High Five Friday!!
Wow! September has been quite a month of celebration for Christian fiction writers. Let’s give a hearty High Five!! to the following:
Kathleen L. Maher is “dancing on cloud nine” after winning the Historical Fiction category of the ACFW’s 2012 Genesis Contest. However, it was doubly special to find her name in Publisher’s Weekly when they ran a list of the winners from all categories.
Erynn Newman no longer needs to dream of finding an agent. This week she signed with Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary.
Last week, members of American Christian Fiction Writers met in Dallas, Texas for the annual ACFW Conference. The winners of the Carol Awards and the Genesis Contest were announced during the Gala on Saturday night. Congratulations to all the winners!
CAROL AWARDS
The Carol Awards are given for published novels.
Debut Novel: Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson)
Long Contemporary: The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell)
Long Contemporary Romance: My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale)
Long Historical: Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson)
Long Historical Romance: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers)
Mystery: Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan)
Novellas: An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing)
Romantic Suspense: Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson)
Short Contemporary: Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired)
Short Contemporary: Suspense: Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense)
Short Historical: The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell)
Speculative Fiction: Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press)
Suspense/Thriller: Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction)
Women’s Fiction: Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley) *
Young Adult: The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)
*Dandelion Summer had the distinction of earning a perfect score from each of the five judges. See the trailer for a segment of this book here.
GENESIS AWARDS
The Genesis Awards go to unpublished authors. In the future, you’ll probably read a few of these novels and others by these authors.
Contemporary Fiction Anne Prado – Through the Needle
Contemporary Romance Amy Matayo – The Wedding Game
Historical Fiction Kathleen L. Maher – Closer Than a Brother
Historical Romance Brandy Vallance – The Covered Deep
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Matthew Sheehy – Determination
Romantic Suspense Arlene Coulter – Grounded
Speculative Fiction Caleb Jennings Breakey – Unleashed
Women’s Fiction Rachel Moore – The Language of Sparrows
Young Adult Kathleen Freeman – The Broken Feather
Have you read any of the books listed as Carol Award winners? What did you think?
Sandra Ardoin
As an author of heartwarming historical and contemporary romance, Sandra Ardoin engages readers with page-turning stories of love and faith. Rarely out of reach of a book, she's also an armchair sports enthusiast, country music listener, and seldom says no to eating out.
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erynnnewman
Thanks Sandy! And congrats to all the finalists and winners. It was so great to be there and celebrate with everyone.
Sandra Ardoin
Congratulations to you, Erynn! With Rachelle working for you, I’m sure we’ll be seeing your books soon.
Dora Hiers
Congrats, all! What an awesome month for accomplishments!
The only book I read of those listed was My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren. Loved it, but then I love most everything she writes. 🙂
Thanks for sharing the news, Sandy.
Sandra Ardoin
I’ve only read a few of hers, Dora, but want to read more.
Kathleen L. Maher
Thank you, Sandy! And Erynn, big congrats on landing Rachelle. She is amazing.
Sandra Ardoin
Good job, Kathleen! Congratulations!
Jennifer Hallmark
As far as the Carol awards, I’ve read The Merchant’s Daughter, an awesome YA book. I’d suggest Melanie’s books to anyone.
Kathleen L. Maher
The Merchant’s Daughter was excellent I agree! And so was Karen Witemeyer’s Short Straw Bride.
Sandra Ardoin
I’ve read both those books, Kathleen and Jennifer, and enjoyed them. I thought Short Straw Bride was Karen’s best so far. Can’t wait for the next one!