The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year.
Previous Winners:
Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s annual conference:
Contemporary
The Songs That Could Have Been by Amanda Wen
Kregel Publications
Editors: Dori DeVries Harrell and Janyre Tromp
Historical
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano
Revell
Editors: Barbara Barnes and Vicki Crumpton
Historical Romance
Written on the Wind by Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Luke Hinrichs and Jessica Sharpe
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Fallout by Carrie Stuart Parks
Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins)
Editors: Amanda Bostic and Erin Healey
Novella
While Mortals Sleep (from O Little Town Collection)
by Janyre Tromp
Kregel Publications
Editor: Christina Tarabochia
Romance
Turn to Me by Becky Wade
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editor: Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr
Romantic Suspense
Word of Honor by Hallee Bridgeman
Revell
Editors: Vicki Crumpton and Jessica English
Short Novel
Hunted in the Wilderness by Kellie VanHorn
Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Editor: Dina Davis
Speculative
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck
Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media)
Editor: Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes
Thomas Nelson Fiction (HarperCollins)
Editor: Becky Monds
Debut Novel
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip by Sara Brunsvold
Revell
Editor: Rachel McRae
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s annual conference:
Contemporary
A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry
Tyndale House Publishers
Editor: Sarah Rische
Historical
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
Tyndale House Publishers
Editors: Caleb Sjogren and Jan Stob
Historical Romance
The Prince of Spies by Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jessica Sharpe
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Dead End by Andrews and Wilson
Tyndale House Publishers
Editor: Karen Watson
Novella
A Texas Christmas Carol (from Under the Texas Mistletoe)
by Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Dave Long and Jessica Sharpe
Romance
All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editor: Sarah Long and Raela Schoenherr
Romantic Suspense
Driven by Sara Davison
Mountain Brook Ink
Editor: Miralee Ferrell
Short Novel
Choosing His Family by Jill Lynn
Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Editor: Shana Asaro
Speculative
Windward Shore by Sharon Hinck
Enclave Publishing
Editors: Lindsay Franklin and Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Realms of Light by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
Enclave Publishing
Editors: Steve Laube and Lisa Laube
Debut Novel
Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom
She Writes Press
Editors: Sandra Byrd and Alexandra Shelley
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s virtual conference:
Contemporary
The Promised Land by Elizabeth Musser
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editor: L.B. Norton
Historical
Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Dave Horton and Rochelle Gloege
Historical Romance
Like Flames in the Night by Connilyn Cossette
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veilleux
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Dead End by Nancy Mehl
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Raela Schoenherr and Jean Bloom
Novella
Far as the Curse is Found (from The Joy to the World Collection)
by Amanda Barratt
Kregel Publications
Editors: Janyre Tromp and Dori De Vries Harrell
Romance
Love and a Little White Lie by Tammy L. Gray
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editor: Raela Schoenherr
Romantic Suspense
Lost Down Deep by Sara Davison
ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published)
Editors: Ines Jimenez and Deb Elkink
Short Novel
The Christmas Bargain by Lisa Carter
Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Editor: Melissa Endlich
Speculative
Stealing Embers by Julie Hall
ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published)
Editors: Rebecca Heyman and Janelle Leonard
Young Adult
Mortal Sight by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads
Enclave Publishing
Editors: Steve Laube and Lisa Laube
Debut Novel
Things We Didn’t Say by Amy Lynn Green
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editors: Dave Horton and Rochelle Gloege
Congratulations once again!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2020 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s virtual conference:
Contemporary
The Death of Mungo Blackwell by Lauren H. Brandenburg
Lion Fiction (Monarch Publishing)
Editor – Jessica Gladwell
Historical
Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson
Tyndale House
Editors – Stephanie Broene and Kathryn Olson
Historical Romance
The Sky Above Us by Sarah Sundin
Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Editors: Vicki Crumpton and Kristin Kornoelje
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal
Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Editor – Andrea Doering
Novella
The Groom She’d Thought She Left Behind (from The Runaway Brides Collection)
by Darlene Panzera
Barbour Publishing
Editors: Rebecca Germany and Ellen Tarver
Romance
Driftwood Bay by Irene Hannon
Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Editors: Kristin Kornoelje and Jennifer Leep
Romantic Suspense
The Killing Tide by Dani Pettrey
Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Editor: Dave Long
Short Novel
A Rancher to Trust by Laurel Blount
Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Editor: Connolly Bottum
Speculative
Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig
Enclave Publishing
Editor: Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Romanov by Nadine Brandes
HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan)
Editor: Becky Monds
Debut Author
Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens
Shiloh Run Press – An Imprint of Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Editor: Annie Tipton
Congratulations once again!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s conference gala in San Antonio:
Contemporary
Where Hope Begins by Catherine West, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Erin Healy and Becky Monds
Debut
The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin, Enclave Publishing, editor Steve Laube
Historical
The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editors Jocelyn Bailey and Julee Schwarzburg
Historical Romance
A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Raela Schoenherr and Jennifer Veilleux
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Raela Schoenherr and Luke Hinrichs
Novella
MissTaken Identity from The MissAdventure Brides Collection by Kimberley Woodhouse, Barbour Publishing, editors Rebecca Germany and Ellen Tarver
Romance
Just Let Go by Courtney Walsh, Tyndale House, editors Stephanie Broene and Shaina Turner
Romantic Suspense
Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Kristin Kornoelje and Jennifer Leep
Short Novel
The Rancher’s Surprise Daughter by Jill Lynn, Love Inspired (Harlequin), editor Shana Asaro
Speculative
Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editors Dave Long and Jennifer Veilleux
Young Adult
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, editor Becky Monds
Congratulations once again!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s conference gala in Nashville:
Contemporary
Maybe It’s You by Candace Calvert, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Jan Stob and Sarah Rische
Historical
Catching the Wind by Melanie Dobson, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Stephanie Broene and Sarah Rische
Historical Romance
A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing, editor Karen Schurrer
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy
Novella
One Enchanted Noel from Enchanted: A Christmas Collection by Melissa Tagg, ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published), editor Terri Simmons
Romance
A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, editors Andrea Doering and Kristin Kornoelje
Romantic Suspense
Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman, Faith Words (Hatchette), editor Christina Boys
Short Novel
Christmas at Carnton by Tamera Alexander, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Ami McConnell Abston and Becky Philpott
Speculative
Awakened by Morgan L. Busse, Enclave Publishing, editor Reagen Reed
Young Adult
Betrayal of the Band by Sarah Tipton, Watershed Books (Pelican Book Group), editor Jamie West
Debut
Freedom’s Ring by Heidi Chiavaroli, Tyndale House Publishers, editors Jan Stob and Caleb Sjogren
Congratulations once again!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2017 Carol Awards announced during ACFW’s conference gala in Dallas:
Contemporary
The Feathered Bone by Julie Cantrell, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editor Amanda Bostic
Historical
Like a River from Its Course by Kelli Stuart, Kregel Publications, editors Dawn Jackson and Janyre Tromp
Historical Romance
The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof, ACFW QIP (Qualified Independently Published), editors Denise Harmer and Kara Swanson
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
When Death Draws Near by Carrie Stuart Parks, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Natalie Hanneman
Novella
The Doctor’s Woman (The Courageous Brides Collection) by Michelle Griep, Barbour Publishing, editor Becky Germany
Romance
A Season to Love by Nicole Deese, Waterfall Press, editors Amy Hosford and Kristin
Mehus-Roe
Romantic Suspense
Always Watching (Elite Guardians) by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing, editor Andrea Doering
Short Novel
Restoring Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti, Worthy Inspired, editors Pamela Clements and Jamie Chavez
Speculative
The Long Journey to Jake Palmer by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing (Thomas Nelson and Zondervan), editors Amanda Bostic and Erin Healy
Debut
You’re the Cream in my Coffee by Jennifer Lamont Leo, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, editor Kathryn Davis
Congratulations once again!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2016 Carol Award:
Contemporary:
The Art of Losing Yourself by Katie Ganshert, Waterbrook/Multnomah (Random House)
Historical:
Secrets She Kept by Cathy Gohlke, Tyndale House
Historical Romance:
A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller:
The Aleppo Code by Terry Brennan, Kregel Publications
Novella:
A Bride for Bear from The Convenient Bride Collection by Erica Vetsch, Barbour Publishing
Romance:
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt, Howard (Simon & Schuster)
Romantic Suspense:
No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason, Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group
Short Novel:
Covert Justice by Lynn Huggins Blackburn, Love Inspired (Harlequin)
Speculative:
The Five Times I Met Myself by James L. Rubart, HarperCollins Christian Publishing
Young Adult:
Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman, Bethany House (Baker) Publishing
Debut:
The Calling of Ella McFarland by Linda Brooks Davis, Mountainview Books LLC
Congratulations!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Carol Award.
Contemporary
The Story Keeper by Lisa Wingate (Tyndale House)
Historical
Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson (Howard [Simon & Schuster])
Historical Romance
With Every Breath by Elizabeth Camden (Bethany House [Baker]) Publishing
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
A Cry from the Dust by Carrie Stuart Parks (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Novella
An October Bride by Katie Ganshert (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Romance
The Wishing Season by Denise Hunter (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Romantic Suspense
Under a Turquoise Sky by Lisa Carter (Abingdon Press)
Short Novel
Second Chance Summer by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative
A Time to Die by Nadine Brandes (Enclave Publishing)
Young Adult
Storm Siren by Mary Weber (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Debut Novel
For Such a Time by Kate Breslin (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
Congratulations to the winners of the 2014 Carol Awards.
Contemporary
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Debut Novel
Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Historical
When Mountains Move by Julie Cantrell (David C. Cook)
Historical Romance
A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock (HarperCollins Christian Publishing)
Novella
Love by the Letter by Melissa Jagears (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
Romance
Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
Romantic Suspense
Jungle Fire by Dana Mentink (River North [Moody Publishing])
Short Novel
Mending the Doctor’s Heart by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired [Harlequin])
Speculative
A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr (Bethany House [Baker] Publishing)
Young Adult
A Simple Song by Melody Carlson (Revell – A Division of Baker Publishing Group)
Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 Carol Awards.
Category
Lost Legacy by Dana Mentink (Love Inspired)
Contemporary
Heart Echoes by Sally John (Tyndale House)
Debut Novel
Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert (Waterbrook/Multnomah)
Historical
Where Lilacs Still Bloom by Jane Kirkpatrick (Waterbrook/Multnomah)
Historical Romance
A Promise to Love by Serena B. Miller (Revell)
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
The Soul Saver by Dineen Miller (Barbour Publishing)
Novella
A Recipe for Hope by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
Romance
Saving Gideon by Amy Lillard (B&H Publishing)
Romantic Suspense
When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason (Revell)
Speculative
Daystar by Kathy Tyers (Marcher Lord Press)
Young Adult
Like Moonlight at Low Tide by Nicole Quigley (Zondervan)
Congratulations to the winners of the 2012 Carol Award.
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)
Novella
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)
Congratulations to the winners of the 2011 Carol Award.
Debut Author
Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers)
Long Contemporary
Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House)
Long Contemporary Romance
Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson)
Long Historical
Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press)
Long Historical Romance
Love Finds You in Homestead Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)
Mystery
The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour)
Novella
A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour)
Romantic Suspense
The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press)
Short Contemporary
A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired)
Short Contemporary Suspense
Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense)
Short Historical
Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired)
Speculative Fiction
König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)
Suspense/Thriller
Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)
Women’s Fiction
Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers)
Young Adult
Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell)
Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 Carol Award.
Contemporary Novella
The Great Christmas Bowl – Susan May Warren (Tyndale House, Karen Watson – Editor)
Historical Novella
Christmas Bells for Dry Creek – Janet Tronstad (Steeple Hill, Tina James – Editor)
Short Contemporary
A Texas Ranger’s Family – Mae Nunn (Steeple Hill, Melissa Endlich – Editor)
Short Contemporary Suspense
Evidence of Murder – Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Steeple Hill, Emily Rodmell – Editor)
Short Historical
The Unfinished Gift – Dan Walsh (Revell, Andrea Doering)
Young Adult
I’m So Sure – Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson, Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez – Editors)
Long Contemporary
The Familiar Stranger – Christina Berry (Moody Publishers, Paul Santhouse – Editor)
Long Contemporary Romance
Just Between You and Me – Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson, Natalie Hanemann/Jamie Chavez – Editors)
Mystery
The Case of the Mystified M.D. – A.K. Arenz (Sheaf House, Joan M. Shoup – Editor)
Suspense/Thriller
Intervention – Terri Blackstock (Zondervan, Sue Brower/Dave Lambert – Editors)
Long Historical
Stealing Home – Allison Pittman (Multnomah, Alice Crider – Editor)
Long Historical Romance
Cowboy Christmas – Mary Connealy (Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany – Editor)
Speculative (includes Science Fiction, Fantasy, Allegory)
Eternity Falls – Kirk Outerbridge (Marcher Lord Press, Jeff Gerke – Editor)
Women’s Fiction
Never the Bride – Cheryl McKay & Rene Gutteridge (Waterbrook Press, Shannon Marchese – Editor)
Debut Author
The Unfinished Gift – Dan Walsh (Revell, Andrea Doering – Editor)
Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Carol Award.
Debut Author
A Passion Most Pure – Julie Lessman
Lits
Sweet Caroline – Rachel Hauck
Long Contemporary Romance
Controlling Interest – Elizabeth White
Long Contemporary
Symphony of Secrets – Sharon Hinck
Long Historical (tie)
My Heart Remembers – Kim Vogel Sawyer
I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires – Cathy Gohlke
Mystery
For Whom the Wedding Bell Tolls – Nancy Mehl
Novellas
Stuck on You in “A Connecticut Christmas” – Rhonda Gibson
Short Contemporary Suspense
Broken Lullaby – Pamela Tracy
Short Contemporary
Family Treasures – Kathryn Springer
Short Historical
Family of the Heart – Dorothy Clark
Speculative
The Restorer’s Journey – Sharon Hinck
Suspense
The Fossil Hunter – John B. Olson
Women’s Fiction
The Shape of Mercy – Susan Meissner
Young Adult
The Big Picture – Jenny B. Jones
Congratulations to the winners of the 2008 Carol Award.
Contemporary Novella
1st: Finally Home – Deborah Raney (Barbour Publishing, Susan Downs – editor)
2nd: Moonlight & Mistletoe – Carrie Turansky
3rd: Remaking of Moe McKenna – Gloria Clover
Debut Author
1st: Sushi for One? – Camy Tang (Zondervan, Sue Brower – editor)
2nd: Bayou Justice – Robin Miller writing as Robin Caroll
3rd: In Between – Jenny B. Jones
Historical Novella
1st: Love Notes in “Love Letters Anthology” – Mary Davis (Barbour Publishing, Rebecca Germany – editor)
2nd:Beyond the Memories – DiAnn Mills
3rd: The Spinster & The Tycoon – Vickie McDonough
Lits
1st: Splitting Harriet – Tamara Leigh (Multnomah Books, Julee Schwarzburg – editor)
2nd: Sushi for One? – Camy Tang
3rd (tie): One Little Secret – Allison Bottke
The Book of Jane – Anne Dayton & May Vanderbilt
Long Contemporary
1st: Within This Circle – Deborah Raney (Steeple Hill Books, Krista Stroever – editor)
2nd: Like Always – Robert Elmer
3rd: Autumn Blue – Karen Harter
Long Historical
1st (tie): Veil of Fire – Marlo Schalesky (RiverOak, Jeff Dunn/Jon Woodhams – editors)
Where Willows Grow – Kim Vogel Sawyer (Bethany House, Charlene Patterson – editor)
2nd (tie): Fancy Pants – Cathy Marie Hake
Then Came Hope – Louise Gouge
3rd: Courting Trouble – Deeanne Gist
Mystery
1st: Your Chariot Awaits – Lorena McCourtney (Thomas Nelson, Amanda Bostic – editor)
2nd: Death of a Garage Sale Newbie – Sharon Dunn
3rd: Sticks And Stones – Susan Meissner
Short Contemporary
1st: The Heart of Grace – Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill Love Inspired, Allison Lyons – editor)
2nd: Heart of the Family – Margaret Daley
3rd: Wedded Bliss – Kathleen Y’Barbo
Short Contemporary Suspense
1st: Caught Redhanded – Gayle Roper (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense, Krista Stroever – editor)
2nd: Pursuit of Justice – Pamela Tracy
3rd (tie): Nowhere to Hide – Debby Giusti
Her Christmas Protector – Terri Reed
Short Historical
1st (tie): Canteen Dreams – Cara Putman (Barbour/Heartsong Presents, JoAnne Simmons – editor)
Golden Days – Mary Connealy (Barbour/Heartsong Presents, JoAnne Simmons – editor)
2nd: A Wealth Beyond Riches – Vickie McDonough
3rd: A Time to Keep – Kelly Eileen Hake
Speculative
1st: The Restorer’s Son – Sharon Hinck (NavPress, Reagan Reed – editor)
2nd: Demon: A Memoir – Tosca Lee
3rd: DragonFire – Donita Paul
Suspense
1st: Black Ice – Linda Hall (WaterBrook Press, Traci DePree – editor)
2nd: Coral Moon – Brandilyn Collins
3rd: Abomination – Colleen Coble
Women’s Fiction
1st: Remember to Forget – Deborah Raney (Howard Books/Simon & Schuster, Philis Boultinghouse – editor)
2nd: Watercolored Pearls – Stacy Hawkins Adams
3rd: A Promise To Remember – Kathryn Cushman
Young Adult
1st: In Between – Jenny B. Jones (NavPress, Karen Ball – editor)
2nd: Sara Jane: Liberty’s Torch – Eleanor Clark
3rd: Saving Sailor – Renee Riva
Congratulations to the winners of the 2007 Carol Award.
Contemporary Novella
1st – Home for the Holidays – Christine Lynxwiler
2nd – A Carol for Christmas – Robin Lee Hatcher
3rd – Diamond Place – Robin Lee Hatcher
General Fiction (includes Sci-Fi and Young Adult)
1st – DragonKnight – Donita K. Paul
2nd – A Bigger Life – Annette Smith
3rd – Feather – Susan Page Davis
Historical Novels
1st – Joie de Vivre – Lynette Sowell
2nd – To Do Justice – Cathy Marie Hake
3rd – Reuben’s Atonement – Lynette Sowell
Lits
1st – Hot Tropics and Cold Feet – Diann Hunt
2nd – The Secret Life of Becky Miller – Sharon Hinck
3rd – Front Porch Princess – Kathryn Springer
Long Historical
1st – Waiting for Summer’s Return – Kim Vogel Sawyer
2nd (tie) – The Measure of a Lady – Deeanne Gist
William Henry is a Fine Name – Cathy Gohlke
Short Contemporary Suspense
1st – Hearts on the Line – Margaret Daley
2nd – Stormcatcher
- Colleen Coble, writing as Colleen Rhoads
3rd – Strictly Confidential – Terri Reed
Short Contemporary
1st – A Season for Grace – Linda Goodnight
2nd – My So-Called Love Life – Allie Pleiter
3rd – That Wilder Boy – Kim Vogel Sawyer
Short Historical
1st – The Prisoner’s Wife
– Susan Page Davis
2nd – Spoke of Love – Cathy Marie Hake
3rd – Bayou Dreams – Kathleen Miller Y’Barbo
Suspense
1st – Dangerous Depths – Colleen Coble
2nd –Widows and Orphans – Susan Meissner
3rd (tie) – Hazardous Duty – Christy Barritt
Alaska Twilight – Colleen Coble
Fire Dancer – Colleen Coble
Women’s Fiction
1st – The Fragrance of Roses – Nikki Arana
2nd (tie) – Reclaiming Nick – Susan May Warren
Watching the Tree Limbs – Mary DeMuth
Congratulations to the winners of the 2006 Carol Award.
Contemporary Novella
1st – Strawberry Angel – Pamela Griffin
2nd – Dear Baby Girl – Jane Orcutt
3rd – Reunited – Kristy Dykes
General Fiction
1st – Daughter of Prophecy – Miles Owen
2nd (tie) – Circles of Seven – Bryan Davis
The Reveal – Sarah Anne Sumpolec
Historical Novella
1st – Legend of Mercy – Pamela Griffin
2nd – Marrying Kind – Kathleen Y’Barbo
3rd – Missing Pages – DiAnn Mills
Lits
1st – With this Ring, I’m Confused – Kristin Billerbeck
2nd – Hot Flashes and Cold Cream – Diann Hunt
3rd – Kissing Adrian – Siri Mitchell
Long Historical
1st – Dawn of a Thousand Nights – Tricia Goyer
2nd – A Bride Most Begrudging – Deeanne Gist
3rd – The Color of the Soul – Tracey Bateman
Short Contemporary
1st – Shadow Bones – Colleen Rhoads (Coble)
2nd – Miss Menace – Nancy Lavo
3rd – Under Cover of Darkness – Elizabeth White
Suspense
1st – Distant Echoes – Colleen Coble
2nd – Black Sands – Colleen Coble
3rd – Dark Star – Creston Mapes
Women’s Fiction
1st – The Winds of Sonoma – Nikki Arana
2nd – Over the Waters – Deborah Raney
3rd – The Potluck Club – Eva Marie Everson & Linda Evans Shepherd
Short Historical
1st – Beside Still Waters – Tracey Bateman
2nd – Sooner or Later – Vickie McDonough
3rd – Renegade Husband – DiAnn Mills
Congratulations to the winners of the 2005 Carol Award.
Contemporary Fiction
1st – Dreaming in Black & White – Laura Jensen Walker
2nd – The Celebrity – Robert Elmer
3rd – She’s Out of Control – Kristin Billerbeck
Short Contemporary Romance
1st – One Last Christmas – Joyce Livingston
2nd – Gold in the Fire – Margaret Daley
3rd (tie) – Run Fast, My Love – Pamela Griffin
Unlikely Hero – Marta Perry
General Fiction
1st – Legend of the Emerald Rose – Linda Wichman
2nd – The Candlestone – Bryan Davis
3rd – Shadow of His Hand – Wendy Lawton
General Historical
1st – Retribution – Randall Ingermanson
2nd – Hurricane – Janice Thompson
3rd – The Hope Within – Tracie Peterson
Long Historical Romance
1st – Night Song – Tricia Goyer
2nd – Hannah Rose – Louise Gouge
3rd – Child of the Mist – Kathleen Morgan
Short Historical Romance
1st – Faithful Traitor – Jill Stengl
2nd – One Chance in a Million – Cathy Marie Hake
3rd (tie) – Road to Forgiveness – Carol Cox
Renegade Husband – DiAnn Mills
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
1st – Dead of Night – Brandilyn Collins
2nd – Nadia – Susan K. Downs & Susan May Warren
3rd – Into the Deep – Colleen Coble
Novella
1st – My True Love Gave to Me – Christine Lynxwiler
2nd – Colder Than Ice – Jill Stengl
3rd – The Christkindl’s Gift – Kathleen Morgan
Congratulations to the winners of the 2004 Carol Award.
Historical Fiction
Premonition – Randall Ingermanson
Contemporary Fiction
What a Girl Wants – Kristin Billerbeck
Long Historical Romance
Catching Katie –
Robin Lee Hatcher
Long Contemporary Romance
The Perfect Match –
Susan May Warren
Short Historical Romance
(tie)
But For Grace – Tracey Victoria Bateman
Temporary Husband
– DiAnn Mills
Short Contemporary Romance
Sassy Cinderella –
Sharon Dunn
Historical Novella
English Tea and Bagpipes –
Pamela Griffin
Contemporary Novella
Playing by Heart –
Deborah Raney
Congratulations to the winners of the 2003 Carol Award.
Historical Fiction
1st – Daughter of the Loom – Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
2nd – A Fragile Design – Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller
Contemporary Fiction
1st – After the Rains – Deborah Raney
2nd – Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves – Sharon Dunn
3rd – Capture the Wind For Me – Brandilyn Collins
Long Historical Romance
1st – Circle of Honor – Carol Umberger
2nd – Shadows of the Canyon – Tracie Peterson
3rd – Across the Years – Tracie Peterson
Long Contemporary Romance
1st – Happily Ever After – Susan Warren
2nd (tie) – Along Came Jones – Linda Windsor
A Scarlet Cord – Deborah Raney
Short Historical Romance
1st – Mail Order Husband – DiAnn Mills
2nd – Red River Bride – Colleen Coble
3rd (tie) – Emily’s Place – Tracey Victoria Bateman
Promised to Me – Robin Lee Hatcher
Short Contemporary Romance
1st – In Search of Love – Christine Lynxwiler
2nd – Cords of Love – Lynn Coleman
3rd – Major League Dad – Kathleen Y’Barbo
Historical Novella
1st – Circle of Blessings – Deborah Raney
2nd – The Snowstorm – Lynn Coleman
3rd – Bride in the Valley – Andrea Boeshaar
Contemporary Novella
1st – Mix and Match – Bev Huston
2nd (tie) – Once Upon an Attic – Tracey Victoria Bateman
Encore, Encore! – Kathleen Fuller
Mattie Meets Her Match – Kristin Billerbeck
Congratulations to the winners of the 2002 Carol Award.
Historical Fiction
Riona, Fires of Gleanmara #2 –
Linda Windsor
Contemporary Fiction
Color the Sidewalk For Me – Brandilyn Collins
Long Historical Romance
Ashes and Ice –
Tracie Peterson
Long Contemporary Romance
Flowers for Victoria – Sunni Jeffers
Short Historical Romance
Tarah’s Lessons –
Tracey Bateman
Short Contemporary Romance
A Love for Safekeeping – Gail Gaymer Martin
Historical Novella
A Length of Silk –
Tracey Bateman
Contemporary Novella
Beneath Heaven’s Curtain – Christine Lynxwiler
E-Book and Self-Published – Historical
Shadow of the Wolf – Lianne Bruynell Lopes
E-Book and Self-Published – Contemporary
The Artist’s Granddaughter – Robin Bayne
Overall Favorite
Eyes of Elisha – Brandilyn Collins