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 Earl's Daughter
A Regency Romance
Laura Beers
2020 Silver Medal
294 Pages
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Romance - Historical
In this delightful Regency romance, author Laura Beers tells a story based in the 1830s when station, position, and money meant everything and love nothing to the rich members of society in England. Where you came from and how you got there normally dictated where you were going, how you would be treated, and what type of future you could look forward to. Laura Beers' story, The Earl's Daughter: A Regency Romance, tells of a girl of title abandoned at birth to be cared for by family members and later a unique finishing school. She has been taught many good lessons in life that will help her in adulthood in a hard, cruel society but which leave her lacking when it comes to family greed and vengeance.
Several characters play strong roles in this story but two of them take center stage. Lord Hudson and Lady Charlotte meet under strange circumstances and, through various trials and many self-examining battles, they fight hard to keep the other interested in them and pursue ways to make love win the day. Opponents along with enthusiasts make their journey long and arduous. Does love prevail or fail in this gentle, yet at times heartwarming Regency romance?
Laura Beers' knowledge of the time period is very evident in this detailed story of The Earl's Daughter. How people interacted with each other draws all readers into their society, time, and place. It gives a feeling of belonging in a time gone by when one's place in life was well defined. You are drawn in by the need for love to prevail and happiness finally to be achieved by two characters who deserve it. Gently written with a good romantic story and a sting in its tail, plus a thrilling last resort move make this a great read for lovers of the Regency era and newcomers to the genre alike.
Recommend this book:
Starless
The Executioner Knights Book 3
Kathryn Le Veque
2020 Gold Medal
240 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Kathryn Le Veque has created a world of immense danger, reigning turmoil, and skilled warriors that step up to conquer rebellion. In Starless: The Executioner Knights Book 3, two such warriors have acknowledged that the competitive spark between them has changed to a different kind of spark. Achilles de Dere is an aggressive Executioner Knight that finds Susanna de Tiegh frustrating and headstrong. Susanna will not put up with Achilles’ bullying and arrogance. These two fought throughout The Mountain Dark (book 2 of Executioner Knights) until Susanna is wounded during a battle and Achilles nurses her back to health. Now they explore their changing affection in their own way, which is awkward for warriors. They take Susanna to heal at her brother’s castle, but Achilles realizes later he may have just sent her to her death.
With the skill of a veteran author, Kathryn Le Veque ties several of her books and characters together. Starless seizes the reader’s attention from the very beginning as Achilles and Susanna are so used to being aggressive, but now they are traveling down unfamiliar territory in a relationship. The storyline is intriguing as danger is never far from them, but now they have something to lose. The pace quickens as enemies of the throne are in the most unexpected places, forcing them against each other. Overall, I loved the thrill of a blossoming new romance, yet the suspense of a hidden enemy and unspecified danger makes this novel an absolute must-read. No wonder Kathryn Le Veque is a bestseller; she enchants her readers with a kingdom that is more realistic than the history books.
Recommend this book:
The Charity of a Viscount
Linda Rae Sande
2019 Finalist
330 Pages
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Romance - Historical
The Charity of a Viscount captures the nobility of historical Britain in this sweet romance between a widow and a widower. Linda Rae Sande adds this book to her growing collection of romance novels. Viscount Marcus Lancaster is a dreamer and his favorite dream is about his first love as a teenager. He has completed his mourning time for his wife just as his daughter prepares for her coming-out. Charity has moved back to London and finds her late husband has left her with very little provision to live on. Taking a job as an official matchmaker for wounded soldiers allows her to earn a living while giving hope and finding love for those who are limited in their connections. Marcus pursues Charity as he sees his dreams are finally within reach, but sometimes his dreams impede actuality and Charity struggles with his view of reality.
The Charity of a Viscount is built around the fact that Marcus seeks the woman whom he can't have, while Charity is content finding love for others. The plot seems simple until Marcus's daydreams impede reality. The story rotates between Marcus and Charity, giving the reader a better understanding of the story. The characters don't disappoint as their insecurities often override the sensible thing to do and their position in society dictates their actions. Linda Rae Sande weaves humor within this story, keeping the reader entertained with their actions, which I enjoyed. Linda Rae Sande is a captivating author who specializes in bringing out a romance in the most unlikely places. Her list of books in this genre will give the reader more books to enjoy after finishing this one.
Recommend this book:
Lady Ellen
The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu Volume 1
J.G. MacLeod
2019 Honorable Mention
266 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Lady Ellen: The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu, Volume 1 by J.G. MacLeod is a historical romance novel set in the Victorian era in Ireland. A nineteen-year-old Irish aristocrat, Ellen Montagu, daughter of the Duke of Manchester, is introduced to an exciting social life of lavish balls and the rituals of Victorian courtship. Falling in love with Lord Cormac Guinness of Ardilaun, she soon finds out that her father has different plans for her. As a result, Lady Ellen is presented with a dilemma; that of following her heart and being exiled to the Aran Islands or marrying a man she doesn't love.
Lady Ellen: The Adventures of Lady Ellen Montagu is a journey back to the Victorian era in the Emerald Isle that is Ireland. Author J.G. Macleod includes vivid and picturesque details as she takes us along on a young woman's exciting journey that is a life of domestic conflict and forbidden love. For many modern women, it is very hard to imagine a time when women had very little control of their lives as it was the master of the house that decided for them. In spite of this, the beautiful and intelligent Lady Ellen is a character that is easy to empathize with because, like any woman, modern or otherwise, she tries to find happiness and fulfillment in life despite all the hardships that she encounters. This novel is a very engaging read!
Recommend this book:
The Matrimonial Advertisement
Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 1
Mimi Matthews
2019 Honorable Mention
391 Pages
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Romance - Historical
The first book in Parish Orphans of Devon series by Mimi Matthews, The Matrimonial Advertisement is a Victorian romance in all its glory. Justin Thornhill has known only the language of vengeance throughout his life. Since he served as a captain during the uprising in India, he has been more in touch with violence than romance. He has become a gruff and grim man who has neither time nor interest, mostly interest, to woo a woman. However, his well wishers suggest that he requires a woman in his life. Since the time he owned Greyfriar's Abbey, his reputation with the villagers has not been something to boast about. Moreover, his household seems to work as a repellent of servants. The only logical solution to these problems appears to be the presence of a woman in the abbey. Considering the fact that he is not willing to put any effort in romance, his steward and his lawyer, who also happens to be his good friend, decide to place a matrimonial advertisement in the newspapers. This marriage, to Justin, is only a business deal and there has to be no scope for romance on any level; however, when Helena Reynolds responds to the ad and makes an appearance for the interview, he knows she is too good to be with him. Helena, on the other hand, knows that marrying Justin is her only chance of quitting her miserable life in London.
The author has done an outstanding job of merging a significant historical incident and the unjust incarceration of sane people into the asylums for greed or other reason with Victorian romance. During British rule in India, something very tragic occurred in Cawnpore in '57 that affected many lives forever. The talent with which the author has included that part in the plot is praiseworthy. Mimi Matthews definitely knows how to present historical facts effectively and without sounding bookish. With carefully chosen words and formal conversations among the characters, this is a delightful treat for Jane Austen and historical fiction fans. Justin's gradual shift from bad-tempered to a kind man has made this an engaging read. Helena is more than just a damsel in distress. She makes plans to end her misery and does not waiver from them. Although she is seeking a kind man who will keep her safe, she is not entirely dependent on any man. All she needs is a little push from her loved ones and then she is ready to face her tormentor. The plot is filled with twists that kept me glued to the seat. I enjoyed every second spent reading The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews.
Recommend this book:
Thandi's Love
A Novel
Angel Strong
2019 Bronze Medal
254 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Thandi's Love by Angel Strong is set in the deep South in the 1800s, in the Lexington plantation. When the narrative opens, Tom Lexington, a slave owner who still preserves his humanity and treats his slaves with some decency, is thankful to God for a good harvest. But his marriage is in tatters. He is married to Anna, the vile daughter of his business partner, Daniel Stafford. As the harvest is bountiful, Tom has Thandi and her brother Isaac on loan from his aunt to help in the harvest. The two mulatto siblings have grown up with Tom. Their arrival at the plantation is about to change things. It starts with the preferential and brotherly treatment Tom gives them, and then the connection that quickly develops between Tom and Thandi. It is not long before things get out of hand, with Anna becoming mean. Will Tom remain steadfast with a newly discovered love or be won over by the conventions of the time?
The love between Tom and Thandi faces new challenges, but the worst is still to come with very dark secrets about to surface. Thandi’s Love is well written in language that is beautiful and a style that is evocative of a historic era characterized by man’s inhumanity to man. In this environment, forbidden love burgeons and blossoms and readers want to see what happens with the lovers. Angel Strong’s characters are well-developed and the themes of love, friendship, and slavery are so masterly handled that readers feel the realism and humanity infused in the story. I fell in love with Tom Lexington, a slave master who is different from the others, but a man whose humanity is put to a difficult test.
Recommend this book:
Yesterday
A Novel of Reincarnation
Samyann
2019 Silver Medal
404 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation is a work of romantic fiction spanning several historical periods, penned by author Samyann. This sweeping love story takes readers across different generations where the same pair of people may have been lovers in a time gone by, and are now meeting in the present day once more. Our lovers for this tale are Amanda Parker and Mark Callahan in present-day Chicago, where Amanda happens to save Mark from a near-death experience. Neither of their lives has taken the course they really wanted, but it’s the story back in the mid-nineteenth century, during the time of the Great Chicago Fire and the American Civil War, which really reveals the truth of who they are destined to be, and be with.
Author Samyann has a real talent for historical atmosphere and does some fantastic work in this area during the period pieces of the work. Amanda, as a character, is a very damaged person in the modern day. Mark has to fight a great deal to convince her that she could love again and be worthy of love, and I thought that this part of the personal journey was very well constructed. Their modern day romance was a little predictable for me, but the historical aspect really won me over with its sincerity and heart. Overall, Yesterday: A Novel of Reincarnation reads as a clean and pleasant romance with some really effective historical work and a great concept behind it.
Recommend this book:
Cadenza
Rockliffe Book six
Stella Riley
2019 Gold Medal
393 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Cadenza is the sixth book in the Rockliffe historical romance series by Stella Riley, a novel with a web of complex relationships and fascinating characters. While the story explores different romantic developments, it centers on Julian, a virtuoso harpsichordist and handsome young man who is conned by an unscrupulous law firm into leaving his musical career, the one thing he lives for, and to return home “briefly,” but it is too late when he notices that he has been tricked. Now a reluctant young earl, he inherits a crumbling estate. Can he pay off the debts and restore the estate to its former glory? Follow this character as he learns to live and work with his tenants, building new relationships, and transforming life around him one day at a time and from one crisis to another. Also discover as his heart opens to a love he never saw coming.
Stella Riley has the gift of engaging readers with very sophisticated and realistic characters. The premise is strong: an introverted young man who lives for music is uprooted from his world and entrusted with a responsibility he has never dreamed about. Julian is a character that will fascinate readers; he keeps to himself, speaks little. He is ruthlessly honest and has a unique sense of fairness and justice. The romance between Julian and Belle develops at a speed that keeps the reader very interested. The author uses subplots to create suspense, shifting from one story line to the next. While readers are delighted to follow Julian and Belle, there is the evolving romance between Belle’s sister, Lizzie, and Ralph, Earl of Sherbourne. Backstory is intelligently written to enrich the narrative and it never comes across as a distraction from the main story line. The prose in Cadenza is gorgeous and it combines with the interesting cast of characters and the compelling themes to make for a delightful read.
Recommend this book:
The Slum Angel
AnneMarie Brear
2019 Gold Medal
346 Pages
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Romance - Historical
Victoria has been living with her rich aunt and uncle and cousins since she was 12 years old and has enjoyed a life of prestige. She is now a young woman and she is beginning to look around her and realize just how privileged she really is because when Dr. Joseph Ashton comes to dinner and they talk about the downtrodden side of town (a place Victoria knows very little about), Victoria wants to see it first hand. She sneaks out of the house and finds herself in another world where people are living in dirty, run-down, crowded houses and when she goes with Dr. Ashton to visit Mercy and her children, Victoria is shocked at the conditions. They have no bed, dirty clothes and little food. Mercy is only half alive. Victoria immediately decides that she will do all she can to help this family any way she can. When Victoria’s family finds out where she is spending her time, they are beyond furious and soon she finds herself thrown out of the only home she knows, sharing a home with Mercy and her family. Victoria quickly learns what it means to have no money, no place to live, to be hungry and dirty, and to fight every day just to stay alive.
The Slum Angel is a very powerful historical novel that is an accurate picture of the Victorian days. The year is 1871, the place is York, and the characters go from rags to riches in the very well written story, The Slum Angel. AnneMarie Brear told this story with heart, love and a deep understanding of the rich and the poor. The details of Victoria's life and those of the new friends she meets make The Slum Angel a very moving book that you must read yourself to feel all of the pain and joy. I personally felt all of Victoria’s sadness, hurts, and happiness and found it impossible to put down The Slum Angel. My only hope is that there is a follow-up book soon. Please do not pass up reading The Slum Angel as it is a sure-fire winner!
Recommend this book:
The Prodigy Slave
Book One Journey to Winter Garden
Londyn Skye
2018 Finalist
493 Pages
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Romance - Historical
The Prodigy Slave: Journey to Winter Garden is the first book in a series by Londyn Skye, a story that combines pathos, passion, and an exceptional storytelling craft to transport readers to the world of a teenage girl sold into slavery by her own father. Lily is just ten when her father tears her away from her mother and sells her into slavery. But she quickly learns to adapt, stealthily learning to play her master’s piano, something she does consistently for fourteen years with no one finding out. She could have gotten away with it except that James, her master’s son, discovers her secret. The punishment given to her by James will set her on a transformational journey towards love and freedom, but will she be able to achieve her freedom and embrace the love of the one person who has loved her madly and has not been able to express it? This is a wonderful tale that reminds me of the writing of Langston Hughes and many a famous Negro writer like Richard Wright.
Londyn Skye has just become one of my favorite storytellers and has created a story that feels real, a story that explores the themes of family, slavery, love, and freedom in a masterful way. Readers will be enticed by the writing and the pace will literally compel them to keep on turning from page to page, eager to discover what happens to the protagonist. This is one of those novels that transport readers back to a historical setting, allowing them to relive a portion of history. The Prodigy Slave: Journey to Winter Garden is a rip roaring, masterfully written and entertaining novel with great potential to keep readers captivated. I couldn’t put it down.