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:
Higher than Me
The Story of the Voices of Glory
Claudia Stewart Farrell
2014 Finalist
382 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Higher than Me: The Story of the Voices of Glory is the account of a family’s struggle and strength at the time of a horrific crisis when their mother, Felicia Cole, was hit by a drunk driver. The story follows Michael Cole’s story of how he had to care for his beloved wife while she was in a coma while juggling the care of his three children, Mikey, Avery, and Nadia, and his job at IBM. It also goes into Mike’s background of generational poverty that he had to endure at a young age with his ten siblings and how they were all separated by child services. The story explains how Mike’s remarkable children were inspired to create their own singing group with their “The Voices of Glory” and how their group went on to achieve national recognition.
Claudia Stewart Farrell writes with compelling depth and sensitivity about Mike Cole’s real life tragedy and how his strong faith in religion and God helped him and his family through it. The book is truly an inspiring book about hope and faith that the world needs urgently. I’m not particularly religious, but this book will move you even if you don’t believe in God. It is also a story about deep family values and how love will get you through the tough times. I shed many tears while reading this book and it warmed my heart to read about the inspirational Cole family. They really touched my heart and my life. They taught me many valuable lessons about tenacity, strength, and perseverance. There are many levels to this book and, overall, it is inspiring and insightful!
Recommend this book:
A Far Cry...from Home
A Mother's Journey of Loss, Loss and Healing...Through the Eyes of an Angel
Sandy Richards
2014 Honorable Mention
211 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
The loss of a loved one is a painful transition that, unfortunately, many people are forced to experience. Though the mourning process is spent with many dark, difficult days, the power of words have served to comfort those in need. In A Far Cry...From Home by Sandy Richards, the memoir of her son's early death is told through the eyes of an angel...her son himself. Written with a raw and organic diction, this book will comfort you through the difficult days of healing. No matter where you are in your life, you will be touched by the beautiful piece of art that author Sandy Richards so humbly paints.
Life is filled with critical moments divinely placed in one's life that challenge, hurt, and strengthen the soul. While I have not firsthand experienced an excruciating loss, there have been moments that moved me. A Far Cry...From Home by Sandy Richards was a book that encouraged me. What I loved most about the book is the unique point of view that Richards took on. Typically, a book about a loss would be written from the point of the view of the one who lost the other person, but Richards decided to tell the story through her son, who passed away at a young age. This story was beautifully written, displaying the fullest extent of excellence. I could not imagine the pain she felt when retelling the story, but I have full confidence in that through telling it, many lives will be touched with a spark of hope to get through their difficult time.
Recommend this book:
Naked
Stripped by a Man and Hurricane Katrina
Julie Freed
2014 Bronze Medal
198 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Naked: Stripped by a Man and Hurricane Katrina by Julie Freed is the motivating story of a woman who overcomes loss and disaster with a lot of strength and will power. Julie finds herself amid turmoil and chaos when her marriage disintegrates and she faces a divorce. Simultaneously, living in the Gulf Coast she finds her home destroyed in the hurricane. It is an incredible story of setbacks and losses, hurt and rejection, and ultimately rising above all the crises and turning life around in a positive way. The author's expressions, experiences and traumas are eloquently shared with readers and anyone who has undergone a personal loss can relate to the story.
It is a powerful and emotional memoir about a woman who starts rebuilding her life. The story is honest and stark and it shows the strength of a woman who does not give up, despite the setbacks she faces. The starkness, rawness and the candor with which the author has written the story is gripping. It is a story of loss, redemption, survival and finally renewal that will inspire and motivate many readers and also leave them tearful. The author's experiences and emotions are so personal that it is like reading a personal diary. The memoir is poignant and the author pulls readers into the story, making them feel as if it is their personal journey. The story is empowering and can be equated to a phoenix rising from the ashes.
Recommend this book:
Both Sides Now
A True Story of Love, Loss, and Bold Living
Nancy Sharp
2014 Silver Medal
306 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Nancy Sharp and Brett Brett Zickerman seemed to be the perfect couple until, unbelievably, he got brain cancer while only in his 30s. After surgery and chemotherapy it seemed his cancer was gone, but since they knew he would be sterile after the chemo, they had stored some of his sperm. They felt safe to have children, and so proceeded with in vitro. When she got pregnant, they learned they were to have twins, and life seemed to be joyful again. But on the very day she gave birth to Rebecca and Casey, they found that Brett’s cancer had returned. Throughout Both Sides Now, a sensitive book of many short chapters, you’ll grieve with Nancy as they celebrate Brett’s last cheese steak sandwich, the last dinner party with friends, and his last goodbye with the children. He fought the cancer as long as he could and then suddenly he was gone. The twins were just toddlers and didn’t understand. They would wait for him outside his bedroom door. They were afraid for their mother to go anywhere without them for fear she wouldn’t come back either. You’ll weep at the tenderness of the children missing their father. And finally the story comes full circle, and they find a temple to belong to. They move on with their lives, as a family team, and find normalcy once again. Brett is always with them and they will always miss him, but life is happy again and their hearts are open to new experiences.
Both Sides Now is a true story and conveys the raw nature of life when hard things happen. It’s painful when loved ones get sick and die and yet a young mother has to go on for her children. Nancy Sharp’s story should help bring comfort to others facing the impossible. This is a fabulous book that made me cry in a few spots and I'm not usually one to cry; maybe at a movie, but never a book. Five stars to Both Sides Now.
Recommend this book:
Freeways to Flip-Flops
A Family's Year of Gutsy Living on a Tropical Island
Sonia Marsh
2014 Gold Medal
328 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Freeways to Flip Flops: A Family’s Year of Gutsy Living on A Tropical Island written by author Sonia Marsh is the true tale of her family’s adventure. Duke Marsh was a very successful lawyer in Orange County, CA. He, his wife Sonia, and their three sons, Steve, Alec and Josh were living the American dream. They had a 3500 square ft. home in a very nice neighborhood and were financially secure. However, their son Steve was rebelling. Duke and Sonia were very concerned for their oldest son and perhaps they craved the adventure of something out of the ordinary. For whatever reason, they sold their home and packed up the kids and the dog and moved to the paradise of Belize. Duke adjusted to the laid back culture faster than the rest of the family. At times, Sonia worried that he had adjusted too fast. They saw a change in Steve; he became more responsible and focused. They also saw a change in Alex; he tried to adapt but it was not easy. They had sacrificed the well-being of one son to save the other.
There is so much more to Freeways to Flip Flops than I can share in this review. I found their adventure to be fascinating. Author Sonia Marsh’s writing style was conversational. I felt as if we were sharing a cup of coffee as she told me about their year in Belize. Her words are very descriptive. This tale is humorous at times and a little frightening too. I would also consider this tale a love story for it is obvious that Sonia and Duke love each other and their children. Freeways to Flip Flops is a fascinating look at the life of one family when they give up the materialistic rat race and move to a hut in what they believe will be paradise.
Recommend this book:
Ghosts of Mayflower
A Pennhurst Haunting
Tamera Lawrence
2013 Finalist
124 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
A closed insane asylum lies quietly rotting in the bleak North-Atlantic sun. Yet, it seems that some of its residents, both children and adult, are still inside. The Pennhurst Asylum is one of America's most haunted residences. Its history is dark and traumatic, with most of the patients suffering painful abuse and mistreatment at the hands of the staff. Tamera Lawrence brings us into this dark world to experience this haunting past and wonder about the present residents in her book Ghosts of Mayflower. With enough facts, stories, and insights to turn even the toughest critic white with fear, this is a ghost story that is truly worthy of the name.
You can tell that Tamera Lawrence spent a lot of time researching this project. The history and attention to detail is impeccable and very informative. The description of each haunting is wonderful and eerie. You feel as if you are really there, and that at any second something is going to jump out and grab you. The mysterious and scary nature of the stories have a deeper impact, knowing that this is no work of fiction, and that these experiences or many like them have been shared by real people. Any fan of ghost hunting and the like will be thrilled by this haunting book. It's up to you if you believe in the captivating stories within, or if you know that the dead stay buried. Either way, Ghosts of Mayflower is a fun read for anyone who enjoys ghost stories
Recommend this book:
G'day Y'all
Whimsical Wanderings and Wonderings From Kentucky to Australia
Rob Roy Herzog
2013 Bronze Medal
238 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
“G’day Y’all: Whimsical Wanderings and Wonderings From Kentucky to Australia” is written by Rob Roy Herzog. I was thrilled to receive a copy of this book for review. Like the author I grew up in small town Hawesville, Kentucky. The author, Rob Roy, takes readers on a journey back to a gentler place at a time when people were not afraid to let their children play in their neighbor's yard, or let their dogs run free, and everyone knew everyone else’s name. Hawesville, KY, and Chicago, IL, began building in the same year; what seemed like a race to see who would finish building first was quickly won by Hawesviile, for Chicago has never stopped building and growing where Hawesville chose to stay small. The author had wanderlust in his blood thanks to the local librarian, Maureen Richardson; she encouraged the local youth to stretch their wings and discover what lay beyond the boundaries of Hawesviile. Rob Roy’s desire to see the world led him to join the Navy. When he was in Townsville, AU, he met the love of his life, Daphne. I suspect she had a lot to do with his settling in Australia.
The first part of this book focuses on Rob Roy’s memories of growing up in Kentucky while the last half’s focus is on life after joining the service. The author has good sense of humor; the proof is in the pranks he liked to play. Rob Roy’s style is conversational; I felt as if we were sitting in his garden partaking a cup of tea as he shared his stories with me. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to others from this author.
Recommend this book:
Seeing Red
A Woman's Quest for Truth, Power and the Sacred
Lone Morch
2013 Bronze Medal
212 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
"Seeing Red: A Woman’s Quest for Truth, Power, and the Sacred" is a moving memoir of Lone Mørch’s journey to self discovery, freedom, self love, and the power that everyone has within them. Lone is from Denmark, but she makes her home in many other parts of the world like Nepal. Love finds her in California with Gerry, an American, as both of them embark on a group trip to Mount Kailas in Tibet where Lone is group leader. Lone struggles with her inner self throughout the story as her relationship with Gerry unravels. She will embark on a spiritual journey that teaches her to listen to her inner voice and self; and not to be guided by external influences.
Author Lone Mørch is a powerful writer that imbues total honesty in her writing that is moving and inspiring to read. Sometimes, the reader may not even like Lone the person and her struggles, but they are willing to follow her journey anyways. As the story progresses and Lone finds some inner confidence and strength, the readers cheer for her and want her to succeed at all costs. Her style of writing is sensitive with beautiful metaphors, analogies, and language. Some of her sentences and word choice were truly beautiful. Her voice and writing resonates with the feminine in all of us and her journey is also the journey of all women around the world. She is a leader to be admired and applauded as she introduces a series of how to go on a sacred journey at the end of the book to help other women tap into their sacred self and to unleash their personal power. This may be new age-y for some women who are not ready to begin their own journey to self love, but this is the type of book that will be waiting for them when they are ready.
Recommend this book:
I Will Never Forget
A Daughter's Story of Her Mother's Arduous and Humorous Journey through Dementia
Elaine Pereira
2013 Honorable Mention
274 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Betty Ward always made Christmas enchanted, merry and entertaining for her daughter, author, Elaine C. Pereira. Elaine was notorious for snooping under the tree, so Betty came up with a game; she would place clues on the name tag, hinting at what was inside. Then one year the author noticed that her mother had started to grumble and ramble. She also noticed that her mother had packed too much underwear and dirty clothing. It was obvious that her mother was struggling with things she had done easily for years. Betty Ward had dementia. “I Will Never Forget” was written by Betty Ward’s daughter. In this book she shares the struggles of watching her mother sink into the depths of dementia. The author honestly discusses discovering her mother’s illness and the slow onset of symptoms.
Losing a loved one is painful but watching a loved one slowly deteriorating into only a shadow of their former self is torture. Having had that experience myself I can empathize with the author. Elaine C. Pereira learned as I did that the best way to deal with any form of dementia is to keep a sense of humor and count your blessings daily. The author had no one to share the burden of caring for her mother with, except for the help of her husband and children. Caring for a person with dementia involves finances, medical treatments and housing arrangements. It is also to be remembered that the patient may be frightened for they know something has changed but they are not always sure what. There is also the matter of the patient not wanting to let go of control and fearing losing control. This is an excellent memoir that will be cherished by family members and one that offers hope to other caretakers.
Recommend this book:
Translucent Facts
Cutting Boards & Roses
Barbara M. Sutryn
2013 Finalist
194 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
"Translucent Facts: Cutting Board & Roses" is a memoir about falling in love all over again, at the age of eighty! Three women agree that they never want to marry again, but lo and behold, the author of the book surprisingly finds companionship with a new unexpected widower who recently lost his wife. It is a wonderful story of friendship, companionship, and a little romance that blossoms between two different, contrasting people that fill their old age with comfort and many adventures that take them all over the place in his van. It is a wonderful love story that will surely enchant readers worldwide and debunk many myths about aging.
Barbara M. Sutryn mastered the art of nostalgia and poignant memories in this fantastic memoir detailing her two year friendship with her unexpected friend. Her story breathes new life into retired age – when you think you have adapted to being alone, and then comes along a partner that fills your days with joy, love, and companionship. The whole story unfolds in such a simple, natural way between these two older people that the emotions it invokes are tender, warm, and sweet. The heartfelt friendship that is developed is so cute that it produced warm feelings in my heart. The author has a subtle humor that is interwoven in her writing that is deeply amusing and wonderfully enchanting. I was utterly captivated and whisked along their road to companionship and friendship. It felt like falling in love all over again and gave me great hope that there may be unexpected surprises in my distant future when I will be in my eighties. A truly splendid gift to have read this beautifully written story that has warmed my heart for days.