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:
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.
Recommend this book:
I've Never Met an Idiot on the River
Reflections on Family, Photography, and Fly-Fishing
Henry Winkler
2013 Honorable Mention
144 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Heny Winkler is an actor, director, author, photographer and fly-fisherman. His latest book is a conversational memoir that relates his love for fly-fishing with his life and career. Henry discovered fly-fishing late in life, but it has brought him immense peace and satisfaction. Each year he counts down the days to his seven day retreat on the river, casting a tight line, catching trout, meticulously recording their length and weight in his journal, taking their photo, and then releasing them with a grateful smile.
Henry also discusses his struggles in school with dyslexia, from which he created the popular "Hank Zipzer" series of children's books about a dyslexic 4th grader. Henry's passion for fly-fishing is only exceeded by his love for his family and photography. Peppered throughout his book are his photos of family, fish, Montana and a number of other subjects.
"I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" is a very entertaining read that provides a look at the real Henry Winkler and the passions in his life: family, photography and fly-fishing. I loved this book and truly enjoyed Henry's conversational writing style. I highly recommend "I've Never Met an Idiot on the River" to fans of photography, fishing, memoirs, and of course, Henry Winkler.
Recommend this book:
Hearts on the Line
The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels
Marla Martenson
2013 Gold Medal
277 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Marla Martenson, noted author of "Diary of a Beverly Hills Matchmaker", returns with "Hearts on the Line: The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels". This delightful further look into her life and lifestyle is highly readable and often quite humorous as the author refers to a certain type of client as "Uncle Fester". As the book begins, Marla works as a matchmaker for the Los Angeles dating service called Exclusive Personal Search of Beverly Hills and must always look totally great on the job. The men who come to Double D, as Marla calls her agency, always want a trophy wife. And all too frequently the women who are their clients are gold diggers, or GDGD as Marla calls them. Some of the men are SFBRG, or short fat bald rich guys. In spite of these differences, Marla does her best to find what the clients want for a partner. The boss at Exclusive Personal search is Gary, who is difficult and demanding with his staff and may be taking money on the side to provide clients with a sexual partner. Marla is deeply happy with her husband Adolfo even though they would love to move from their apartment to a home, but can she stand working for Gary?
"Hearts on the Line: The Elusive Pursuit of Love in the City of Angels" is a memoir for everyone to read. Marla Martenson tells of Exclusive Personal Search's clients and describes them in detail without being nasty. For instance, one of the clients named Brittany is beautiful, high-maintenance and what Marla calls a GDGD. The characters of all Marla's contacts are well-delineated and totally believable, although sometimes exasperating as they complain about the matches Marla has made for them. The affirmations at the end of each chapter will make the reader laugh or sigh in agreement. "Hearts on the Line" is one great read!
Recommend this book:
Side-Yard Superhero
Life Lessons from an Unlikely Teacher
Rick D. Niece, Ph.D.
2013 Silver Medal
200 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Superheroes come in many sizes and shapes. For Rick Niece, his hero came confined in a wheelchair. "Side-Yard Superhero" is the coming-of-age tale of the friendship that emerged between a nine year old, small town paper boy and the most special of the 72 customers on his route, Bernie Jones. Bernie, crippled with cerebral palsy at birth, sits in the side yard of his home each day (weather permitting) waiting for the newspaper. For nine years, six days a week, Rick Niece stops and reads Dick Tracy to his special customer before refolding the paper and delivering it to Bernie, placing it gently in his lap. The week before he leaves their small town of Degraff, Ohio, for “the big city” and college, Rick promises his now close friend Bernie that he’ll be back to visit. But “life happens”. Six years later, Rick goes looking for Bernie. But Bernie’s house has been torn down, Bernie is gone, and no one in Degraff knows where. "Side-Yard Superhero" follows Rick Niece’s search for Bernie, culminating in a surprising and sobering reconnection and reunion.
Rick Niece has written a beautiful story beautifully. A few times I laughed out loud. Several times I stopped, closed the book and just remembered - remembered my own growing up. Almost as a 'by the way', "Side-Yard Superhero" is sprinkled with poems, also written by Rick Niece, poems that are light yet thoughtful, poems with lines such as “And even if you are both no longer what you were, you are each as you should be remembered.” That verse is going into my next love letter to my husband. And "Side-Yard Superhero" is going on my 'keeper' bookshelf.
Recommend this book:
Fierce Joy
Ellen Schecter
2013 Honorable Mention
276 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
Everyone has a story, but there are few quite as stirring as "Fierce Joy", a memoir filled with huge life struggles. Ellen Schecter begins experiencing physical symptoms of an unknown origin in mid-life that interrupt her normal lifestyle. With grit and determination she launches an offense, refusing to become an invalid as she battles not one, but two, debilitating and incurable diseases: systemic lupus and peripheral neuropathy. As she soon discovers, the battle is much more than a physical struggle; the greatest challenge takes place in her heart and mind. How do you stay positive mentally and emotionally when you are watching your body physically, and very painfully deteriorate? Pain tends to isolate its victim, and although Ellen has a loving network of support, including her husband and two children, you cannot help but sense her loneliness as she walks through this valley. But this is not a memoir of helplessness or hopelessness. This is a story of triumph!
I was mesmerized from the opening pages of "Fierce Joy" to its closing thoughts. You walk with Ellen, feeling her fear, her anger and her loneliness as she struggles to understand the insidious alien invaders trying to destroy her body. She does not--will not--go gently. Fueled by grit and innate resolve, and sparked by a mystical, ineffable experience, a fire ignites within her as she so eloquently states: "I'm . . . flooded with a fierce joy that simply will not allow me to be dragged down . . . pushes me up and up, into the light . . ." This story will both inspire and challenge you to persevere against all odds. You will be incredibly blessed by her journey.
Recommend this book:
Ethereal Revelations - Volume I
Access to Another Dimension
Lizelle DuPlessis
2013 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Memoir
"Ethereal Revelations" is a true story that will open your eyes to another edge of the Paranormal. Here we find a very pregnant Lizelle who discovers her partner and father of her child in a lewd sex act in their own home. Immediately after this event her whole life falls apart as some dark entity encompasses her body mentally and physically. She is aware of an intense energy change with the baby she is carrying and within their home. One would say she is having a spiritual emergency. The paranormal experience she has during the delivery of her baby and afterwards had me so consumed with emotion. She now becomes aware of her out of body experience that transforms her to an awakening that enables her to see her inner soul where she gets in touch with a much higher power that delivers her a sacred message of sexual healing to save her relationship and is instructed to share it to all of us.
As an intuitive and sensitive with an open mind to the wonders of the Universe, I can truly say this story will even astound those that thought they knew all about the Other Side. Lizelle depicts each of these encounters in such great vivid detail. Her story proves we are still learning about the unknown and I can only wait to read Volume 2 where Lizelle will continue to enlighten and surprise us as she will divulge some deeper secrets about the sexual uniting of souls. This story will impact you as you have never been before!