love, and forgiveness. It’s a book I would recommend and I cannot wait to read more of the author's work.