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 Cardinal's Sin
Robert Lane
2016 Finalist
368 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
The Cardinal's Sin by Robert Lane is a thrilling mystery about hit men and known killers. Jake Travis is given an assignment to kill an assassin, known to dress as a cardinal, who targets Special Ops' family members. While on vacation with his girlfriend, Kathleen, Jake completes his mission. But when he returns home to Florida, he discovers he's made a mistake and killed the wrong man. Instead of the assassin, Jake killed a popular cardinal. He confesses to Kathleen, who distances herself from Jake when she learns what he really does for a living. Jake can't spend too much time worrying about what this means for his relationship with Kathleen because he has a job to finish -- killing the real assassin before he strikes again. Jake also contemplates what happened between him and the cardinal he did kill, and why he didn't put up more of a struggle if he wasn't the true assassin.
The Cardinal's Sin is a fun thriller and espionage type story that fans of this genre will really enjoy. Robert Lane has good writing skills. His descriptive passages were very accurate and read authentically. The story's location was well described. You could feel the author is comfortable with the Florida setting. Robert Lane was also well researched on religious doctrine and the dirty secrets behind the life of a criminal. The storyline was unique and I thought quite engaging. I didn't want to put the book down!
Recommend this book:
The Advocate
The Advocate Series, Book 1
Teresa Burrell
2016 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
The Advocate: The Advocate Series, Book One is a legal thriller written by Teresa Burrell. Sabre Brown is an attorney who specializes in Family Law in San Diego. She and her close friend, Bob, have worked a number of cases before the Juvenile Division of the San Diego Superior Court. The latest case they’ve encountered concerns a domestic violence matter involving Gaylord Murdock, an aristocratic Southern man, and Peggy Smith, his heavily pregnant girlfriend. While she had, at first, claimed that Murdock had hit her, she later changed her story to conform with the one he was telling the authorities -- that she had fallen and hit her head. The custody of the two children living with the couple was at issue. Alexis, a ten-year-old, was the genetic daughter of Murdock and his wife, Elizabeth, who had disappeared some years before. The two-year-old boy, Jamie, was Peggy’s son. Sabre is representing those two minors, and she’s determined to find out a lot more about them before she’ll be prepared to release them into either parent’s custody.
Teresa Burrell’s legal thriller is a suspenseful and well-written story based around a plot that grabs the reader and doesn’t let go. Burrell’s characters are so finely drawn and realistic that you can’t help but get involved with their situations. Watching Sabre as she juggles her legal practice with her growing concern for the well-being of Alexis and Jamie, and her ongoing work with Carla, the girlfriend of her brother Rob who has become unstable since his disappearance, is a treat. While many novels, movies and television shows focus on law firms and larger practices, The Advocate gives the reader a good feel for the long hours, challenges and rewards that solo practice can bring. Burrell’s story unwinds smoothly, and I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this authentic and very entertaining mystery/thriller. The Advocate is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Madness and Murder
Jackson Mystery Series Book 1
Jenny Hilborne
2016 Honorable Mention
288 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
In an engaging and exciting read, one in which the reader will find themselves continuing to turn the pages until the very end, author Jenny Hilborne presents us with Madness and Murder, the first book in the Jackson Mystery Series. Follow the stories of Detective Mac Jackson as he is on a desperate hunt for a murderer, and of Jessica Croft, a young woman who's moved to San Francisco to escape from her past and her family. When Jessica becomes the target of the serial killer on the loose, and the frustrated detective considers using her as bait to catch him, they both realize that they might have to put everything on the line to be free from this madman once and for all.
I very much enjoyed Madness and Murder. Author Jenny Hilborne has done a wonderful job in developing characters that the reader will truly connect with and relate to. Her skills at describing scenarios and environments are second to none, and the storyline flows easily and quickly. Any reader who enjoys mysteries, suspense, thrillers, or stories about people coming from a difficult background and attempting to triumph will love Madness and Murder. This was the first book that I've read by author Jenny Hilborne, but it certainly won't be the last. I will be sure to pick up the following books in this series as soon as I can, and I certainly hope that the author is hard at work on her next novel even as we speak.
Recommend this book:
The Torch Is Passed
A Harding Family Story
Bill Powers
2016 Honorable Mention
300 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
The Torch is Passed: A Harding Family Story is written by Bill Powers. Having just graduated college, Andrea finds her world ripped apart when two family members are shot. Her father is one and, with his life hanging in the balance, she must take control of the family business until he recovers. Business partners, Carlton and Jefferson of Oakes Industries make a play to not only take over but own Harding Industries. They offer a staggering amount of money in an attempt to obtain control, but fail despite the amount offered. Why would they be prepared to pay so much for a company worth much less?
Andrea is fast-tracked to adulthood as the world she once knew vanishes. An attempt on her own life leads her to find trusted support in Beth and Riva. Both women are powerfully able to defend and protect not only Andrea, but also those she holds dear. Her determination to keep Harding Industries intact for future growth, takes her along violent pathways, meeting very disagreeable, volatile people.
This is a fast-paced story of greed, murder, and ambition.Thrown into the mix are characters from the Russian mob, whose cold, calculated methods to annihilate anyone crossing their path leave you breathless, and you have a book that will grab you from the very first page. It is a tale of corporate greed and misguided trust and broken trust. I enjoyed this book very much. There’s a lot of detail, but the characters are strong and you quickly determine whose side you are on. Well written.
Recommend this book:
Killer Unleashed
A Humorous Romantic Mystery
Beth Prentice
2016 Bronze Medal
214 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Killer Unleashed: A Humorous Romantic Mystery is a lighthearted, fun whodunit story. Chloe is a girl who can’t say no. The first time she finally does not do what she was asked, her life changes forever. Betty, her elderly neighbor, is moving out of the neighborhood and cannot take her puppy along to her new home. When Chloe decides to keep Theo, a lovable little dog, instead of taking him to the animal shelter as Betty requested, her life is suddenly in danger. Isaac, her next door neighbor and best friend, is always there to pick up the pieces; as is her new neighbor, Brody, who is now living in Betty’s house. There is also a new husband and wife on the block who are weird, mysterious, and pretty unfriendly. Add to that Chloe’s old boyfriend Jack who is hanging around the neighborhood, and all sorts of unusual things start to happen. Chloe, Isaac and Brody soon have to face house break-ins, murders, and an assortment of bad events before the climax and unexpectedly revealing ending. To tell you much more would really ruin the fun of the book.
Killer Unleashed is a very quick and enjoyable read. Author Beth Prentice has a natural knack for creating real life characters with real emotions, thoughts, and behavior while facing things that are out of the ordinary realm of experiences. I urge you to not pass up Killer Unleashed; it will not disappoint. If you are a dog lover or not, you will instantly fall in love with Theo, as well as the human characters. I found myself immersed in the story and not wanting it to end. Killer Unleashed is definitely a winner.
Recommend this book:
The Word
Hubert Crouch
2016 Bronze Medal
328 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Young journalist Leah Rosen, working for the premier Texas magazine in Austin, has uncovered proof that legendary Fort Worth trial lawyer Cal Connors has used false evidence and testimony to win some of the biggest court cases in recent history. As Leah tries to leave no stone unturned before publishing her story, threats to her become increasingly dangerous as she gets too close to the truth. Meanwhile, in the town of Hagstrom, Texas, parents on their way to bury their veteran daughter come face to face with a group of extremist Christians protesting the woman's service in the military. Attorney Jace Forman is called in to file a lawsuit against the group, exploring the limits of the First Amendment. In both cases, private investigator Jackie McLaughlin is hired to hunt down people and information for both Rosen and Forman, for whom the stakes are getting increasingly higher. Hubert Crouch's The Word will keep readers immersed from start to finish in a world where justice always comes with a heavy price tag.
Be ready for a wild ride! In The Word, real life attorney Hubert Crouch provides masterfully connected, multiple story lines that could have been ripped straight from the headlines. Corruption, greed, and danger criss-cross with the pursuit of honesty and truth for a page-turning, action packed story. Though this is book two in the Jace Forman series, it absolutely stands alone, though I fully intend to read book one. Crouch is in his element as the courtroom drama unfolds, writing memorable and unique characters -- all with a Texas flair -- for readers to love or loathe. The writing is high caliber and the story is engaging and realistic, with memorable characters. Top notch.
Recommend this book:
The Colossus
Ranjini Iyer
2016 Silver Medal
254 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
In a wonderful and exciting new mystery from debut author Ranjini Iyer, The Colossus, readers will follow caterer Maxine (Max) Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and wonders if this coded message might be the key to figuring the enigmatic man out. But when she realizes that she and the rest of her family might still be at risk, and that much more is at stake than a simple interest in what her father's issues may have been, well, that's when the action really starts.
I loved this book. Loved it. I could probably end this review right there, but I don't think that would do justice to The Colossus or the fantastic new author Ranjini Iyer. Combining mystery with historical fiction, author Iyer does a fantastic job of bringing in both history from WWII and ancient India in a modern day tale of intrigue. She also creates characters that the reader will truly care about, exciting scenarios, and such vivid scenes that you will feel as if you are actually there. If those skills aren't the hallmark of a fantastic author, I'm not sure what is. The Colossus would be enjoyed by any reader who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just a plain great book of fiction. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am so looking forward to seeing what author Ranjini Iyer has in store for her readers next.
Recommend this book:
The Fog Seller
A San Francisco Mystery
Don Daglow
2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Some crimes cannot be solved by the police alone. Don Daglow's mystery novel, The Fog Seller: A San Francisco Mystery, takes the police, for the most part, out of the equation. The murder of an actress and a man who sought to save the homes of many seniors and people with low-income jobs is quite the puzzler. The number of suspects is in high contrast with the number of answers. Captain Kreitzer aims to solve this murder in quite an unusual way: by letting the suspects do all the work for him. One of his suspects is a man named Steve Ondelle, a man who only talks in the present tense and who is "not good with questions." Only time will tell if Captain Kreitzer's plan will work.
Steve has five journals that he allows a woman (as well as the reader) to read. Steve is a shy human being who gets freaked out when people ask him certain questions. The author's portrayal of him was very believable. I liked the fact that Steve had a roommate named Liam who was his direct opposite. What makes Liam even cooler is that he can make a vial of San Francisco fog look like a delicious ice cream cone. The characters in this novel are absolutely amazing. Steve's reasons for solving the double murder are to get his friend Luis's job back and prove his innocence. The real identity of the killer isn't too obvious, so it's quite interesting to find out what the end result will be.
Recommend this book:
The Girl in Black Pajamas
Chris Birdy
2015 Finalist
288 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
The Girl in Black Pajamas is a mystery by Chris Birdy. Bogie McGruder and Rose Jones are partners of R&B Investigations. When Tommy, an employee, is shot and his laptop disappears, they discover a hacker is trying to infiltrate their network. Rose’s uncle Walter, a master hacker, assists them in tracking the source. While improving firewalls, they unearth a few murders that lead to the perpetrator whose current motives will devastate the financial institutions. Bogie also has other problems as his chatty, highly intelligent four-year-old daughter, Isabella, is determined to learn the Five-Point-Palm-Exploding-Heart technique she saw in Kill Bill Volume 2; and family members become entangled in a sex scandal that could ruin many lives, including law enforcement officers of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
The Girl in Black Pajamas by Chris Birdy has a wonderful theme with interesting characters such as Isabella, who made my reading a delight. I liked the first few pages which started off with a bit of action. Chris Birdy developed a story that was not only suspenseful, but amusing too. It entailed a lot of good emotional drama taking place and the characters were so different from each other. The author showed how Bogie dealt with the numerous problems he encountered, while trying to keep his family together. He also focused on other persons who added spice to the story with their conversations and actions. I was entertained by The Girl in Black Pajamas and think it is a book worth reading.
Recommend this book:
Hot Chocolate
Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures
Dawn Greenfield Ireland
2015 Finalist
340 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Hot Chocolate: Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures is written by Dawn Greenfield Ireland. The Alcott sisters are the heiresses to an enormous chocolate empire. Their father is under the care of Dorothea and a nurse called Bambi. However, Dorothea has decided that he needs more care and they agree to move him to an assisted living home, giving his nurse a handsome payoff. That isn’t enough for Bambi’s husband though, who decides to bring a lawsuit against the family. The Alcott sisters are well known and well liked and they also have the money to hire a good lawyer. But is their money and standing enough to have the case dismissed? Or will the situation take another, more sinister turn?
Hot Chocolate: Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures by Dawn Greenfield Ireland is a delightful story with characters that are bright and colorful. Ms. Ireland has written a well-crafted story with a great plot, one that you think you have figured out. We know all the characters – or at least we think we do - but then something else happens that turns the story on its head. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this story; it was a real page-turner, one of those that you just have to keep on reading to see what’s going to happen next. The book moved along at a nice pace and the characters were extremely well written and matched to the story. And let’s not forget the recipes included at the end of the book, the recipes of some of the wonderful meals that the sisters enjoy throughout the story – a very nice touch. Really looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.