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:
Clevenger Gold
The True Story of Murder and Unfound Treasure
SE Swapp
2017 Bronze Medal
146 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
I have a strong love for historical fiction, especially when the story is based on true events, and so I was incredibly excited to read Clevenger Gold by S.E. Swapp, which is based on the 1886 murder of Samuel and Charlotte Clevenger. After selling their property and exchanging their life savings into gold bullion, the Clevenger family moved north with nearly $6,000 in American gold eagles, an estimated $1 million in today’s value. Two men named John Johnson and Frank Willson are hired to drive Clevenger’s team as they move to Washington, and they quickly become the center point of the novel.
As the story progresses, it skips around from different times, locations, and perspectives, offering readers insight into the lives of various characters and providing further motivation for their actions. I was incredibly surprised to find out that the reason for Sam and Charlotte’s murder was not primarily for their money, but rather for something else, and it has inspired me to look into history books to determine what exactly within the story is fact and what is fiction!
Clevenger Gold easily captures your attention from the very beginning, with suspense, high stakes, and of course, murder. Swapp has clearly done extensive research, as the basic facts of the story are all true, including the Clevenger’s legacy of golden treasure. Clevenger Gold strikes a chord in the adventurer in us all, leaving readers to wonder about the possibility of the unclaimed treasure and perhaps inspire some to go out and search for it themselves. I really enjoyed reading this book!
Recommend this book:
Warpath
The Landon Saga Book 8
Tell Cotten
2017 Silver Medal
197 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
Warpath by Tell Cotten is book 8 in the gripping series of The Landon Saga, a series I regret discovering very late. I picked up this book because it seemed to be the best book for review at this point, but then it seduced me, making me want to read the previous books in the series. This part of the series deals with a compelling conflict: the protagonist’s wife has been kidnapped during an Indian raid, and he sets out to find her and bring her home. How he does it is the thrill in this breathtaking read.
Warpath makes me think about the Viking series that has captivated millions and, as I read through, I couldn’t help but think that it would be great material for motion pictures. Tell Cotten creates powerful characters and a beautiful setting featuring bloodthirsty warlords, a complex culture, and a unique kind of justice in that unique setting. The subplots and backstory complement the already compelling and fast-paced plot, making it undeniably arresting. Landon, Mattingly, and others are characters from a world readers are faintly familiar with, but they are convincingly portrayed and hard to ignore. The writing is excellent and it flows with confidence.
Apart from the engaging plot, readers are introduced to a powerful conflict, but the players in this intense drama are what will be memorable to most of them. Tell Cotten is a master in the art of storytelling and plot, and his work will highly entertain readers. Laced with exciting action, this one is a page-turner.
Recommend this book:
The Law of Moses
Sam and Laura Story Book One
Kwen D Griffeth
2017 Silver Medal
275 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
The Law of Moses by Kwen D. Griffeth introduces us to young Sam Cardiff. When Sam arrives in his small home town in upstate New York, after two years away at Teacher’s College, he has his future life all planned and in front of him. He plans to marry the girl he’s sweet on, settle down, and have children while practicing his profession. Opposed to the Civil War that has broken out between the States, Sam has absolutely no intention of becoming involved. When his younger brother, Luke, joins the Union Army, Sam’s mother begs him to go with Luke and keep an eye on his brother. After a series of personal tragedies, we flash forward to the new iteration of Sam Cardiff, who now calls himself Sam Moses. He has spent over twenty years as a tough, no-nonsense gunslinger and occasional Marshall in many western towns. A bad-tempered loner who seems to have a death wish, can Sam’s heart of stone can be melted by the people of the small town where he is now Marshall?
I loved this story of an upright man of honour, with a past that continually weighed him down. Sam Moses was a complex character and was beautifully presented by Griffeth. The writing in The Law of Moses was simple and uncomplicated, which was more than could be said for the characters within the story. I’m not usually a reader of westerns, but this book has changed my mind somewhat. I found myself drawn to the irascible Sam and his unintentional good heart. Even when he wanted to be mean, he somehow found a way not to be so. This is the first in a series of books based on Sam and his love interest, Laura. The author has done a fantastic job of exciting me, as a reader, to want to find out what happens next in this story. An excellent read and one I enjoyed tremendously.
Recommend this book:
Jasper Spring
James T Hughes
2017 Gold Medal
408 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
A heartwarming, beautifully and simply told story, Jasper Spring by James T Hughes is as beguiling as it is inspiring, a story that captures the simple joys of a simple family. Meet Alice and Tucker, the stewards of Jasper Spring, whose only dream is to have as many children as they can and to keep the land that has been in their family for generations. But with two miscarriages and the hope of conceiving children ebbing, the passion between them ebbs slowly too. But things change when an unkempt boy, Ray, the son of a single mom, follows their collie, Tommie, and enters their life. Alice and Tucker see in young Ray the son they never had and develop a great fondness for him. But can their lives remain the same with numerous threats from outsiders on their land ownership? Can they can keep Jasper Spring safe?
This story took my breath away by its beauty and the way it is told. One experiences a sweetness, some kind of music in James T Hughes’ prose, and the way the writing mirrors the characters and the setting is fantastic. There is a striking balance between character, plot, and setting which adds to the overall entertainment. The scenes are beautifully described and the pace so well-measured that the reader will be engrossed in the story, delighting so much in the wonderful prose and the plot that they won’t notice when they are done. Jasper Spring is an exciting story about love and family and relationships, but it is mostly about a family’s roots and a place, a tantalizing story.
Recommend this book:
They Rode Together
The Landon Saga, Book 7
Tell Cotten
2016 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Western
They Rode Together: The Landon Saga, Book 7 is a historical western written by Tell Cotten. Sheriff Rondo Landon is losing his position in Empty-lake in light of his friendship with Lee Mattingly and failure to apprehend the gunfighter after his and Brian Clark's killing of Ike Nash, a corrupt landowner, and Ron Gallegan, a politician. Losing his position meant that Rondo and his wife, Rachel, would have to leave their house, which went along with the sheriff's position. The town council's actions were provoked by Rock Bullen, a bounty hunter known for taking no prisoners alive. Bullen's been hired by Ike's former right-hand man to capture Lee. Rachel and Rondo are heading out to J.T. Tussle's place. The cattle rancher had offered Rondo a job if he ever needed one, and this seems the perfect time to take him up on that offer.
Tell Cotten's historical western series, The Landon Saga, just keeps getting better. They Rode Together is the seventh book in the series, and it contains a rare look at the normally far-flung brothers mostly in one place. While this title can be read on its own, the author suggests beginning with the first book in the series, Confessions of a Gunfighter, and I would have to agree. This exciting and well-written family saga follows the Landons and gives the reader a marvelous and authentic feel for the history of the west. Each novel builds beautifully from its predecessors. I particularly enjoy the nature and outdoors writing that Cotten works so well into these books, and this book is no exception. They Rode Together is action-packed and exciting, and it's one of those reads that will keep you up at night wanting to find out what's happening next. It's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Maynwarings
Digger Cartwright
2016 Honorable Mention
428 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
The Maynwarings by Digger Cartwright is everything a western novel should be and so much more. The Maynwarings are an influential family living in Carson City, Nevada, shortly after the Civil War during the time of reconstruction. Barron is the head of the family as well as the State Senator, dividing his time between Washington, D.C. and his Greenbrier spread, the largest cattle ranch in the area. Carson City is a typical western town until they suddenly begin having all sorts of trouble. There is a hanging, cattle rustling, unexplained killings, sick cattle and mass confusion. There is also a newcomer in town, Gideon Van Thorn. The Maynwarings are slowly able to connect the dots and blame all of the trouble on Thorn and his unruly group of men.
The Maynwarings is 428 pages long and the action is continuous on all of the pages, in each paragraph and in every sentence. Digger Cartwright has written a western story that not only tells the story of the old wild west cowboys and ranchers of early Nevada days, but there is also politics, family, drama, suspense and mystery to keep you reading well into the middle of the night. I found myself looking at the Maynwaring family as old friends. I hurt for their pains, cheered for their joys, and booed the bad guys. The Maynwarings would be such a great movie; I even have a cast of Hollywood stars picked out for them. This is a must-read book; I know you will not be able to put it down until you reach the unexpected ending.
Recommend this book:
Orphan Moon
T.K. Lukas
2016 Bronze Medal
316 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
Orphan Moon: The Orphan Moon Trilogy, Volume 1 is a historical coming of age story written by T.K. Lukas. Barleigh Flanders was nineteen years old when her family's ranch in Texas was burned to the ground by a raiding party of Indians in September of 1860. Her father, Henry, had prepared for just such an event by digging out a hidden cellar in their goat shed, but only Barleigh, her Aunt Winnie, and her new baby sister were able to reach the hidden shelter in time. The bodies of Birdie, Henry's second wife, Uncle Jack and Henry were found among the smoking ruins of their farmstead the next morning. The Indians had taken the family's horses, but their cattle had been shot and left for dead. Barleigh's plans to rebuild and restock the ranch are shattered when Mr. Goldthwaite at the bank tells her that Henry's savings will not cover the taxes that he owed. He could cover those bills providing that Barleigh marry him and sign over the land to him. Barleigh's got a better idea. On her way to the bank, a flyer had been caught up in a gust of wind and landed at her feet. The Pony Express needed boy riders and orphans were preferred. Barleigh's mother died in childbirth and, with Henry's untimely passing, she fitted the job requirements -- if only she were a boy.
T.K. Lukas' historical coming of age story, Orphan Moon: The Orphan Moon Trilogy, Volume 1, is well-plotted, meticulously researched and very entertaining. Barleigh is a marvelous character who is strong, independent and convinced that she can overcome the obstacles to her plans for her sister's and her future. I was spellbound reading about her solitary horseback trip to apply for the job in Missouri, and loved reading about the tryouts for the jobs. Lukas carefully weaves historical data about the cultural limitations and challenges women and slaves faced in the late 1800s into her story. She also covers the role of secessionists in fomenting violence that would be blamed on Indian tribes, as well as detailing their attempts to block the mail from reaching the west coast. The real high points of this book for me, however, were found in Lukas' masterful and exciting descriptions of the Pony Express rides undertaken by Bar and her friend, Stoney Wooten, as they race to get the post through the roughest territories in the west, battling the weather and natural obstacles that made it even more challenging. Orphan Moon is a literate and beautifully written novel that's filled with action and adventure, and stars a most impressive role model in the strong and resourceful Barleigh Flanders. It's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Lee
The Landon Saga Book 6
Tell Cotten
2016 Silver Medal
205 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
Lee Mattingly is a complex man, having shown many different aspects in his life. Starting as a teenaged gambler, he joins the South to fight in the Civil War. After four hard years, he returns to his gambling and along the way picks up the reputation as a gunfighter. Then from time to time he’s also traveled on the wrong side of the law, robbing stagecoaches, payrolls, banks, and even on occasion done a little rustling. But, he has a set of values not often found in a bad guy, plus he’s loyal to a fault. Lee and his friend Brian Clark hope to change their reputations by becoming owners of a new hotel. Trouble starts the first day when Ike Nash, a man with money and power, decides he wants everything for himself and proceeds to take it all. Lee and Brian only know one way to respond: at the end of a six shooter. However, there are several little bumps along the way.
Tell Cotton has another winner here with Lee, his latest in the Landon Saga. To me, Lee Mattingly has been the most interesting of all Tell’s main characters. In the first books, Lee has always been there, but the reader, until now, has not had a chance to really get to know him. As with all the books in this series, Lee is written in short chapters that keep the reader's attention and interest. The author’s writing style is simple but effective. His characterization brings to the reader's mind what the old West was really like. If you’re a fan of Western fiction, you can’t go wrong with this outstanding series.
Recommend this book:
Strong Suspicions
Emmett Strong Westerns Book 2
GP Hutchinson
2016 Gold Medal
301 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
GP Hutchinson’s Strong Suspicions is the second and latest installment in his Emmett Strong Western Series. It traces the ongoing adventures of Texas Ranger Emmett Strong, his sidekicks, and his new Oriental bride upon their return to Texas after a bloody confrontation in Nevada. The action resumes in the shady border town of El Paso. Strong and his companions are assailed on multiple fronts. They are accused of a heinous crime that they did not commit and pursued by enemies old and new. With so many potential adversaries, it becomes impossible for Emmett Strong to trust anyone but his faithful wife and trusty sidekick, Juanito. The book is peppered with numerous tense encounters with various foes, and builds like a brooding symphony toward the final, dramatic confrontation with the treacherous enemy who was the mastermind of their El Paso troubles.
I am a huge fan of the western genre. I own a vast set of antique Zane Grey books and am still working my way through the stack. I know that Western fiction abounds and that there are numerous “cheesy,” predictable stories in print. Indeed, some are difficult to stomach. This, my friends, is NOT one of them! This work by Hutchinson is a most excellent addition to the genre. I couldn't put it down! I read it in two sittings in less than a day. It was THAT good!
The primary characters were already well developed from the first novel in the series. They were also believable. The dialogue was spot-on and easy to follow. And that dialogue was peppered with just the right amount of Wild West slang and Spanish. Any less and it would have seem less than authentic. Any more and it would have seemed contrived. The local color and language were absolutely perfect. The action was heart-thumping. The heroes were very believable and honorable. The editing and format of the book were immaculate. It was amazing!
I give this book a hearty five stars. I loved it. My only problem is that now I have to go back and buy book #1 to give me the full context of the action of this story. My recommendation: grab both volumes in the Emmett Strong Western Series now. You’ll have many hours of entertainment and escape to the wild streets of 1880s El Paso.
Recommend this book:
Full Circle
The Belanger Creek Ranch Book 2
Gloria Antypowich
2015 Finalist
403 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Western
Full Circle (The Belanger Creek Ranch Book 2) by Gloria Antypowich is a love story dedicated to all those who have gone through painful experiences and have faced betrayal, wrath, and also unconditional love while being in their relationships. Shauna Lee Holt has left her past behind and worked hard to reach where she is today. She owns Swift Current Accounting and Bookkeeping Services. Though she is known for her accountancy skills in business circles, no one knows about her personal life and her pain. Brad Johnson, who has moved to Swift Current to set up his company, is attracted to Shauna Lee Holt. As their love story progresses, there are a lot of other things that get in the way to shake their relationship. It's a story of unconditional love, betrayal and passion, which portrays the nuances of human relationships.
The characters in the story are portrayed so well that they seem real and readers can connect with them. This love story has its complications and does not come that easily. The challenges that Brad Johnson and Shauna Lee face in their respective lives and their personal experiences give the plot many dimensions. It's a compelling read and the author's style of writing is elegant and simple but very effective. The narration is detailed, making the scenes visual to readers. What makes the read interesting is that the plot has love, betrayal, passion, denial, hatred, and anger all woven together to make it an undeniably engrossing love story. A love story readers will definitely enjoy reading.