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:
The Long Way Home from Crete
Isaac Kal

2023 Bronze Medal
449 Pages
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Fiction - General

The Long Way Home from Crete is a work of fiction in the historical, military, and cross-cultural fiction subgenres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience and was penned by Isaac Kal. In this fascinating and socially relevant work of historical fiction, we explore the world through the eyes of father and son Abraham and Aaron in the time preceding, during, and after the Second World War. Based on a true story, we explore the life of an Israeli Royal Pioneer Corps member who enlists after escaping Germany in the 1930s, only to find that the pressures of global war put yet more strain on his family and relationships than he had ever thought possible.
Isaac Kal delivers a tribute to soldiers like Abraham from the 1930s through to the present. They were displaced from their homes and turned to a solid career in the army in an attempt to live a more stable life. This is balanced with the realistic and emotional struggles of his wife Genia, who was a standout character for me. She had a fighting spirit and a desire for hope and companionship that was powerfully relatable. Then along comes Aaron, born into a dangerous and difficult world on the precipice of destroying itself, which makes for a heartfelt narration and some cinematically described images of a lonely child in a broken world. The Long Way Home from Crete is a detailed and evocative read that relates personal, religious, cultural, and familial issues in a highly engaging, heart-breaking, and relevant way. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Recommend this book:
The Islander
David W. Berner

2023 Honorable Mention
174 Pages
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Fiction - General

One would think that at the ripe age of 80 plus years old, Seamus Damp would desire to live his last days in the company of his family and loved ones. Instead, Seamus wants to live on an island with his dog, Olivia, with no connection to the outside world, just doing what he loves best, writing. This he does, despite the protests from his son, Aiden, and doctors. While living on the island, he comes into contact with a young woman named Maddie, who makes his decision to live on the island worthwhile. The Islander by David W. Berner tells the story of Seamus, his family, art, and how his decisions have culminated in the life he has.
In a unique narrative style, David Berner exposes us to Seamus's life and its events. He uses simple and relatable language that makes us eager to read more. Most significantly, I love that the main character, Seamus, is out of the norm and shows that not everybody wants the same thing. The Islander also portrays the importance and joy of family. It shows that family sticks together no matter what. This is seen in the character of Aiden, Seamus’ son, who never stops showing love and care to his father, even when it isn’t easy. Nobody can do life alone, and I appreciate that Berner shows this in the clearest possible way. This story will entertain and educate you. Kudos on this one.
Recommend this book:
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
Gary L Robinson

2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - General

For Duke, the only place he had ever found enough peace and security to consider home was the circus. He learned the ropes and became a sword swallower, among other things, and with that skill, followed them and performed wherever they went. A stint in prison for burglary was an eye-opener for him but now in the twilight of his years, he looks back on how far he has come. Gary left home after school so he wouldn't have to see his mother denigrate herself, but his lifestyle takes him from one mishap to another until he gets into trouble with the authorities in the city of Chico. A chance meeting with Duke creates an opportunity for redemption in Gary Robinson's The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid.
You slowly come to anticipate the passing of the torch in the storyline of Gary Robinson's emotional novel. His characters are deep and faceted, carrying their hidden scars in a way that many men, irrespective of their backgrounds, will have no trouble identifying with. Gary's and Duke's numerous adventures are hilarious, if not downright frightening at times, but behind the laughs they dish out, they provide some much-needed comic relief in a novel whose undertones have the seriousness of the pitfalls that come with being on the wrong side of life. Once you get past the alcohol-fueled parties and the drug-induced incidents, you realize there are numerous nuggets of philosophical wisdom that are strategically placed in this novel. The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid is an impressive piece of work by Gary Robinson.
Recommend this book:
The River Remembers
Linda Ulleseit

2023 Silver Medal
360 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Event/Era

The River Remembers is a work of historical fiction, interpersonal drama, and cross-cultural themes. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Linda Ulleseit. In this poignant and compelling historical drama, we find ourselves in the early 19th century with our three central protagonists: Samantha Lockwood, Day Sets, and Harriet Robinson. White, Native American, and Black narratives intertwine on the frontier as these very different women search for love, companionship, and a better future for their children in a rough world where men rule all and the boundaries between races and their chances in life are harshly set.
Linda Ulleseit brings together her triple-stranded narrative incredibly well to create a novel about the American frontier that is unlike anything I have encountered. There is something quintessentially feminine about the work, which is rooted in motherhood and sisterhood. This gives the story a deep emotional grounding, yet it extends far beyond the realms of typical women’s fiction and offers a universal message about society, culture, acceptance, and banding together for a better tomorrow. I particularly loved the dialogue and found it deeply compelling to hear the different perspectives and how the narrative skill of the author molded itself to each woman to speak accurately about her experience and heritage. I think that perhaps Day Sets was my favorite of the three central women, although every reader will find something touching to cling to in this rich tale. I would not hesitate to recommend The River Remembers to historical fiction fans everywhere. You won’t regret it.
Recommend this book:
The Godmother's Secret
Elizabeth St. John

2023 Gold Medal
443 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Personage

With a Yorkist husband and a Lancastrian family, Lady Elysabeth St. John is caught between two sides of the war for the crown. In 1470 Lady Elysabeth becomes godmother to Edward V and she is thrown into the middle of political turmoil. Centered around historical events, such as the death of King Edward IV, this novel draws the reader into the epic-style stories of medieval times. Look out for one of England’s historical mysteries as the plot thickens with deception, betrayal, and love. Whether you love history or just a good story, The Godmother’s Secret will captivate you. Using a historical figure with the same name as the narrator, Elizabeth St. John pays attention to detail that adds more magic and fun to this brilliant novel.
The Godmother’s Secret is beautifully written with a careful balance of fiction and fact made possible thanks to Elizabeth St. John’s meticulous research. The descriptions are breathtaking and well-placed. The blend of action, introspection, and drama is perfect. I loved that I did not always agree with Elysabeth. It made her character more human with independent decisions and thoughts and not simply the lovable storyteller. The other characters are also carefully fleshed out and masterfully imagined from the past. St. John has carefully added individual characteristics and behavior that breathes life into every person along the road and it made for a marvelous read. St. John’s experience as a brilliant novelist shines through in this flawless story that took me on a magical journey into the past. The only complaint I have is that it ended too soon. I can’t wait to get my hands on St. John's other work, The Lydiard Chronicles.
Recommend this book:
Cold Blows the Wind
Catherine Meyrick

2023 Bronze Medal
423 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Personage

Cold Blows the Wind by Catherine Meyrick is a poignant and thought-provoking tale set in bustling Hobart Town, Australia, in 1878. The story follows protagonist Ellen Thompson, a spirited young woman with a baby, torn between her attachment to her family and her desire to be accepted into respectable society. In this compelling and moving tale, Catherine Meyrick weaves a story of hope, love, and resilience against the backdrop of a society shaped by convict origins.
Catherine Meyrick's storytelling prowess shines as she intricately weaves themes of resilience, hope, and love in all its forms. All the characters are well-developed and relatable, making the reader invest deeply in their journeys and creating a story that will stay with you long after you put the book down. What sets Cold Blows the Wind apart from other novels in the genre is the author's ability to make us become part of Ellen's struggles and her love for the people in her life. The story is not a typical romance; instead, it delves into the various forms of love, including a mother's love for her children and a woman's love for her family, all of which Catherine Meyrick does beautifully through her use of dialogue, vivid descriptions, and passion for the story that is being told. An involved and moving family drama. I highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Counted Numbers
A Novel
Roslyn Bernstein

2023 Honorable Mention
290 Pages
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Fiction - Historical - Personage

The Girl Who Counted Numbers: A Novel by Roslyn Bernstein is a well-written and well-researched historical work that chronicles a young woman’s quest to solve a family mystery. Seventeen-year-old Susan Reich graduated from high school early and wants to take a break by going out on her own, like taking a road trip west, but her father has other plans for her. Instead, she is sent to Israel to try to find a missing uncle. Yakov Reich stayed behind when her father and his family left Poland for the US in 1920. When the Nazis arrived in 1939, no one knew what had happened to him. Against the backdrop of the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem, Susan is forced to confront her own identity, go to unexpected places, and witness the struggles of a country in the aftermath of the Holocaust.
Roslyn Bernstein’s The Girl Who Counted Numbers is a thought-provoking novel that offers a unique insight into this appalling part of history. There are already many accounts informing the reader of what the Holocaust was like, but this book increases our understanding and empathy. Revolving around a fictional young woman’s search for her uncle in Israel and not the work of a survivor, every word in the novel surprisingly rings true. As the main protagonist explores her growing emotions and gets entangled in the political issues of Israel, her character becomes highly relatable. It will not be easy for readers to anticipate the plot twist toward the end of the novel, but it also feels inevitable in the context of the action. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Guiding The Grouch
Summer Creek Book 5
Shanna Hatfield

2023 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Holiday

Gabe Gatlin hates Christmas. Actually, he hates the whole season from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. It’s no wonder. His sister’s holiday plans are always torture for him. Dani Latham doesn’t trust men. It’s no wonder. When she was 16 her professor seduced her, got her pregnant, then told her he was married with three children, and threatened her if she didn’t terminate the pregnancy. Guiding the Grouch by Shanna Hatfield brings these two people together in Summer Creek, a small town in Oregon. Dani ended up there by default, and the town embraced her as one of their own. Gabe, the billionaire owner of Daniels Realty, went to Summer Creek to find out about a property the company owned and maintained, and nobody knew why.
Guiding the Grouch: Summer Creek Book 5 by Shanna Hatfield is a heartwarming story of two people, one who loves Christmas and the other who hates it. The effect Dani has on Gabe starts making him less of a grouch almost immediately. Dani has no idea who Gabe really is, believing him to be simply an employee of the real estate company. Will she be upset when he tells her the truth, or worse, if she finds out from someone else? I really enjoyed this book and was rooting for Dani and Gabe the whole time. The book includes some bonuses: a recipe, a reader’s guide, and a preview of another book. This would be an excellent Christmas present for any romance novel lover on your list, including yourself.
Recommend this book:
The Tin Whistle
Kathleen Shoop

2023 Silver Medal
108 Pages
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Fiction - Holiday

Set in 19th century Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and inspired by a true story, The Tin Whistle is an elegant tale that teaches the lesson: “giving is more important than receiving”. Kathleen Shoop has crafted a touching story, pure and simple, unmuddied by the chaotic agendas of the 21st century. The life of Jacob Gusky from orphaned Jewish boy to wealthy businessman is in juxtaposition to the lives of recently widowed Frannie Winston and her daughter Molly, left destitute by the death of Frannie’s husband. He had mismanaged his funds and now Frannie is on the street and Molly is in a shelter for children. Rummaging through his old possessions in the attic of their mansion, Jacob Gusky opens a small package containing the tin whistle that a Catholic boy had shared with the Jewish boy at Christmas in the orphanage. He is struck by the memory of what it felt like to have nothing, deciding to use his great wealth to make a difference in the lives of others in his community: Jewish, Catholic, or any other faith. Kathleen Shoop weaves the predicament of Frannie and Molly into Jacob’s world in a masterfully told tale of Christmas and unconditional love.
Reviewing The Tin Whistle left me unusually wordless in my search for terms of praise high enough for Kathleen Shoop’s beautiful tale. Kathleen is a master writer, pure and simple, like the tale itself. Her research into the historic events that underpin her story is evident at every turn of the plot. Authenticity, clean and unadorned, sets this elegant work apart from other Christmas tales of the subgenre, far apart indeed. Without any judgmental comment on the 19th-century plight of the people in her story, Kathleen provides an atmospheric setting and an immersive feeling that immediately draws one into her world. Please put The Tin Whistle on your reading list and your gift list for your most beloved friends. Kathleen Shoop has given all of us a treasure.
Recommend this book:
Crimson King: The Seven Hungers Book 1
An Urban Fantasy Novel
Morgan Quaid

2023 Honorable Mention
378 Pages
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Fiction - Horror

In The Seven Hungers, the first book of Rise of the Crimson King, by Morgan Quaid, the world is on the brink of pandemonium. An emergence has appeared in Brisbane, Australia. The emergence draws in and consumes all living matter, including humans and animals. It is up to Ambrose Drake, a Crown-certified sorcerer, to investigate this matter. The investigation is of such importance that the Crown has lifted the shackles binding Ambrose’s etheric power as well as the powerful Sovereign residing within. The threat escalates further when Ambrose discovers the emergence is a marker – the war banner of a demonic Sovereign and gateway to our world. Ambrose must traverse the Seven Hungers once again to find a way to stop the Crimson King from invading our Hallowed World.
Morgan Quaid’s The Seven Hungers was a story I found equally amusing and intriguing. Ambrose, Rook, Janus, and Winter are all written fantastically with relationships ranging from close friends, former lovers grown cold, to the animosity of working with a glorified snitch within your team - all of which are conveyed perfectly by Morgan Quaid. I especially enjoyed the constant world-building that took place as I learned of the realms of the Seven Hungers, Ambrose’s history with the Crown, and the paranormal abilities on display. I had more than a few good laughs when Ambrose had his bones broken and his body ripped apart but brushes it off as an ordinary day at the office. The Seven Hungers is a wonderful read reminiscent of movies such as Men In Black and R.I.P.D.
