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 - Science/Technology
- 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
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Recommend this book:
Lazarus in the Labyrinth
T R Hanes

2012 Honorable Mention
242 Pages
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Fiction - Drama

Reno Antonin and Blaise Berrington have been lovers and partners for twenty years. They have a perfect life together as they own a beautiful home with lovely gardens and a loving dog, part golden retriever and part Samoyed, named Zulie. Reno has always been the super athlete and now with Blaise's encouragement he is a college professor while Bliase continues with his career as a doctor, administering anesthetics in hundreds of operations over the years. But then Reno runs into a tree by accident while skiing and his leg is broken and injures his lower spinal cord. Falling and breaking his hip has meant hip-replacement surgery for Reno and he is stuck at home, dealing with physical therapy and his sister's recommendation of psychotherapy. Reno feels that Blaise is faced with too much: he works full time and then has to come home to care for Reno. Will psychotherapy really help Reno and Blaise or will it uncover too many past problems?
"Lazarus in the Labyrinth" is a well-written, well-edited novel that deals with tough issues that all relationships face. Reno and Blaise, Reno's sister Dahlia and her husband, and all the other characters in this story are believable and help the reader to conclude that life is always changing. The reader will be impressed with the plot as it moves to its conclusion, leaving room for thought about death and endings and whether past issues should just stay in the past. "Lazarus in the Labyrinth" is not just a book about a gay couple, it is a book about life's twists and turns. Thoughtful readers will adore this novel.
Recommend this book:
The Devil Colony
A Sigma Force Novel
James Rollins

2012 Gold Medal
672 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General

The book deals with the discovery of a cave with Caucasians mummies that were hundreds of years old, dressed like Native Americans, gold, and something that could not have been discovered by these people. Or had it been made by them? The story starts here with murder, suicide, and the killing of an anthropologist. This was only the beginning of a tale of history and science combined with a story of fiction that pits the Sigma Force with a group known as the Guild that goes back beyond the beginning of our country. Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were focused on combating the Guild. The book is full of action and clashes between the two groups that take the tale to Kentucky (Fort Knox), Iceland, Yellowstone Park, Utah, Japan and in and out of caves and Volcano vents. The Sigma group all the while fears that this mysterious substance hidden for centuries could lead to the destruction of the earth.
The phrase "action packed" is much over used but this book really lives up to this. The author takes us back to the early years of this nation and all the way up to modern times with the Sigma Team pitted against the long-time enemy of this country known as the "Guild". Huge caverns filled with gold, more mummies, statues and religious symbols are discovered. The guild is after all the treasures and seems to be able to anticipate where Sigma will be next. This is a skillful combining of fiction with history and science.
Recommend this book:
The Quest for Forgiveness
She was on a collision course with her past
J. L. Rothdiener

2012 Honorable Mention
304 Pages
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Christian - Fiction

"The Quest for Forgiveness" grabs your attention within the first few lines when Brianna Bays is introduced as a stunning young performer who captivates her fans with her musical talent as well as her beauty. As you take life’s journey with Brianna, you will encounter both laughter and tears as you travel back with her to her childhood in Iraq through her adoption and her quest for the truth about her life and who her real parents were. A birthmark in the shape of a heart above her right eye embarrassed Brianna for most of her life but she believed it was the only evidence to link her to her biological parents. As she endlessly searches for answers to her past while still maintaining a successful, fast-paced life as the nation's top entertainer, it seems as if more questions than answers develop. However, Brianna’s search for peace culminates in her decision to accept Jesus as her savior and the search for her real parents comes to an unexpected finale.
If a book doesn’t capture me immediately I will put it down. However, J.L. Rothdiener is able to spin her tale in such a way that you find yourself turning each page with anticipation. The story line evolves ever so quickly and I found myself totally engulfed in the journey for Brianna's "quest for forgiveness". I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Recommend this book:
The Wonder of Ordinary Magic
Lilli Jolgren Day

2012 Silver Medal
252 Pages
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Fiction - Drama

Bobby, an author by trade faces his greatest writing challenge to date as he struggles to pull his characters out of a dangerous and suspenseful situation. Nothing out of the ordinary for your every day author, except Bobby is anything but ordinary. Bobby is in a coma. As he writes the scintillating lines of his latest novel, the world revolves around him, unaware of what is happening in this seemingly vegetative individual. Where Bobby's medical condition has become a hopeless waiting game for his friends and family, he produces a fictional tale of intrigue that oddly mirrors his current life. The exception to the otherwise pessimistic perspective of his chances of survival is his four year old niece, Chloe, plans her days around Uncle Bobby's return to the living because of her invention of a magical magnet that will operate on his damaged brain. While the rest of the family fashion their daily schedules around hospital visits that can only lead to their last look at Bobby, they are unaware that he miraculously hears their words and sees their actions. He grows fond of his caregivers and silently offers advice and concern for all those around him.
I found myself praying for Bobby's survival, regardless of the grim reality of his diagnosis. Lost in this detailed story, I tended to forget about the perilous condition of the main character, until the surprising ending. I actually re-read the last pages to confirm that his story had in fact come to an end. The Wonder of Ordinary Magic left me haunted by its characters for days after I finished reading it.
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:
Civil Rights Investigations Under the Workforce Investment Act and Other Title VI-Related Laws
From Intake to Final determination
Seena K. Foster

2012 Bronze Medal
168 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics

Discrimination is a very real problem in the work place but what can a person do? Seena K. Foster, author of "Civil Rights Investigations Under the Workforce Investment Act" leads the reader through the law, the process and the various scenarios of the subject. Citing law and providing examples of letters and check lists, information is outlined in concise and understandable terms. The subject matter is broken down into the simplest legal language possible considering the depth and complexity. Believable examples make sense of it all, guiding the reader step by step.
As anybody knows, legal reading can be dry and confusing. Admittedly, there were a few places I personally had to re-read but that would be attributed to my own lack of experience with the subject. I found the examples very useful and was able to utilize the bullet points and checklists to realize the meaning of it all. It was an eye-opening learning experience to read this book! I never realized how much is involved in filing such a suit, getting an investigation underway, working with both parties, and finding resolution. Businesses should consider having this book in their own library as a reference guide in their personnel department. This work could be used as a stand-alone in training sessions for employees and managements. The tremendous effort the author has put into "Civil Rights Investigations Under the Workforce Investment Act" is immediately evident. Nothing is left to question and, should there be any residual wonder, references can be looked up. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
The Girl's Still Got It
Take a Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World
Liz Curtis Higgs

2012 Gold Medal
240 Pages
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Christian - Non-Fiction

I was honored to meet Ms Higgs at a book fair and again at the taping of the DVD that goes along with this book. Every time I meet her I become teary eyed and giddy. She never puts on airs and she always makes me laugh. Our personal stories are similar: rebelled against God, led a life of sin and FORGIVEN by the Grace of the Lord, which gives me a special bond with her. "The Girl’s Still Got It: Take a Walk with Ruth and the God Who Rocked Her World" by Liz Curtis Higgs is the retelling of the book of Ruth. One of the things I love about Higgs's books is how she never wastes time. She jumps right in during the introduction and begins to teach. She backs up her teachings with scripture. Liz has a way of transporting us back in time to the world she is writing about. This book is no different. I’m not sure how she manages to do it but she beams us to the land of Moab where we listen to the conversations of Ruth and Naomi. I should probably state that I love the Book of Ruth. It is usually read in wedding ceremonies but rarely do I hear of it in other situations. As we investigate the book and gather the clues we will come to love the characters and the plot.
The Book Of Ruth is a true story. Of course Ms Higgs had to use poetic license when it came to conversations. The reader is privileged to follow along as Naomi and Ruth make their way to Jerusalem. Naomi is sad and bitter. She’s lost a husband and both sons. Now she has a daughter in law she feels obligated to care for. Through it all the pain, the anger, the emotional ups and downs, Naomi still has God in her heart. God is bigger than her anger. There are so many lessons to learn from this book. After reading "The Girl’s Still Got It" I will never again look at the book of Ruth the same way. Though this book was written many years ago, I found lesson after lesson meant for me. Thank you Ms Higgs, You Still Got It Girl!
Recommend this book:
From the Chrysalis
Karen E. Black

2012 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Drama

Our story begins in a butterfly garden with two cousins flirting with each other. Dace is a handsome young man prone to trouble. For much younger Liz he is temptation. He enticed her to swim in the pond. If Uncle Norm had not come along at just at the right moment they would have gone too far. He promised her he would write but he never did. Liz continued to think about Dace. She searched through the microfilm of Maitland’s newspaper hoping to find something about him. Dace had been convicted of manslaughter and was serving the next seven years in prison. Her father burned with a continuous rage at Liz. Her mother decided it would be in her best interest if she went to live with her maternal Irish grandmother in Dublin. That was when she began receiving letters from Dace. Of course she wrote him back and each letter Dace received from Liz gave him hope. He was ecstatic when she told him she was returning to Maitland. When riots broke out in the prison Liz rushed there hoping in some way she could protect or rescue Dace.
"From The Chrysalis" is both drama and thriller. The plot is character driven. The protagonist is Dace. He is about 17 when the book begins and the reader knows from the start that he is drawn to trouble. He sort of reminded me of James Dean, handsome, tempting and sure to cause suffering. Liz is merely 13 when we first meet her. She is drawn to Dace like a moth is drawn to flame. We all know she is going to be burned. The two play well together and yet we know they are not good for each other. The story is one that will keep the readers eagerly turning pages. I am not usually drawn to books that contain prison scenes but I had to read every word. The author, Karen Black, has provided a very descriptive account of the prison. Black is a very talented author. She brings the scenes in her book to life and they march off the pages. I look forward to more books by Black.
Recommend this book:
Rasputin and the Jews
A Reversal of History
Delin Colon

2012 Finalist
112 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Biography

Grigory Rasputin was a spiritual advisor to Russia’s last Tsar and Tsarina, and has been vilified because history is written by those in power instead of the common man. And even though I know nothing about this subject, I do see the truths of what the author is revealing to the readers about the real life of Grigory Efimovitch Rasputin. Delin Colon seriously researched the testimonies of lots of those who knew this man to write about the details of what he accomplished throughout his life. Colon writes about how he aided the poor, helped those who were sick, tried hard to avoid war and its needless cost of lives, as well as other things he did to help those he came in contact with. Grigory Rasputin was born around 1870 and he was assassinated, or better said, brutally murdered in 1916.
In “Raspuntin and the Jews,” Delin Colon gives a vivid account of the life of a man who wasn’t in power or well educated, but who was very intelligent, religious, and obviously had a heart for helping people. He seemed like a person that everyone would want to know, but that was not the case. Many believed differently. If you enjoy history, and especially Russian history, this is a book you will want to have on your reading list. You won’t find details of what those in power thought of him. What you will find is what those who knew him, even his enemies, thought about his life and the way he used much of his life to help others. I encourage you to grab a copy of this book and try it for yourself.
Recommend this book:
The Miriam Conspiracy
Bob MacKenzie

2012 Bronze Medal
195 Pages
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Fiction - Intrigue

Zachary Kirk, with the help of two friends, was doing historical research relating to the coal mining communities of southern Alberta, for an assignment. As Zach looked through old newspapers he found a man named Dhugal Campbell. Zach found Dhugal’s story much more interesting than a coal mine. Dhugal, his wife Moira, and their 9-year-old daughter immigrated to Canada in 1901. After working for 3 years they migrated west to the province of Alberta. Learning to farm was not easy and there were many hardships. In 1909 Moira died in childbirth. Dhugal was a changed man. What began with such hope ended with such sadness. Zach felt drawn to see the Campbell farm for himself. Something bizarre happened in the old Campbell house. Zach seemed to go back in time; something or someone was calling to him. After the death of her father, Miriam Campbell took over the farm. She was visited by angels that brought her visions and prophecy. She recorded all she saw and heard. Her brother-in-law, a politician and a con man, sees a way of exploiting Miriam. Years later the Miriam Church has power and Zach stands in their way.
WOW! I hardly know what to say and that rarely happens. Bob MacKenzie offers readers a masterpiece of fiction in The Miriam Conspiracy. I have to keep reminding myself that this is fiction. Alberta does not exist and this book is not based on any fact. My review can never do this book justice. Bob MacKenzie is a talented author. He made this book come to life. While the book’s genre is definitely thriller I found a wee bit of horror and paranormal in it. The characters are well done. Evie and Zach play well together. But what really makes this book unforgettable is the Campbell story and Miriam’s manuscript. I read this book in one setting. I just couldn’t put it down. I am not sure where MacKenzie got the idea for his plot but he developed it brilliantly. Mr. MacKenzie, you have just moved to the top of my favorite author list.
