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:
Triangulating Bliss
The Mystique of Living Book 1
Janelle Jalbert

2016 Bronze Medal
299 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

Triangulating Bliss by Janelle Jalbert is a fascinating story filled with unusual encounters and heartwarming surprises. Mikel Thomas, a professional basketball player, has been found dead in his home in West Los Angeles and is alleged to have committed suicide. The story is all over the papers, and when Greg Ellison receives an email from the deceased, he learns another secret of his family. Spurred by the desire to uncover the truth, he starts an investigation that will lead him to the Bliss Bar & Grill, a place where people have been mysteriously disappearing, all involving an enigmatic man with blue eyes, a set jaw, and dark hair. Greg knows that soon it will be his time and the question is: Will he be ready to cross the threshold into another dimension?
This is one of those books that I finished reading before even noticing that I ever started, one a reader finishes and feels like holding close to the heart for a very long time. Janelle Jalbert has the gift of enticing and seducing readers with a story that is as strange as it is relatable. Her prose is beautiful, and it comes off the pages like music. To further entice and woo her readers, she has created memorable subplots that are equally interesting to read, compelling characters that readers will immediately fall for, and surprising twists that make the read even faster. Triangulating Bliss will appeal to a wide audience, including fans of romance and mystery. Janelle Jalbert is one of those authors to watch keenly and I can’t wait for the sequel to Triangulating Bliss.
Recommend this book:
Theory of Expanded Love
Caitlin Hicks

2016 Silver Medal
362 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

I just finished reading Theory of Expanded Love by author Caitlin Hicks and I have to say, I absolutely loved this book. Follow the story of spunky, 12-year-old Annie Shea, one of thirteen children in a very traditional Catholic family in 1963. Pope John has just died and President Kennedy has been assassinated, and life in the Shea family is about to change as well. When Annie's sister gets pregnant out of wedlock and her parents are willing to do just about anything to protect their reputation as a "good Catholic family," Annie realizes that it might be up to her make things right for her sister and her family, but to do that, she has to challenge everything she's ever known.
As I said earlier, I simply loved this book. Loved it. Caitlin Hicks has done an absolutely masterful job at creating a book that is funny, fun, heartwarming, and just an absolute joy to read. I read Theory of Expanded Love straight through from beginning to end without a single break. I just could not put it down. But I was sad when it was done. The characters, and especially young Annie Shea, are written so realistically that by the end of the reading, I truly felt that I knew them, and I was so very sad to say goodbye. Theory of Expanded Love is a book that would appeal to any reader. Period. Any reader who loves great writing should read this book. This is the first book that I've read by author Caitlin Hicks, but it certainly won't be the last. I am eagerly awaiting the next book by this extremely promising author, and I hope she's hard at work on it already!
Recommend this book:
My Perfect Imperfections
Jalpa Williby

2016 Gold Medal
206 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

My Perfect Imperfections by Jalpa Williby is an inspirational story that revolves around Lily who is diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Lily needs assistance for even her basic needs like walking, talking and eating. Her physical disability leaves her frustrated, but Lily doesn't let it deter her from strengthening her mind. Her twin sister Layna is very supportive and includes Lily in all the activities. As the story progresses, readers are given a glimpse into the life of a disabled person. It's a story of love, strength, determination and, most of all, hope and will strike a chord within the hearts of readers.
The story is heart-rending and the three main characters, Lily, Layna and Chance, leave a lasting impression with their strength, determination and 'perfect imperfections.' The story is helpful to all those who have disabilities and also to those who deal with disabled people. Lily's determination to get rid of the fear of living with a disability is very uplifting and inspirational. The bond between Layna and Lily also forms an important part of the plot. Narrated from Lily's point of view, the story highlights the basic needs that a disabled person looks for in their life; that of being accepted and loved, and being treated properly like any other normal person. The author's writing style is fluid, which gives the story a good pace and movement. The story is complicated yet simple, and readers can connect well with Lily, Layna and Chance. The emotions are raw and leave readers feeling compassion, and also gratitude for all that they have.
Recommend this book:
The Healing Field
A Young Psychiatrist's Battle with His Anorexic Patient, Her Hunger Strike against God, and Their Journey through the Dark Night
Howard E Richmond MD

2015 Finalist
257 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

The Healing Field: A Young Psychiatrist's Battle with His Anorexic Patient, Her Hunger Strike against God, and Their Journey through the Dark Night by Howard E. Richmond MD is a bold and honest account of the narratives and experiences of a patient and a psychiatrist. Readers get the unique opportunity to take a peek at the confidential file of one woman. It's a story of healing and love, and how the latter can conquer fear and insecurities and give anyone hope to finally get rid of their complexities by replacing fear, anger and shame with courage, love and hope. It's a story of hope, it's a story of trust, it's a story of healing, and it's a story of recovery that will inspire readers to meet the darkest hours in their lives with a different outlook.
The book is profound and insightful and gives a rare view into the world of psychiatry. The author's strategies to save his patient, Lori, from her eating disorder are inspirational and the book gives hope to all those readers who are undergoing eating disorders and emotional struggles in their lives. The book also captures the turmoil and struggle of Lori intimately. The story shows the universal power of love and its healing ability, and the author's support to all those who search for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being. The story will motivate readers to make changes in their lives, teaching them to love and trust again.
Recommend this book:
Saving Gracie
Terry Lee

2015 Honorable Mention
297 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

Saving Gracie by Terry Lee is an emotional journey through one woman's life as she attempts to cope with running her own life after the death of her domineering mother. Grace, married, and the mother of two, isn't prepared for the day her mother, Kathryn, dies. And it's only at this time does she really realize what an impact her mother had on every area of her life. Kathryn ran Grace's life with an iron fist; after all, she always knew what was best for everyone, and she always knew the right and proper way to do things. Grace had always gone along with her mother because it was just so much easier than fighting to have her own ideas on things heard or implemented. Grace must now learn to run her own life, and the emotional, and sometimes painful, journey brings her into her own at last.
Saving Gracie, though emotionally wrought at times, also gives a quirky look at how Kathryn attempts to run her daughter's life from beyond the grave. Author Terry Lee shows a sense of humor as she goes into great detail in her vision of at least one plane of the afterlife. While Grace gains perspective in her life by helping deaf children - her own daughter is deaf - Kathryn is allowed to return to Earth in her spirit form in an attempt to make her realize that Grace really can be her own person, and make her own decisions. Though Kathryn is not convinced, her trip back to Earth shows her a side of her daughter she never thought was possible. This is a touching story about letting the people in our lives grow and shine as their own person, and ultimately letting go when we should.
Recommend this book:
Tattered Innocence
Ann Lee Miller

2015 Bronze Medal
361 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

Tattered Innocence by Ann Lee Miller is her second jaunt into the lives of the young adults in New Smyrna Beach and, if anything, the second time around is even better! Rachel is dying to escape her life and troubles. When she sees the ad in Craigslist for a first mate, someone who's going to be at sea for weeks at a time, she jumps at the chance. Jake Murray is hesitant when he meets Rachel, but because she's the only candidate it turns out that she's the 'man' for the job! Sparks (and sarcastic words) fly when these two butt heads, but it's all as they try to make sense of their world and where they are headed.
One item of note, though, was that while the first book regarded sin, temptation, and religion in much the same way that Tattered Innocence does, it is only in this, the second book, that we really get a heavy-handed dose of Christian morality. However, the relationships and the real moral and ethical implications behind the choices they make really allow for understanding and soul-searching on the part of the reader as well. So all in all, this could potentially be a truly emotional journey for the right kind of reader. The ocean scenery, from the beach and shack where we first meet Rachel and Jake to the turmoil and danger at sea in the hurricane, was lovely. Visuals were intense and dazzling and made me long for a trip to Florida to try to escape some of my own romantic problems!
Recommend this book:
The Soul Retrieval
A Novel
Ann W. Jarvie

2015 Silver Medal
426 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

The Soul Retrieval: A Novel by Ann W. Jarvie is an uplifting and touching story of love, loss, redemption, and healing. The story is set in the 1950s and revolves around Henrietta Clayborn, who is living with her family in New Mexico's Medichero Indian Reservation in the doctor's cottage. She is hiding a secret from everyone; her family and her physician husband, Jeff, who is working in a hospital there. She is tortured by the fact she is hiding this secret from her family. It's at that juncture she meets a medicine man, Joe Loco, who understands her dilemma. Henrietta starts confiding in him. Will Joe be able to help Henrietta?
The story is complex and has many dimensions to it which makes it intense and profound. The story is beautiful and it takes readers between South Carolina and New Mexico. The narration is descriptive, making it very palpable and visual to readers. The spiritual journey undertaken by Joe and Henrietta is soulful and captivating, and it transcends the usual human boundaries. All the characters are well sketched, making their individual personalities stand out. There is much richness in the plot, which will open up many discussions in the minds of readers.
It's a well researched book that will help readers understand more about the wounded souls that live on earth and also about healing from loss, pain and trauma that one undergoes in their personal lives. The book is a combination of many emotions that makes it an interesting read. An excellent love story that has many dimensions to it. I enjoyed it thoroughly because there is a lot in the story to think about and understand.
Recommend this book:
Trusting the Currents
Lynnda Pollio

2015 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:
Fresh Start Summer
The Seasons of Cherryvale
Beverly Nault

2014 Honorable Mention
292 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

Putting out fires, literally, wasn’t exactly what Grace Harkins had in mind for her first summer after retiring from teaching school, but that is exactly what happens in Fresh Start Summer by Beverly Nault. Her friend, Maggie Elmsley, informed her before movie production hit town that Cherryvale would never be the same again. As a rash of fires began to break out on Maggie’s property, the teen actress attempts suicide and movie star Jeff Field is searching for a way to have his daughter back in his life, Cherryvale really is in for some serious changes. Though Grace has a long list of ways that she wants to spend her retirement, she is drawn to taking care of others before she starts in on her own objectives. As Grace subtly works her way into the lives of the two actors, the town rallies around Maggie and her home for rescued animals. But there is something sinister going on. Is it merely coincidence that things start happening when the movie production hits town? Will Cherryvale indeed be dramatically changed?
As simple and quiet as Fresh Start Summer is, it is impossible to put it down. Beverly Nault draws the reader into the story of Cherryvale in a very subtle and emotional way. Each character is easy to relate to and the reader becomes concerned for how things turn out for them. The gentle message of Christian love and grace penetrates through every incident in one form or another. There is no blaring trumpet call, but a very recognizable difference in the thoughts and actions of a town where people really do care about each other. Inspiring, heartwarming and profound, Fresh Start Summer is a picture of how true Christians face adversity together and heal the pain that comes along with it.
Recommend this book:
To Hold The Sun
Chas Watkins

2014 Bronze Medal
172 Pages
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Fiction - Inspirational

To Hold The Sun is an inspirational self-help novel written by Chas Watkins. The narrator is an investigative journalist who has been going through hard times professionally. His carefully laid plans of becoming a prominent journalist have not come to pass, and he'd been wondering how the bills would get paid if some commissions didn't come through soon. He's elated to be called into his editor's office and offered an assignment. The editor, long interested in self-help seminars and conferences, had met Paul Haletine, the subject of the assignment, at a conference. His theories and practices intrigued the editor and so the assignment was created. There would be no remuneration, something which causes the narrator to initially refuse the job, until he learns that Haletine lives on Roatan, an island in the Caribbean famous for its scuba diving.
Chas Watkins' inspirational novel is a marvelous story that may also change your life. The reader gets to absorb the narrator's explorations into Haletine's philosophy, and, somehow, learning third-hand as it were through the narrator's experience and responses makes the lessons that much more profound and impressive. I found myself considering each exercise and meditation as Paul coaches his visitor and I feel empowered to make some of those same changes. I also loved reading about Roatan and the accompanying pictures make the island's beauty come to life. I love swimming and snorkeling and will be seeing those clear waters and broad sandy beaches in my mind for some time to come. To Hold the Sun is a beautifully written and stirring inspirational novel, and I highly recommend it.
