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 Oldest Soul
Animus The Oldest Soul Trilogy, Volume 1
Tiffany FitzHenry

2016 Finalist
328 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

The Oldest Soul: Animus is the first in a romantic science fiction trilogy by author Tiffany FitzHenry. Our central heroine is Eve, who is discovered to be the oldest soul on the planet when her DNA is dated back through all the lives she has lived on Earth. Eve is seventeen, and she finds herself in a dilemma when she meets Jude, who appears to be the last soul created for a very long time. Whilst Jude is intensely attractive, Eve also has to contend with Roman, whose soul has been matched to hers over many lifetimes. As this one small conflict begins to eat away at Eve, a much larger battle is looming overhead, foreshadowing a war that could end one side of the human race forever.
The power of Tiffany FitzHenry’s work first and foremost lies in the superb concept she has created. The Oldest Soul: Animus sits on the border of young adult and adult fiction for me, as Eve’s youthful stance on life is interspersed with her Zodiac soul, which tells of the many lives lived before her current body. I really enjoyed the idea that the soul transcends race, gender, or any other physical factor, and her relationship with Roman really puts the idea of soul mates under a new kind of microscope. Brilliantly crafted, well written, and compelling, The Oldest Soul: Animus is a true page turner that will satisfy audiences of romantic fiction and sci-fi alike. I would recommend it to readers seeking something totally original, detailed, and deep.
Recommend this book:
Crossing the Ice
Ice Series Book 1
Jennifer Comeaux

2016 Honorable Mention
308 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

In a great first book of the planned Ice Series Trilogy by author Jennifer Comeaux, Crossing the Ice will appeal to many young adult readers who love a sweet romance. Follow the story of pair skaters Courtney and Mark as they are working to their goal, a shot at making the Olympic team. They promise not to let anything get in their way. Another pair couple, Stephanie and Josh, a sibling duo, is their primary competition. But when Courtney finds herself more and more drawn to the sweet and shy Josh, will their dreams be forever changed? You'll need to read this fantastic book to find out!
I very much enjoyed Crossing the Ice. Author Jennifer Comeaux has done a wonderful job at creating characters that her readers will connect with, relate to, and continue to think about long after the book is finished. If that isn't a sign of a great author, I'm not sure what is. The story line is sweet with the promise of young romance without going too far, so both young readers and their parents will approve of this story. Any young reader, and perhaps especially young women who enjoy a romantic read, will certainly enjoy Crossing the Ice. I highly recommend this book. I was happy to find that this is the first book in a trilogy, and I can't wait to read more from the Ice Series as soon as I am able to do so. If the subsequent stories are anything like Crossing the Ice, they will certainly be worth the read!
Recommend this book:
TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod
Don't Cry For Me Cape Cod
Garfield Whyte

2016 Bronze Medal
418 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

In a great new book from author Garfield Whyte, TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod: Don't Cry For Me Cape Cod is a story that will leave readers wanting more. Follow the story of eighteen-year-old TJ (Taj James) as he makes a promise that his last summer on Cape Cod will certainly be a memorable one. TJ enlists the help of his Uncle Peter, a man with not a little experience with women, on his quest. TJ learns a lot from Uncle Peter and is ready to use it, but needs to decide whether he wants to move away from being his typical good boy self in order to do it. What will TJ decide? And what will the end of the summer bring? You'll have to read the book to find out!
I very much enjoyed TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod. Author Garfield Whyte has done a great job in creating memorable characters that his readers will continue to think about long after the last words are read. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. His descriptions of Cape Cod are vivid, and readers will feel as if they have simply slipped through the pages into the sunny seaside setting. Any reader looking for a book that might be able to return them to their youth, even for a little while, should definitely read this. I am pleased to recommend TJ's Last Summer in Cape Cod and look forward to reading more from author Garfield Whyte in the near future!
Recommend this book:
The Healer
Book 1
C. J. Anaya

2016 Silver Medal
335 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

The Healer by C.J. Anaya (Book One of the Healer series) draws upon ancient forces, gods, and demons from Japanese mythology to craft a thrilling and richly layered modern epic for Young Adult readers. In the first book of what promises to be an enthralling series, Hope, a seemingly normal (albeit slightly introverted) motherless teenager with a strange ability to heal the sick, makes surreptitious visits to the hospital in which her physician father treats patients. Her primary purpose is to offer healing and – dare we say - hope to suffering patients without drawing attention to her abilities and exposing her secret. Along the way, she befriends a terminally ill patient and begins to feel a burgeoning desire to test the boundary between life and death when she realizes that she cannot save those who are meant to die.
With the help of her red-headed, boy crazy siren of a best friend, Angie, Hope sorts out life issues as diverse as mourning her mother’s passing and defending her choice to postpone thoughts of romance. Enter Victor and Tie, two ‘new boy’ cousins too hot to go unnoticed by any of the girls at school, and Hope begins an adventure worthy of the most timeless traditional epic heroines. Layer by layer, a life-or-death scenario unfolds as characters and concepts from Japanese mythology begin to invade Hope’s world and cause her to discover powers, wisdom, and abilities no one could have guessed she possesses. As “The Healer” comes into her own, lives are changed and young female readers everywhere are empowered in extraordinary ways. The Healer by C.J. Anaya is a wonderful, uplifting, and educational Young Adult adventure, full of prescient messages and timely reminders that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.
Recommend this book:
Faeborne
A Novel of the Otherworld, The Otherworld Series, Volume 9
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

2016 Gold Medal
394 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

I loved Faeborne by Jenna Elisabeth Johnson. It is full of magic, romance, and mystery. Attention to detail is one of the key elements that can take a book from the so-so ranks and send it up the charts to bestseller. The attention to the details of this fabled mystical land is just one of the elements of a great book that Jenna Elisabeth Johnson does very well. Not only the details of magic and glamour, but also the details of everyday life combine to draw us into Faeborne and compel us to keep reading. I honestly didn’t want to put it down. Another key component of any good book is the characters. Faeborne excels in this area also. Brennen, Seren, Rori, they all come to life. You care about their lives and what will happen to them. Without this element, a book may still be good, but with this element a book can be great. Faeborne is great.
My old drill sergeant used to always tell us new recruits “pain purifies.” These are characters with a lot of pain in their lives, characters who face a great foe and many personal hardships. This makes for a great story with a compelling plot line. Jenna Elisabeth Johnson makes a very smart creative choice by throwing in a lot of vocabulary with an archaic Gaelic feel. Just one more example of her mastery of the elements of successful fiction that draw you deep into Faeborne. There is no greater attraction to me than great characters facing a powerful foe. If you love romance, action, magic, and great writing, do yourself a favor and buy Faeborne today.
Recommend this book:
Solo
Sarah Schofield

2015 Finalist
280 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

Eliana Davis is no stranger to moving house a lot as her dad is in the army and she has never lived anywhere for more than a few years. She has grown to love her current home in California, however, and is devastated to learn that her dad is being posted overseas so that she and her mum are going to live with her grandparents in the small town of Myrtle Creek in Oregon. Eliana knows that she is only going to be living there for a year, so she doesn’t want to get too close to anyone and she most certainly doesn’t plan to get herself a boyfriend. However, things don’t always go as planned and Eliana finds herself making new friends, a possible boyfriend and discovering that Myrtle Creek can become her home.
"Solo" is a beautiful read, a truly lovely story about discovering the true value of friendship, young love, and the meaning of home. This book perfectly captures what it is like to be a 16 year old girl struggling with friends, high school drama, and falling in love for the first time. I really liked the character of Eliana. She is strong, refusing to be beaten down by her new high school's popular girl and also refusing to retaliate. I loved the relationship she has with her mother, one open and full of trust and also the fact that she spends lots of time with her gramps. Overall, a lovely enjoyable read, perfect for teenagers or those who wish to remember the drama, angst and also life-changing experiences of being a teenager.
Recommend this book:
Shimmer
Breathe Book 2
Elena Dillon

2015 Honorable Mention
293 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

Shimmer by Elena Dillon is the story of Chandler Raines and her life on the run with her father, trying to escape from the ghosts of the past. Her whole life has become a lie as they travel to new places with new names and a made-up past. After four years of running, however, Chandler ends up in a town she would like to call home. She begins to make a life for herself and realises she is tired of running and assuming new identities, and wants to settle down. The time comes when she has to make the biggest decision of her life; whether to leave everything she is learning to treasure and move on, or stay and face the evil that is chasing her.
This is a really fast-paced story, tense and exciting. The author, Elena Dillon, has done a really good job of writing a piece that at the heart is a romance, but intertwined is a mystery and a touch of thriller. The writing flows well and keeps the reader guessing. The story starts with Chandler and her father leaving in the middle of the night and immediately I was engrossed, wondering about the past - why they were running, who was after them? It was a clever beginning and continued in a similar vein throughout and kept me turning the pages and, at times, unwilling to stop reading. Although classed as a young adult novel, I think this book will appeal to adult readers as well. This is the follow-up story to Elena’s earlier novel, Breathe, which I will now have to read too.
Recommend this book:
Five
Maor series Book 1
Caroline Greyling

2015 Bronze Medal
322 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

Five is Book One of the Maor Series, a young adult contemporary fantasy written by Caroline Greyling. Shaylee is your typical 16-year-old who has plenty of hopes and dreams. She’s into dancing, has written a story that’s been published in a magazine, and she loves her life in Johannesburg, even if her parents are quite a bit stricter than those of her friends. They've been even more careful about her lately as her 17th birthday gets closer and seem to be taking her to the doctor for the tiniest complaint. When they hear that the nightmares Shaylee was plagued with as a child have returned, her parents unexpectedly make arrangements to ship her back to England to stay with her Nan. Shaylee’s infuriated by the short notice they give her as the dance performance she and her friend Luke had worked so hard on is about to happen, but her parents are committed to their decision, and Shaylee must say goodbye to everything she knows and has grown up with.
Caroline Greyling’s Five, Maor Series, Book One, is a marvelous and well-plotted young adult fantasy. Her characters are finely drawn and very believable, and the mythological premise for the story is beautifully handled. Shaylee is a compelling character whose life has suddenly been taken over by forces she’s totally ignorant of, and it’s hard not to feel involved in her plight. Much of the story takes place in Aylburton in the Forest of Dean, and the descriptions of the woods and natural surroundings are magnificent, lush and luxuriant, evoking a traditional fairy tale atmosphere for this fantasy story. Each chapter is headed with an emotion and five descriptors, which are from Shaylee’s little journal, Five, and she saves them for use in her writing. I found myself looking forward to each perceptive and insightful set. Five is an original and thought-provoking fantasy infused with fairytale and mythological elements. It’s also an inspired coming of age tale, and it’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Ancient Guardians
The Legacy of the Key, Ancient Guardian Series, Book 1, Volume 1
S.L. Morgan

2015 Silver Medal
371 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

In The Legacy of the Key, the first book in the Ancient Guardians series, by S.L. Morgan, Reece Bryant and Levi Oxley are from two different worlds…literally. Reece may seem like your average human from Earth until she meets Levi, who introduces her to the beautiful land he is from and makes her realize that she is more special than she ever realized, in more ways than one. Not only does she learn about the different worlds and dimensions she never knew existed, but she also soon falls in love with Levi, a Pemdas Guardian and the son of the emperor. Levi has duties to protect not only his world but Earth as well. However, his growing love for Reece complicates things as their enemies, whose complete focus is on capturing Reece, begin to make their move.
There are two words to describe this book: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. It is very difficult to put into words how much I enjoyed it. The concept of the different worlds and dimensions among us was unique and very intriguing; it immediately had me hooked. Also, the pacing was perfect; the plot wasn’t rushed at all and it wasn’t slow either. Reece and Levi’s relationship gradually grew, which made it completely realistic, and this brings me to my next point. Only a brilliant writer can have a reader utterly engaged in and captivated by a book to the point where the real world is shut out and all that exists are the fictional characters and their world, which is exactly what happened to me. I felt as if I was right there alongside Reece and experiencing everything she felt and went through. I hopelessly fell in love with Levi as Reece did, which doesn’t happen very often. Their relationship was so heart-warming and touching that I was disappointed to see the book end, but also ecstatic to continue reading the series. A combination of romance, suspense, fantasy, and sci-fi, The Legacy of the Key is exciting, adventurous, romantic, and is certainly a must-read. It is definitely the best book I have read in a long time. S.L. Morgan is an extremely talented storyteller and she has become my new favorite author. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sequel to read.
Recommend this book:
Ancient Guardians
Book 2 in the Ancient Guardians Series
S.L. Morgan

2015 Gold Medal
368 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Romance

Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited is the second book in the Ancient Guardians series by S.L. Morgan. In this part of the story, Reece continues to find her place in Pemdas and this time not just as the treasured guest from Earth, but also as the wife-to-be of the heir to the Pemdas throne. Up until this moment, Reece had been the only one in possession of the genetic map that detailed the location of the Key. However, something unexpected happened and her mind shared the location of the Key with Levi; an event that is not understood by even the wisest of the emperor's advisers and one that is bound to bring complications. As Reece and Levi continue to blossom in the bliss of their love and make plans for the future, their enemies are not just sleeping either; a traitor who was in custody has escaped from Pemdas and allied himself with the one person who seeks to gain access to the Key at whatever cost.
Once again, S.L. Morgan delivers another incredibly compelling classic tale that takes you on an adventure in the magical land of this enchanting world called Pemdas. It is amazing to see the transformation Reece has undergone since she left Earth; from the free spirited jeans clad girl to a magically beautiful ball gowned fiancee of the Pemdas prince. S.L. Morgan brings about this change so vividly and at the same time manages to keep it natural. Ancient Guardians: The Uninvited continues to take you on a beautiful romantic adventure and a journey of discovery into the unique Pemdas traditions and the hypnotizing scenery. I am so happy I got the chance to read this second book in the Ancient Guardians series. Book 1 was a pure thrill and Book 2 even more so. I am eagerly waiting to read the next three books in the series.
