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 Calling
Unleash your true self
Priya Kumar
2020 Honorable Mention
166 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
The Calling: Unleash Your True Self by Priya Kumar is an inspirational book that fans of The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma will enjoy. Arjun is on the point of a divorce and feeling as though nothing works in his life. After an accident, an unusual encounter sets him on a spiritual odyssey into the heart of the Himalayas on the counsel of a sadhu. His life is about to change as the experience strips him of burdens, leaving him face to face with the most essential: his purpose. At the start of the story, he is a man who goes through a serious breakdown: dislocated shoulder, injuries to the head, a broken neck, kidneys that are failing, blocked valves in the heart, and other imperfections that the sadhu sees. But can this journey mend him?
This is a story told in a unique voice that is both compassionate and compelling. It is the voice of wisdom. In this book, Priya Kumar teaches readers about the power of facing their truth, of looking at their own self with courage. The Calling: Unleash Your True Self is a story that proposes a path to unveiling one’s purpose in life and how to find the courage to embrace it. The story is filled with insights about life and a spiritual depth that ushers readers into a new kind consciousness, prompting them to look past the ordinary things of life and to tap into their spiritual source to find their strength and purpose. This book will change the way readers see themselves and life. It is both entertaining and enlightening, written in prose that is fluid and in a tone that draws the reader in irresistibly.
Recommend this book:
Cycle
Jay Amberg
2020 Bronze Medal
183 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
“The Cycle” by Jay Amberg is a very different, but very interesting, type of book. I am not sure how to classify it, but I think it should be required reading for a lot of people, from students to corporate CEO’s. The 'Cycle' Jay is writing about is, in its simplest form, the life cycle. But it is also much more than that, expanding its frame of reference to include the planetary cycle of existence. It is a book told in four parts, from the perspective of a Redwood tree, a Monarch butterfly, a Wolf pack and a Sperm whale. Each of these diverse perspectives begins at birth, of either the narrating organism, or its offspring. As they narrate their “typical” lives, they also relate evolutionarily recent intrusions into their lives, which have had, or are having, a negative impact on their respective existences.
The Redwood tree discusses the “recent” sound of chainsaws drawing nearer to it each year, although it does not know they are chainsaws. It DOES know post-storm runoff has become more violent and dirty each year, to the point of undercutting some of its kin. The Monarch begins as an egg, and narrates it entire life cycle up to the point at which it migrates to its wintering grounds in a Mexican forest, only to find that the forest is no longer there. The Wolf matriarch’s tale is by far the longest, beginning with her having just given birth to another litter. She relates all the hardships they encounter, including the death of a high percentage of the pups she has birthed during her reproductive life span. Intrusions by a “giant black bird” (actually a helicopter) impact the clan by discharging scientists who study them. Finally, the Sperm whale concludes the story by expressing how human interaction over the past several hundred years has had escalating impacts on not just Sperm whales, but on the ocean itself, and even the planet as a whole. This book is not fiction, beyond the talking trees and animals. However, the message of the book is an important one which we humans all need to become aware of. I highly recommend this book for all who intend to spend their life on planet Earth.
Recommend this book:
A Mind to Mind Conversation
Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
Denis Hachey
2020 Silver Medal
161 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
A Mind to Mind Conversation (Change Your Mind, Change Your Life) by Denis Hachey is an inspirational fiction novel that would appeal most to a mixed audience of young adults and adults who enjoy a story while also learning about the mind. As a child, David developed a negative mindset that led to him blaming others for his struggles, failings, and the wrath that is directed at him. This mindset led to David living a life filled with negative emotions until an accident lands him in the hospital. The accident and the hospitalization that follows present David with a chance to change his life for the better. Are you ready to follow David, and his mentor Aunt Sally on the journey of his subconscious mind?
A Mind to Mind Conversation (Change Your Mind, Change Your Life) by Denis Hachey is a well-written book with a thought-provoking cover image that practically begs to be read. As a graduate psychology student, this book was of great interest to me with how it explored the mind through a fictional lens. This unique method of exploration really appealed to me as David’s story made me feel a personal connection to David. This helped me to better retain the information I learned about the mind. I personally found the facts about a negative mindset and the importance of a positive mindset matched up with what I have learned in positive psychology, yet the author made the topic much more interesting than my professor did. Overall, I enjoyed this book from both an entertainment and educational perspective!
Recommend this book:
Valiance
Adversity Means Nothing in the Face of His Perseverance
Vanessa Caraveo
2020 Gold Medal
250 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo is a young adult story that will inspire and educate people of all ages and creeds. Diego Herrera was born deaf and mute and his parents are illegal immigrants from Mexico. All these things mean that life is not easy for Diego from the start. His sister resents him and his father leaves their family without a word. At school, Diego does well but there is always a bully to call him a freak. The only bright spot is his love of soccer. He fell in love with the beautiful game from the first game he watched before his fifth birthday. He wants to play soccer above all else, just like the professional German soccer player who is like him. But it won't be easy.
As the subtitle says Adversity Means Nothing in the Face of His Perseverance, Diego had true grit. I felt his love of soccer and the real pressure on him every time he reached a stumbling block. He didn’t give up, he kept on going even when it seemed there was no way through. Valiance is a heartwarming tale that opened my eyes to the struggles of being deaf and mute. This is the kind of book that will teach children to be compassionate and to never give up on a dream. Life truly favors the bold. I also sympathized to a small extent with his father and sister. Parents should be balanced in their love of their children despite their special needs to avoid petty jealousy. I was disappointed when Diego’s father ran away but was happy that he acknowledged his mistake in the end. A must-read for teens and adults.
Recommend this book:
The Walls of Lucca
Steve Physioc
2019 Gold Medal
508 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
The Walls of Lucca by Steven Physioc takes us back in time to Italy during the First World War. A love story set in tense times while the fascist government of Mussolini is on the rise. Isabella Roselli, a young woman who has spirit and is also spiritual, works to bring down barriers that separate families. Isabella was orphaned and was raised by convent sisters who help her grow into the wonderful young woman she is. Her gifts include an ability to grow things and cook, all coupled with a kind heart. Many in Lucca are also inspired by Isabella’s kind heart for anyone who is hurting. Some of the lives she touches include Franco, a soldier who can't escape the horrors of war, and Angelina, a mother of four who has been widowed by the war.
I love a good historical romance and when you dive into one that is set during one of the worst times in history, you know you will get something that is full of a variety of emotions. Whether the backdrop is right in the war or right after, there are so many feelings and emotions, horror, and the strength it takes to get through and everything else. This book ticks all of those boxes for me. Author Steven Physioc has really managed to find the perfect balance of romance and real life. On a personal level, when I am reading a story I need it to feel as if it could be real in order to really enjoy it.
Isabella is the type of character I immediately understand and feel a connection with. She has had a tough start in life, but rather than allowing it to control her and turn her into a person soured by it, she thrives and turns into someone who spreads love and kindness. I don't want to spoil the story, but I can say if you love a good romance and a good solid story, you will enjoy this one for sure. Isabella has such a fantastic spirit, the kind of girl I could see myself being. Again, to me that makes the best type of book when you feel like you are walking with the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
Recommend this book:
Lights on the Sea
Miquel Reina
2019 Silver Medal
272 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Lights on the Sea by Miquel Reina tells the story of Mary Rose and Harold Grapes who live high up on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Threatened with eviction from their home because of safety concerns, Mary Rose and Harold contemplate what life can hold for them if they have to leave their beloved home, which holds the memories of their lost son, Dylan. Fate intervenes and, after a violent storm dislodges the house, they find themselves adrift and alone. The currents and tides take them towards a cold and inhospitable place and they are certain they have met their end, until fate again intervenes. Just when their very lives are at stake, what they encounter causes them to reevaluate their whole life’s purpose.
This is an incredibly moving book, encompassing not only a simple yet awesome story, but weaving in the value of hopes and dreams, of the desire to survive the most unrelenting elements, and the need to fight for one’s very existence. More than that, this book makes the reader consider their view of life, their aspirations, what is really important, and to have the courage to admit when we get it wrong. The author, Miquel Reina, has really crafted a whole bucket full of life lessons from a fable, including appreciation for the life one has, having the courage to strive for one’s dreams, to consider that those dreams may be stifled by sadness, to hold your head up and carry on, and not to be afraid to fail. But more than that, this is a book about coping with the loss of a loved one. The emotions are real and gut wrenching and life changing. Every reader will relate to Mr. and Mrs Grapes and be rooting for their happiness. Incredible writing from an inspiring author.
Recommend this book:
Angels on Overtime
A Divine Romantic Comedy
Ann Crawford
2019 Bronze Medal
188 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
In Angels on Overtime by Ann Crawford, Jack and Emily are two very unhappy people. Both of their relationships are in crisis but it seems they have resigned themselves to a life of monotony and misery. That is until angels Brooke and David volunteer to travel to Earth and help them discover each other and achieve all of their dreams. The only difficulty is getting the ill-fated humans to listen to their advice and take notice of all the spiritual signs thrown in their path. As the hapless duo seems determined to continue with their miserable existences, Brooke and David and the other assigned angels have to work overtime to bring them together. When Jack's and Emily's lives continue on a downward spiral, the angels realize that desperate measures are needed to make them aware that heaven can be found on Earth after all and that good fortune can manifest itself in an instant.
Angels on Overtime by Ann Crawford is such an excellently written comedy romance with a unique perspective. I loved the angels and the dialogue between each other. There were so many laugh out loud moments as they worked tirelessly to bring Jack and Emily together. I thought the angel characters were diverse and not the usual stereotypical angel personalities you would expect. The comedy was interjected with some quite endearing moments, especially between Emily and her mother. The subject of manifestation and law of attraction is something that I am very interested in, and the author covered the topics perfectly. Having a clear intention of what you want, and the importance to focus on the positive not the negative was also relayed in a very clear but entertaining manner. Jack's and Emily's increased awareness that they were creating their own reality was developed slowly and realistically too. I loved this particular quote from the novel: “Love and remember. Love and wake up. That’s all these humans have to do. And you’d be amazed how many mountains they put in their own way.” The whole message was so spiritually uplifting and inspiring that this book is definitely going to be recommended to my friends.
Recommend this book:
Natural Disasters, A Love Story
G.F. Cantrell
2019 Honorable Mention
336 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Natural Disasters (A Love Story) by G.F. Cantrell is a captivating tale about love: past loves, new loves, self-love. Intelligent and optimistic Maggie Chisholm knows she’s in big trouble from the moment she lays eyes on her new contractor, Finn. Their easy-flowing conversations are full of humor and depth, something she can’t imagine having with her controlling, tyrannical husband, Martin. In fact, he’s the complete opposite of Finn’s down-to-earth ways, which only confirms what Maggie has been avoiding for so long; another dreaded divorce. Unable to stop thinking of one another, the two are filled with the giddiness and joy of newfound love, but also hesitation, as they wonder if they’re in way over their heads. Could they have really found the greatest love either of them has ever known? Told from both perspectives, their accounts of how each encounter bonds them further and further into the depths of their souls are quite different. Does true love and happily-ever-after exist? Or will they discover that it just might mean something different to everyone?
Natural Disasters is a thought-provoking read that drew me in from the first paragraph. Many married adults find themselves in these types of unforeseen circumstances, and I loved that it wasn’t based on a group of twenty-somethings, but actually seasoned, experienced adults who’ve been through divorces, raising children, health issues, and, yes, dealing with contractors when renovating your home. Well-written, full of twists, and I liked that it was told from both characters' viewpoints. (And we all know that men and women think very differently!) I’m always happy to read books that support self-love and lifelong happiness. Five stars.
Recommend this book:
The Harsh Truths
a ONE chapter book
W.T. Hamilton
2019 Finalist
145 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
The Harsh Truths by W.T. Hamilton isn't your run-of-the-mill novel but is a uniquely inspirational story that explores the secrets of failure and success. In the tradition of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the author of this book presents an enigmatic character, Peter, a struggling entrepreneur who wants success. Peter seeks the help and counsel of a friend and what follows is a journey that unveils truths about what it takes to win and why many fail. The protagonist is forced to look at himself, at the reality before him, and at the challenges that lie between him and his dream.
In The Harsh Truths, W.T. Hamilton shares powerful secrets about success and unveils the code that will help readers find their path to success. The book is intriguing and filled with uncomfortable truths. It is well imagined and written in a style that is both accessible and engaging. Peter is the character that I identified with the most. He is overwhelmed and literally going under. But an unexpected intellectual journey opens his eyes to life-transforming truths. The message contained in this slim yet compelling narrative is challenging and the author adopts a style that enables readers to enjoy both the relationship between the characters and the art of communication. A gold mine for those who are looking for what it takes to succeed in life and business. A page-turner, packed with wisdom and insight.
Recommend this book:
Spirit Runner
Richard Ferguson
2018 Silver Medal
324 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational
Spirit Runner by Richard Ferguson is a book that celebrates that indefinable character inside us all, the indomitable human spirit. We meet young seven-year-old Ron Campbell, a promising age-group athlete, who ends up facing the worst that life’s circumstances can throw at him. After losing his entire family in a horrific car crash, Ron is left in hospital, with multiple broken bones and legs that may never be of much use again. The doctors say Ron will struggle to even walk properly again, let alone ever run. Ron’s dream of emulating his father and running for the USA in an Olympic marathon lies shattered in the car wreck that took his family from him. Ron’s grandfather believes in his grandson and sets about to help him rebuild his broken dreams.
Although this book is probably targeted at the teenage and young adult market, I found the universal messages of hard work, dedication, and belief in one’s self to be equally applicable to all ages. The writing is simple and straightforward, which will appeal to the younger set, and there are more than enough adventures and escapades to satisfy any reader who likes a few twists and turns. What I particularly enjoyed about this story was the development of the friendship between Ron, Dovey, and Emil. We watched this grow and flourish over the course of the narrative and it was his friends, more than anything, that helped contribute to Ron having the strength to fight the overwhelming odds against him. What Ferguson has achieved is to show us that with courage, determination, and a will to succeed, anything is possible. I applaud his efforts and his book, Spirit Runner.