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:
To See God
A Forgiveness and Faith Novel
Bruce J. Berger
2023 Finalist
307 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
To See God is a work of fiction in the religion, spirituality, and interpersonal drama subgenres, and it forms the third novel in the Forgiveness and Faith book series. Penned by Bruce J. Berger, the work is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Following the events of the previous two works, this deeply atmospheric and emotive novel returns us to the Covo family as their paths once more intertwine with that of the enigmatic nun Sister Theodora. A vision from God spurs the Greek Orthodox nun on to convey an important message to the Orthodox Jewish family, one which will test everything each of them knows about family and faith.
Author Bruce J. Berger has woven an intricate family saga among the pages of history, and this latest novel takes the dynamics, connections, and values of both sides of the story and offers a rich tapestry for readers from all walks of life. One of the features that I especially enjoyed about this in-depth read was its commitment to character portrayal, particularly of the utterly devout, inquisitive, and firm Sister Theodora. Through her eyes and the close, personal narration of the author, we’re offered a unique exploration of religion and our relationship to God as both Christianity and Judaism interpret it, culminating in a fascinating resolution and storyline for young Jackie Covo that was both satisfying and deeply poignant. Overall, To See God is certainly a recommended read for fans of the existing series, but it can also be enjoyed as a fantastic standalone novel about faith, humanity, and family.
Recommend this book:
Every Saint a Sinner
Pearl Solas
2023 Honorable Mention
266 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Every Saint a Sinner by Pearl Solas is a bittersweet story that defies and sometimes horrifies the imagination and yet captures the reader in its overall themes of love and forgiveness. When lawyer Veronica Matthews’ twelve-year-old son is raped by a Catholic priest at his exclusive school, she begins a crusade not just against Paul Pena, the priest, but against the very institution itself and the leaders who had for years tacitly endorsed their cleric’s behavior by refusing to act and covering up the abuse. In many cases, priests were just disciplined and then moved to another parish where their deviant behaviors could continue. Although Pena is sentenced to a long prison term he still maintains his arrogance and belief that the many sexual encounters he had forced were, in fact, consensual. Conversely, Father Frank Muncy has hidden a deep, dark secret for most of his life: he is sexually attracted to children. Determined to overcome this attraction and serve the Lord, he deliberately avoided all contact with children and concentrated on areas of service helping adults, especially those suffering from depression. He is a beloved priest but when he is convicted of possessing child pornography, he also is sentenced to prison. Paul Pena and Frank Muncy will both meet their destinies in incarceration but it will be a very different journey for them.
Every Saint a Sinner is a powerful and at times harrowing read but its overall theme shines through and overshadows the darkness and the sordidness of the narrative. Pearl Solas has beautifully woven together a story of competing realities that challenge the mind and make readers think deeply. Although the subject matter of the story can be disturbing, the realities of sexual abuse within the church are well known and this author, through her crusading character of Veronica Matthews, is prepared to meet them head-on. It is important to understand that this is not a book about religion but one in which the church is used as a background to discuss what most of us would consider the most heinous crime of all - that of child abuse. What the author does extraordinarily well is to show the readers that there is the ability for redemption in even the seemingly most awful acts and that forgiveness ultimately has little to do with assuaging the perpetrator’s guilt but much more to do with mitigating the victim’s pain. I particularly enjoyed the debate about Father Muncy qualifying for approval and praise given his honest and stated predilection for sexual contact with children. I also appreciated that the author used the opportunity of this narrative to clearly outline and explain the different types of pedophilia and the underlying motivations of people who undertake these activities. This made the understanding of the psyche of these deviant characters clearer. This is a powerful piece of prose, although difficult to read at times, but one that leaves the reader uplifted and positive, which for me, is an indication of a well-written story and one that I can highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
The Underground Book Readers
The Secret Society
Terry Overton
2023 Bronze Medal
187 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
In The Underground Book Readers: The Secret Society by Terry Overton, the year is roughly 2031, and a military organization called the World Force has taken over the United States of America. Deep in the countryside of what used to be Virginia, a group of parentless teenagers bands together to survive their hostile environment; books, schools, and churches have been banned, burned, or abolished. Kahn, Jairus, Asher, and Casey have been meeting secretly in a camouflaged cavern for several years. There, among the stalagmites and stalactites, they eat, hold church services and, most importantly, read the books they managed to locate. One day, a girl follows Kahn back to the cavern after he collects his food rations. Having determined she is harmless, he allows her to see their clandestine collection of books. Will the others accept Leena into their society, and will Kahn, Jairus, and Asher manage to evade the World Force work camp?
Through the day-to-day lives of the five main characters, Terry Overton has managed to create a dystopian universe that is vivid and rich in detail; readers are plunged into the teenagers’ reality of the new world order. Overton conforms to the convention by introducing a totalitarian society divided and burdened by inequality. A unique feature of The Underground Book Readers is that it is told from the youngsters' perspectives, who are likely to lead the rebellion. Readers who enjoy mystery, adventure, and perseverance in the face of challenging odds will enjoy this tale.
Recommend this book:
The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell
A Novel
Kelly Flanagan
2023 Gold Medal
320 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
In The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell by Kelly Flanagan, Elijah Campbell had it all – a great career as a writer and his faith, although his wife had left him. A recurring nightmare from his childhood could see him lose everything and he heads back to Bradford’s Ferry, his hometown, to get some answers. There, he faces people who can help him understand why his wife left and what his nightmare means. But there is more to this than meets the eye and Elijah is faced with having to make a tough decision to save himself and his marriage – continue hiding his past or unhide himself. What will Elijah do? What happened to him in the past to make him hide his true self from everyone? One thing is for sure; whatever decision he makes, nothing will ever be the same for Elijah Campbell again.
Kelly Flanagan is a psychologist with several non-fiction books under his belt. The Unhiding of Elijah Campbell is his first novel and, in my opinion, he has hit it out of the park. This story has elements of terror as Elijah faces his past and is full of twists and turns that leave you spinning. It’s more than just a novel; Kelly has used his experience as a psychologist to bring us a story of relationships, growth, transformation, and the importance of talking. Every page contains something that any one of us can relate to and his characters are entirely believable and likable. It’s a journey through the dark, one man’s story of why he was hiding from the light and his struggle to get out of the dark. This story will have you re-evaluating your own life and it will stay with you for a long time after you’ve finished reading it.
Recommend this book:
When Secrets Come To Light
George R. Hopkins
2022 Finalist
305 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
When Secrets Come to Light by George R. Hopkins is an enthralling crime mystery where a retired detective, Tom Cavanaugh, goes on an investigation to uncover the secrets of his childhood friends. The reunion of the grammar school gang, who went by the name of the Terrifying Tullingers, notorious for their school and neighborhood pranks, included Harry Connelly, Brian Mannis, Lee Nuttal, Jason Carter, Jackie McCall, and Tom Cavanaugh himself. These six remaining Terrifying Tullingers met up for the first time in years at the wake of their friend, Larry McCrudden, and decided to get together monthly for a game of cards to reconnect and hopefully rekindle their friendship. After attending the second card game at Harry's house, Jason mentions that he knows the secrets of the remaining six Terrible Tullingers. Tom Cavanaugh, who can't control his detective instincts, goes on a mission to uncover these secrets, which unfolds tragically.
When Secrets Come to Light by George R. Hopkins is about life's journey and how our decisions impact the direction of our lives. The author touches on spirituality and the consequences of our choices and actions. He develops the characters intricately. Each is unique and flawed, but memorable. Each clue led to a new secret uncovered by Tom Cavanaugh, who confronts his own painful secret in the process. I could relate to each character by either seeing traits of myself or someone I know in them, usually an older aunt or uncle. I didn't want to put this book down as I was captivated. The book is beautifully written with fascinating, quick-witted, and comical characters that keep you entertained and intrigued to the end. It is simultaneously light-hearted and profound.
Recommend this book:
Bob Cratchit's Christmas Carol
The Untold Miracle of Charles Dickens's Classic
Leonard Szymczak
2022 Honorable Mention
108 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Bob Cratchit's Christmas Carol: The Untold Miracle of Charles Dickens's Classic is a work of fiction in the historical subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Leonard Szymczak. As the title suggests, the author takes on what is arguably the most famous work of Christmas literature of all time, but turns the lens onto secondary character Bob Cratchit instead. As Bob is visited by the same three spirits who visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve, we discover that he too has choices in his past that he needs to reconcile, and an uncertain future that he must attempt to resolve for his family’s sake. What results is a heartfelt and fascinating new perspective on the Dickensian Christmas concept.
Author Leonard Szymczak presents a superbly resonant, intelligent, and charming addition to the Dickens classic, and one which celebrates the original style and atmosphere of Dickens himself, but also seeks to convey more complex messages about the nature of true happiness. Where Dickens tells a relatively simplistic tale about greed and self-centeredness, Szymczak explored missed opportunities, mistakes, and errors of judgment that can lead even a fundamentally good man down a dark road to despair. I found myself particularly enraptured by Cratchit’s exploration of his present situation, and I marvel that the author could pack so much emotional complexity into such a concise holiday read. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Bob Cratchit's Christmas Carol this holiday season for readers who still adore the masterful atmospheric storytelling of the classics, but are looking for something with a deeper meaning and impressive original ideas in the story development.
Recommend this book:
Sleep Deprived
Therese Heckenkamp
2022 Bronze Medal
96 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Tragedy has many layers. In this gripping thriller by Therese Heckenkamp, the reader is thrust into the tragedy experienced by Mae after the loss of her daughter, Melody. Compounding Mae’s trauma is the suspenseful chain of events in Sleep Deprived. Mae encounters a child kidnapper named John, who coerces her into looking after a snatched baby girl. Mae dramatically escapes with the baby - whom she cares for, but the event equally rubs salt in the fresh wounds of her own loss - only to find herself becoming a primary criminal suspect, and vilified by the community. Can Mae be rescued not only from her physical circumstances but also from her mental agony?
Therese Heckenkamp possesses a consummate writing style. In Sleep Deprived, not only does the narrative unfold in a captivating manner, but the reader also appreciates the thoughtfulness with which it has been written. It is said that there are not many things more devoted than a mother’s heart, and Heckenkamp articulates this with considerate subtlety. The reader is confronted with the immediate reckoning that, despite the dramatic plot, the far more important factor to be conveyed is the tenacity of Mae’s heart and the plethora of emotions that any mother can experience – having lost a child or not. The allegorical and real necessity of rest is skillfully interwoven as a reminder to heed God’s wisdom and accept the support of those He has placed in our lives, lest we find ourselves capitulating to layers of tragedy. An outstanding novel.
Recommend this book:
Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall
Terry Overton
2022 Silver Medal
256 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton is an uplifting novel about four friends whose bond develops as they help each other through tragic times. Elaine is an aspiring writer who hopes to publish more of her writing even though her friends, Mary and Bonnie, do not believe in her work. As a storm approaches their coastal town which lies along the Texas coast, they all gather in Mary’s home together with their friend, Adriana, the newest member of the group. While they wait for the storm to pass, they recount their best and worst experiences. The category three tropical storm leaves overwhelming destruction in its wake. The friends once again turn to each other for strength and support. Elaine’s writing reaches others whose lives are changed through her faith-inspiring devotionals.
The splendid characterization of the characters in Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall and its heartening themes, which include hope and healing, make the novel an outstanding piece of Christian fiction. I felt as though I knew the four friends as I read through the book. I also loved their humorous conversations, their individual eccentric characters, and their close bond. I also liked how Elaine’s faith touched the lives of so many and instilled hope that healing is possible. Other encouraging themes are also skilfully explored as the friends help each other recover and move forward from the storm’s destruction. Sabal Palms and the Southern Squall by Terry Overton is a heart-warming read about friendship and faith’s life-changing ability. It includes lovely, authentic characters and hope-filled scenes.
Recommend this book:
The Importance of Now
Paul Schumacher
2022 Gold Medal
221 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
When Aidan gets curious enough about his dad, he begins looking for answers. Why his mother feels she cannot tell him about the man Aidan never met is beyond him. She is ready with excuses that it’s too soon and Aidan is too young. Grace isn’t ready to talk about the death of the one great love of her life. She is worn down with her son’s insistence and the undeniable evidence of her husband’s past in the form of court records and letters to and about the late, great Shawn Stevens. As Aidan begins to know his father during one long, emotional afternoon in the attic with his mother, he learns to value forgiveness and, more importantly, the necessity of taking advantage of opportunities at hand.
The Importance of Now by Paul Schumacher is filled with lyrical language and metaphoric magic: “Teenagers hoping to be older, parents wishing they were younger.” “I envisioned her kneeling on the floor, throwing things over her shoulders to find those pink slippers, deep in the bowels of her closet, way back by the skeletons.” Paul Schumacher gifts the reader with lessons on the human psyche and inspires us to be the best version of ourselves. Reading as an adult, I appreciate the hindsight of the story’s theme. I believe reading as a teenager, though, offers valuable content to the young reader. Told in dual periods, Paul Schumacher successfully maintains a tightly woven tale. Heartbreaking and beautifully written, The Importance of Now is a must for any book collection.
Recommend this book:
Both Sides of the Border
Terry Overton
2021 Finalist
344 Pages
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Christian - Fiction
Both Sides of the Border is a work of realistic fiction penned by author Terry Overton. The work is suitable for the general reading audience and contains non-graphic references to drugs and violence. Written with a strong sense of faith and Christianity, this touching and often heart-breaking journey follows events on either side of the U.S./Mexico border as three young people try to flee from danger in Honduras and start a new life in the States. Dolores, Ernesto, and Emilio Sanchez fight for their survival in dubious partnerships, dangerous weather, and damning political difficulties. At the same time, newly graduated Ph.D. student Eva Jordan travels down into Mexico from the other side of the border to see firsthand the difficulties survivors and immigrants face.
Author Terry Overton brings to light many heartfelt and genuine pleas from the voiceless thousands trying to find freedom and peace in this world. Although the book is Christian in its morality and showcases characters who are bound tightly to their faith, you don’t have to be a religious reader to empathize with the desperation, hardship, and emotion of every harrowing moment of the Sanchez family’s journey. Having two women at the center of the action brings this emotional resonance home with even more power, and I especially felt for Dolores and the burdens she had to bear at the tender age of twenty. I thought the dialogue and cultural references were masterfully and sensitively penned to give the tale more personality and realism. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Both Sides of the Border to any reader of contemporary drama who appreciates fine writing and souls laid bare.