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 One Year Marriage
G. Stephen Renfrey
2012 Bronze Medal
206 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
"The One Year Marriage: A Formula For Enduring Love" by G. Stephen Renfrey, Ph.D., covers exams, love, romance, marriage and relationships. In the Preface Renfrey addresses a major problem with marriage. We too often go into it with idyllic notions of what a marriage should be like. However, relationships tend to fall short of our unrealistic expectations. After reading the title of this book I was surprised to discover the author does believe in soul mates, commitment, marriage and love. The author has dedicated two chapters to exploring individual’s expectations of marriage. Among the expectations are sex, companionship and security, someone you can depend on, children, love and acceptance. It is unfortunate that once married we become wrapped up in our careers and stop taking time for our spouse and the much-needed romance, love, companionship and sex. Chapter two discusses a rethinking of marriage, 'The One Year Marriage.' The author is proposing “that couples consciously approach their relationship commitments as mutually negotiated one year agreements that, if not renewed at the anniversary, automatically dissolve according to agreed on terms.” When I first read this statement I was shocked and then I continued reading. There is not room in this review to explain the author’s idea. However, after reading farther I had a different comprehension of what he was proposing.
The examples in this book add much to the text. The reader needs to go into this book with an open mind. When your first thought is to disagree, continue reading and be open to what the author is proposing. Renfrey has both organized and researched his book. He has carefully thought out the topic. One of the best parts of the book comes at the end where he offers the opportunity to explore your relationship. There are five steps to assist you in your exploration. He has also included quotes scattered throughout the text. They are well-chosen and again lend depth to the script. I highly recommend this book to all couples considering marriage and to married couples.
Recommend this book:
Lost Edens
A True Story
Jamie Patterson
2012 Finalist
216 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
Once I started reading “Lost Edens” by Jamie Patterson, I couldn’t put it down because I kept hoping I’d turn the page to read that she’d figured out that Ben was a dirty rotten scoundrel and punch him in his cheating face. After all, the cover page indicates that this is a true story and what a terrible reality it is to finally come to terms with the fact that your husband is a lying jerk who has all-but-ruined your life. Jamie was so in love with Ben and wanting to have a real marriage that she disregarded the advice of friends and family and once again set herself up for disappointment when she thought Ben is going to leave his mistress and return to her.
This was a very real and candid personal experience of the author that she writes about and I am sure it took some courage for her to bare her most embarrassing moments. I can’t imagine driving around somewhere looking for your estranged husband’s black Jeep and trying to find out where he was living and with whom. What really spoke to me was how her dog Huey never liked her husband. They say that animals are the best judges of character, so people definitely need to pay attention when a dog doesn’t like someone. It took a while for Jamie to realize the truth and the finality of her relationship with Ben, but I am glad that she finally did and was able to find a good counselor and move on with life.
Recommend this book:
Mr. / Ms. Right: An Endangered Species?
Making the Most of Your Relationship
Roy A. Barry and Nazira K. Barry
2012 Honorable Mention
189 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
Men and women can really mess up relationships, can’t they? Sometimes it is an inability to understand the opposite gender and sometimes it is unrealistic expectations. Whatever the cause, authors Roy and Nazira Barry answer the question about whether finding Mr. or Mrs. Right is possible or whether they are an endangered species, in their book of the same name. The Barrys are eminently qualified to discuss this subject both because they have advanced degrees in sociology and psychology and because they’ve been married to each other for 13 years. Before my husband and I married five years ago, we took a class on marriage that covered the topics similar to those in this book and I think that it has made us much more successful.
There is a wealth of information provided in “Mr./Mrs. Right: An Endangered Species?” including communication, “sex”pectations, spirituality, and stress. One line that jumps out from the book is this: “To attract the ‘right’ person, one must often begin with being the ‘right’ person.” The list on how to interpret nonverbal behavior is very useful when dealing with quiet people because their body language speaks volumes. I highly recommend this book to both new couples as well as those who have been together for a while as a relationship booster. Even though I read it all the way through, I want to go back again and take the quizzes that have been included in this book. The quizzes and exercises are a good means to assess a relationship. In the back of the book, there is also a list of internet sites that might be worth visiting for more information.
Recommend this book:
How To Find The Right Man And Become His Center of Attention
Anyone can find a man...Let me show you how to keep him
Debra Clifton Mitchell
2012 Silver Medal
66 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
"How To Find The Right Man And Become His Center of Attention: Anyone can find a man . . . Let me show you how to keep him" by Debra Clifton Mitchell is a book all women should read BEFORE they marry. Most women want to marry and have a family so why is the divorce rate between 50 -60%? “A traditional family with a husband and wife with their natural children is now the exception instead of the rule.” Many married couples that are still together spend their time arguing.
Ms Mitchell points out that most young couples do not have role models; they have witnessed few if any healthy marriages. She offers several very wise suggestions for single women. “Not everyone is ready to be in a relationship.” Don’t jump in . . . exchange phone numbers and wait a week. During that week don’t set around waiting for him to call you. Go on with your life and interests. “A man cannot complete you.” If you expect a man to complete your life the relationship is doomed. A woman needs to look to her own well being. Love yourself, discover who you are and be that person. NEVER date a married man. Abuse comes in many forms and ladies, you do not have to live with it. “Ladies he is not your boo, he is your boo-boo. Cut your losses and get out.” Don’t have a child to attempt to strengthen the marriage. It won’t work and a child deserves a strong loving family.
This tiny book is filled with wonderful advice. It would make a great gift to a granddaughter or even a daughter. Debra Clifton Mitchell is a very wise woman. Her advice is invaluable. Ms Mitchell has been married for twenty three years. I’ll throw in a small piece of advice: Never take your relationship for granted. This book is well worth the price and time to read.
Recommend this book:
The Heart of the Wedding
Gerald Fierst
2011 Silver Medal
206 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
Storyteller, actor, and American Civil Celebrant Gerald Fierst has created a book about weddings, but it's not about how to buy gowns and flowers, arrange for the reception, and where to place the candles. The Heart of the Wedding puts the magic back in a ceremony that people have neglected. He has officiated at many weddings and writes movingly of what a wedding really is: a couple coming together in marriage, their individual pasts moving into a future together. He offers many examples of couples marrying after living together for years and couples marrying with children from former relationships, and merges these with wedding history, poetry, songs and offerings. He concludes by listing the requirements for marriages in all fifty states.
In The Heart of the Wedding, Gerald Fierst has created a well-written and edited, beautifully organized book on weddings as an extraordinarily special occasion that is long overdue. Brides, grooms, and families will welcome this book with open arms for Mr. Fierst covers many options, moving, emotional and practical, that a couple can adapt to their own special wishes.
The index and table of contents are highly useful. Each chapter of The Heart of the Wedding is beautifully laid out with a variety of print formats that lend great appeal to even the casual browser. Black and white photographs of wedding couples add to the text as they are tastefully placed and not overwhelming in number. The Heart of the Wedding would make a perfect gift for any couple planning their special day. It belongs on library shelves everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Navigating Marital Abandonment
Beth Durkee
2011 Bronze Medal
58 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
Navigating Marital Abandonment written by Elizabeth Durkee is a soulful, emotional and personal journey that Beth has experienced first-hand and shares with other people also going through the same difficult situation.
Beth speaks about the intense emotional hurt that is caused by an extra-marital relationship. Marriage is supposed to be a serious commitment that deeply affects both partners and their family directly. A spouse's choice for infidelity is based on his/her own beliefs and criteria. This is not a moral or honorable choice, but the injured spouse is not to blame. So many of the injured spouses blame themselves, but the spouse who is cheating does not think about the deep pain that the other spouse is feeling at the time. Beth also explains that there is a mentality and pattern of behavior that is evident with infidelity. Once the injured spouse understands the pattern, he/she will have less of a disadvantage in predicting what the spouse might do next. Beth befriends a woman named Sam, who has gone through the same painful experience as she, and she finds a support system. She explains how the children are directly affected and hurt in their own ways. Beth also shares the trauma and excruciating pain that infidelity brings to the injured spouse. There are three types of trauma that people actually experience with infidelity: Infidelity Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Rape Trauma Syndrome. It takes courage and determination to fight the depression and emotional distress, but Beth is a survivor!
I found this book to be very compelling, raw, and emotional. Beth shares her entire journey through the infidelity and divorce which the reader can really feel and connect with. The behavior signs she listed in this book opened my eyes, and they really made sense to me as a married woman. This is a fantastic book about relationships that everyone can relate to on some level and come away with a sense of empowerment.
Recommend this book:
From Heartbreak to Heart's Desire
Developing a Healthy GPS (Guy Picking System)
Dawn Maslar
2011 Bronze Medal
182 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
In From Heartbreak to Heart's Desire: Developing A Healthy GPS, author Dawn Maslar contends that a broken GPS (Guy Picking System) is analogous to a broken GPS system in a car. If the GPS is malfunctioning, you will never arrive at your destination.
If your "picker" is broken, you must restore order to your GPS first by ridding yourself of all of your fellows and taking a personal retreat. While on this retreat, learn to take care of yourself, meditating and journaling as you go. Hopefully, this will lead you to a positive self-attitude through self-affirmations. Pampering will help you to love yourself and change your own beliefs regarding your shortcomings. If you are still in doubt, do something good for someone else, and this will lead to a positive self-image. If next you take a good review of your own pro and con personality traits and needs and then engage in daydreaming, you will be ready to "build your beau" and create a vision board of what you want in a relationship.
While an interesting and fun analogy, the reader must believe that without a GPS, one is totally lost, and for most of us, this would not be the case. We would use the sun, the stars, common sense, a good map or would resort to asking directions. This leads the reader to believe that one must truly be malfunctioning in order to make use of the author's blueprint toward getting into a healthy relationship. However, I did find the book entertaining, and while a caution must be issued regarding a "one size fits all" approach to finding meaningful relationships, most women who have had a difficult time finding a good man can relate to the stories of other such women.
Recommend this book:
Creating A Healthy Life and Marriage
A Holistic Approach: Body, Mind, Emotions and Spirit
Judith Anne Desjardins, LCSW, BCD, MSWAC
2010 Silver Medal
400 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
Judith Desjardins begins her book by sharing a dream or perhaps a nightmare. She was in her 50s and felt her life was stagnant. After an honest talk with herself, she began to reform. The use of personal experiences makes this a must read self help book. She shares her doubts before her marriage. She ignored them and the marriage ended in divorce.
The first section of the book is titled: Preparing Yourself To Be The Best Possible Mate. There is a great need to understand yourself and where you come from before considering marriage. The second section discusses the developmental process. The third section was one of my favorites: Selecting The Best Mate. In this section, the author asks readers to look at their reasons for wanting love and marriage and to make a wish list. She also encourages readers to look at past relationships.
I have mixed feelings about parts of this book. I know that marriage is one of the most important steps a person can take. When examining my own marriage, I see things a bit differently. I was 18, he was 19…I suppose you would say, mere babies. We knew we loved each other. That was what counted. Were we immature? Yes, we were young. Looking back over the years, I’ve never regretted a day of our lives together. Soon we will be married 37 years. I did not analyze who I was, where I came from, etc. I just knew I loved him and wanted to spend my life with him. I suppose he felt the same. He still treats me like a princess and I love him more every day. I know this is not the norm. I’ve see marriages fall apart. So I do recognize the need to know each other well. The world has changed a lot in the last 37 years. I knew divorce would not be an option. However, today marriage is disposable.
All in all, Ms. Desjardins offers readers an excellent book. It is well organized, the topics are pertinent. I would recommend this book to be read before engagement.
Recommend this book:
Understanding Other People
The Five Secrets to Human Behavior
Beverly D. Flaxington
2009 Gold Medal
104 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Relationships
Have you ever met a difficult person? Has someone you love ever got on your nerves. Let’s face it we all know difficult people. Beverly D. Flaxington gets along with almost every one. She know the 5 secrets to understanding other people.
1. It’s all About me.
2. Behavioral Styles come between us.
3. Values speak louder than you do
4. Don’t assume I know what you mean
5. I’m Okay; you are most definitely not okay
Are we so self-centered that we honestly believe it is all about me? Yes and no, it may be subconsciously but everything does filter back to self. We judge others by our own standards. We focus conversations on ourselves by saying I know what you mean. It all stems from our experiences. Can we change? Most certainly and Flaxington shares how. She goes in-depth explaining each secret. Her style is easy to understand and read. The end of each chapter has a concise summary.
Understanding Other People will benefit everyone. The anecdotes are amusing. The secrets are built on wisdom.