ACFW 2015 Carol Award Finalists

Earlier this week at ICRS, ACFW announced the finalists for the 2015 Carol Awards. It's always fun to see what novels are on the short list for this annual award. The Carol Awards will be announced on September 19, 2015 at the ACFW Annual Conference Gala Dinner. I'm so happy to be attending this year!

Also at the gala, the Editor of the Year, Mentor of the Year, and Agent of the Year will be recgonized and the Genesis Awards will be presented. The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Francine Rivers. It's going to be a wonderful evening!

Here are this year's Carol Award Finalists. Hyperlinked titles will take you to my reviews. Add these books to your summer reading list!


CONTEMPORARY:

Last Family Standing by Jennifer AlLee, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Becky Monds, L.B. Norton

The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Mason, Jan Stob

HISTORICAL:

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Beth Adams

Saving Amelie by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House, editors Sarah Mason, Stephanie Broene

What Follows After by Dan Walsh, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

HISTORICAL ROMANCE:

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs

With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr

While Love Stirs by Lorna Seilstad, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering, Jessica English

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER:

Poison Town by Creston Mapes, David C. Cook, editor L.B. Norton

A Way of Escape by Serena B. Miller, independently published, editor Connie Troyer

A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Amanda Bostic, Natalie Hanemann

NOVELLA:

An October Bride by Katie Ganshert, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Philpott

I’ll be Home for Christmas from Where Treetops Glisten by Sarah Sundin, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House), editor Shannon Marchese

A Cowboy Unmatched by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Karen Schurrer

ROMANCE:

The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Ami McConnell, L.B. Norton

Love Redeemed by Kelly Irvin, Harvest House Publishers, editor Kathleen Kerr

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster), editor Jessica Wong

ROMANTIC SUSPENSE:

Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter, Abingdon Press, editor Ramona Richards

No One to Trust by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Andrea Doering

Deceived by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editor Jennifer Leep

SHORT NOVEL:

Second Chance Summer by Irene Hannon, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

Rescuing the Texan’s Heart by Mindy Obenhaus, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Melissa Endlich

The Wyoming Heir by Naomi Rawlings, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Elizabeth Mazer

SPECULATIVE:

Orphan’s Song by Gillian Bronte Adams, Enclave Publishing, editor Steve Laube

A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes, Enclave Publishing, editors Jeff Gerke, Karen Ball

Jupiter Winds by C.J. Darlington, independently published, editor Carol Kurtz Darlington

YOUNG ADULT:

This Quiet Sky by Joanne Bischof, independently published, editors Amanda Dykes, Denise Harmer

Samantha Sanderson at the Movies by Robin Caroll, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Kim Childress, Mary Hassinger

Storm Siren by Mary Weber, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds

DEBUT NOVEL:

Playing Saint by Zachary Bartels, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Amanda Bostic

For Such a Time by Kate Breslin, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr, Luke Hinrichs

The Hesitant Heiress by Dawn Crandall, Whitaker House, editor Courtney Hartzel