I’d like to wish a heartfelt congrats to the Carol Award Nominees. The Carol Award is American Christian Fiction Writers’ Award for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year by traditional publishing houses. Here are the nominees, along with their book covers! Enjoy! ~Cecelia Dowdy~

Debut Novel:

Fairer Than Morning by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)

The Loom by Shella Gillus (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)

Give the Lady a Ride by Linda W. Yezak (Sky Sail [Port Yonder Press] – Chila Woychik, Editor)

Long Contemporary:

Lost Melody by Lori Copeland/Virginia Smith (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)

The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House Publishers – Sarah Long/Dave Long, Editors)

Long Contemporary Romance:      

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Jamie Chavez/Natalie Hanemann, Editors)

Lilly’s Wedding Quilt by Kelly M. Long (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale – Karen Watson, Editor)

Long Historical:

Captive Trail by Susan Page Davis (Moody Publishers/River North – Deborah Keiser, Editor)

Fairer Than Morning  by Rosslyn Elliott (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)

Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Press – Laura Barker, Editor)

Long Historical Romance:

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)

Lilies in Moonlight by Allison Pittman (Multnomah Publishers – Alice Crider, Editor)

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers – Karen Schurrer, Editor)

Mystery:

Falling to Pieces: A Shipshewana Amish Mystery by Vannetta Chapman (Zondervan – Sue Brower, Editor)

Died in the Wool by Elizabeth Ludwig/Janelle Mowery (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Yesterday’s Secrets by Kelly Ann Riley (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)

Novellas:

An Accidental Christmas from A Biltmore Christmas by Diane T. Ashley/Aaron McCarver (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Reese: All Along  from Smitten by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell/LB Norton, Editors)

A Star in the Night from A Log Cabin Christmas by Liz Johnson (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Romantic Suspense:

Lonestar Angel by Colleen Coble (Thomas Nelson – Ami McConnell, Editor)

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon (Revell – Jennifer Leep, Editor)

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Short Contemporary:

The Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray (Avon Inspire/Harper Collins – Cindy DiTiberio)

Lakeside Reunion by Lisa Jordan (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Oklahoma Reunion by Tina Radcliffe (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich/Rachel Burkot, Editors)

Short Contemporary Suspense:

Double Identity by Diane Burke (Love Inspired Suspense – Sarah McDaniel-Dyer, Editor)

Nightwatch by Valerie Hansen (Love Inspired Suspense – Melissa Endlich, Editor)

A Deadly Game by Virginia Smith (Love Inspired Suspense – Tina James, Editor)

Short Historical (four finalists due to a tie):

Promise of Time by S. Dionne Moore (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

Revealing Fire by Connie Stevens (Heartsong Presents – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Light to My Path by Erica Vetsch (Heartsong Presents – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

The Deepest Waters by Dan Walsh (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

Speculative Fiction:

The Story in the Stars by Yvonne Anderson (Risen Books – Reagan Reed, Editor)

The Chair by James L. Rubart (B & H Fiction – Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Broken Sight by Steve Rzasa (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)

Suspense/Thriller:

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B & H Fiction – Karen Ball, Editor)

Fallen Angel by Major Jeff Struecker/Alton Gansky (B & H Fiction – Julie Gwinn, Editor)

Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette (J.M.) Windle (Tyndale – Jan Stob, Editor)

Women’s Fiction:

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press – Shannon Marchese, Editor)

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley (Multnomah Publishers – Jessica Barnes/Shannon Marchese, Editors)

Dandelion Summer by Lisa Wingate (Penguin Praise/Berkley – Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Young Adult:

Wreath by Judy Christie (Barbour Publishing – Rebecca Germany/Jamie Chavez, Editors)

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan – Jacque Alberta, Editor)

There You’ll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann/Becky Monds/Jamie Chavez, Editors)

Congratulations to the 2012 Christy Award nominees! Looks like an awesome lineup of books! Have you read any of these books? If so, which ones have you read?

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing
Group)

Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig (Barbour Publishing)

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY SERIES, SEQUELS, AND NOVELLAS

Dancing on Glass by Pamela Binnings Ewen (B&H Publishing Group)

The Touch by Randall Wallace (Tyndale House Publishers)

The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould (Harvest House
Publishers)

CONTEMPORARY STANDALONE

Dry as Rain by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)

Promises to Keep by Ann Tatlock (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

An Eye for Glory by Karl Bacon (Zondervan)

Southern Fried Sushi by Jennifer Rogers Spinola (Barbour Publishing) – This is a wonderful book! Read my review here.

Words by Ginny Yttrup (B&H Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman (Tyndale House Publishers)

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House, a division of Baker
Publishing Group)

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

To Die For by Sandra Byrd (Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster)

SUSPENSE

Over the Edge by Brandilyn Collins (B&H Publishing Group)

Pattern of Wounds by Mark Bertrand (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Queen by Steven James (Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

VISIONARY

The Chair by Jim Rubart (B&H Publishing Group)

Forbidden by Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee (Center Street, a division of Hachette Book Group USA)

Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House, a division of Baker
Publishing Group)

YOUNG ADULT

How Huge the Night by Heather Munn and Lydia Munn (Kregel Publications)

The Merchant’s Daughter by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren (David C Cook)

Have you read any of these books? If so, which ones have you read?

Leave a comment and join me in congratulating these wonderful authors!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Last week, RWA announced the Rita Award nominations. Below is the list of nominees, complete with book covers and book descriptions! Join me in giving these lovely ladies a hearty congratulations! 🙂

Have you read any of these titles? If so, which ones did you read?

The Christmas Child by Linda Goodnight
In Redemption, Oklahoma, a young boy is found huddled in a Dumpster, clutching a Christmas book. Scared and refusing to speak, he captures undercover agent Kade McKendrick’s guarded heart. Kade brings the child home until he can track down his family—and his story. All Kade has is a name, Davey, and the boy’s trust of sweet, pretty teacher Sophie Bartholomew. With her kindness and faith, Sophie helps both the boy and the battle-scarred cop to smile again. And as they uncover the mystery of a very special child, a family is formed—just in time for Christmas.

Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon
Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor’s attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements–her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Katie’s Way by Marta Perry
A quilt shop brings Amish and Englisch together, and trouble follows…

After a thwarted romance, Katie Miller starts over by moving to Pleasant Valley and opening a quilt shop. Soon Amish and Englisch turn the store into a lively spot…to the consternation of Caleb Brand, who crafts furniture next door. Then Katie’s sister joins her, to escape rumors of her wild rumspringa, and Katie feels the burden of responsibility for a restless teenager. Even worse, her efforts to bring more people to Main Street arouse resistance among local businesses. When acts of vandalism threaten Katie’s shop, she turns to Caleb for comfort, and their friendship deepens. But will Caleb’s secret past prevent him from embracing a future with Katie? Or will their fragile romance develop the strength to last a lifetime?

The Ladies Room by Carolyn Brown
Secrets told in the church ladies’ room are supposed to stay in the ladies’ room. But that doesn’t mean that what Trudy overhears there during her great-aunt Gertrude’s funeral won’t change the rest of her life.

Trudy has a daughter in the middle of a major rebellion; a two-timing husband who has been cheating for their entire married life; and a mother with Alzheimer’s residing in the local nursing home. She doesn’t really need a crumbling old house about to fall into nothing but a pile of memories and broken knickknacks.

Billy Lee Tucker, resident oddball in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, lived next door to Gert, and in her will she leaves him the funds to help Trudy remodel the old house. That’s fine with Billy Lee, because he’s been in love with Trudy since before they started school. And just spending time with her is something he’d never ever allowed himself to dream about.

A beautiful home rises up from the old house on Broadway, and right along with it rises up a relationship. But is Trudy too scarred from what she heard in the ladies’ room to see a lovely future with Billy Lee?

Love On The Line by Deeanne Gist
READ MY REVIEW HERE.
In 1904 Texas Ranger Luke Palmer arrives in Brenham, Texas, with one goal–to capture the gang of outlaws led by Frank Comer. Undercover as a telephone repairman, he uses his days on the range to search, not realizing there’s another pair of eyes watching him.
Georgie Gail, switchboard operator and birder, heads out on a birding expedition, but instead of sighting a painted bunting, her opera glasses capture her telephone man, armed and far away from telephone lines. Palmer is forced to take this alluring troublemaker into his confidence and unwittingly puts her in harm’s way. The closer he comes to the gang, the further she works her way into his heart–and into trouble. Soon it’s more than just love that’s on the line.

The Measure of Katie Calloway by Serena Miller
The Civil War has ended, but in Katie Calloway’s Georgia home, conflict still rages. To protect herself and her young brother from her violent and unstable husband, she flees north, finding anonymity and sanctuary as the cook in a north woods lumber camp. The camp owner, Robert Foster, wonders if the lovely woman he’s hired has the grit to survive the never-ending work and harsh conditions of a remote pine forest in winter. Katie wonders if she can keep her past a secret from a man she is slowly growing to love.
With grace and skill, Serena Miller brings to life a bygone era. From the ethereal, snowy forest and the rowdy shanty boys to the warm cookstove and mouth-watering apple pie, every detail is perfectly rendered, transporting you to a time of danger and romance.

My Foolish Heart by Susan May Warren
When it comes to love, sometimes you have to be a little foolish. Unknown to her quaint town of Deep Haven, Isadora Presley is the star host of My Foolish Heart, a popular syndicated talk radio show. From her home studio, she gives listeners advice on romance . . . even though she’s never had a date.

It’s not that she doesn’t want to, but since a tragic accident took her mother’s life, panic attacks have trapped her inside her small neighborhood. And though she always reminds listeners that their perfect love could be right next door, it can’t possibly be true for her. Especially when a new neighbor moves in. Sure, he’s handsome, but with his unruly dog and Neanderthal manners, Caleb Knight is the last man she’d ever fall for.

To Issy, love isn’t worth the risk. Until she starts to have feelings for a caller—a man she’s never even met but finds honest, charming, and sensitive.
A man she doesn’t realize lives right next door.

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones
You are cordially invited to the wedding of the year with the most unlikely bride and groom. Save the date . . . and say your prayers.

When funding for Lucy’s non-profit job is pulled, she is determined to find out why. Enter Alex Sinclair, former professional football star and heir to Sinclair Enterprises-the primary donor to Lucy’s non-profit organization.

Both Lucy and Alex have something the other desperately wants.

Alex has it all . . . except for the votes he needs to win his bid for Congress. Despite their mutual dislike, Alex makes Lucy a proposition: pose as his fiancee in return for the money she desperately needs. Bound to a man who isn’t quite what he seems, Lucy finds her heart-and her future-on the line.

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer
READ MY REVIEW HERE.
Having completed his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past. But small towns leave little room for secrets…
Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Levi’s renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she’s finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?

So, have you read any of these titles? If so, which ones did you read?

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Congratulations to the 2011 Carol Award finalists. The Carol Award is sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers. The winners will be announced at the annual ACFW conference in September!

~Cecelia Dowdy~

Debut Novel:

The Preacher’s Bride by Jody Hedlund (Bethany House – Dave Long/Sharon Asmus, Editors)

Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes (Tyndale Publishers – Kathryn Olson, Editor)

Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing – Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

Long Contemporary:

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

Red Ink by Kathi Macias (New Hope Publishers – Randy Bishop, Editor)

Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate (Bethany House – Dave Long, Editor)

Long Contemporary Romance:

Plain Jayne by Hilary Manton Lodge (Harvest House – Kim Moore, Editor)

Anna’s Return by Marta Perry (Berkley – Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson – Natalie Hanemann, Editor)

Long Historical:

Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs (Waterbrook Press – Laura Barker, Editor)

Petra: City in Stone by T.L. Higley (B&H Publishing – Karen Ball, Editor)

Sons of Thunder by Susan May Warren (Summerside Press – Susan Downs, Editor)

Long Historical Romance:

The Husband Tree by Mary Connealy (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Love Finds You In Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (Summerside – Rachel Meisel/Connie Troyer, Editors)

Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

Mystery:

Mirrored Image by Alice K. Arenz (Sheaf House – Joan M. Shoup, Editor)

Muslin Mystery by Vera Dodge (Guideposts – Beth Adams, Editor)

The Camera Never Lies by Elizabeth Goddard (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Novellas (Contemporary and Historical were combined into one category):

The Prodigal Groom by Vickie McDonough (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Ride With Me Into Christmas by Rachael Phillips (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

A Trusting Heart by Carrie Turansky (Barbour – Rebecca Germany, Editor)

Romantic Suspense:

The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson (Summerside Press – Rachel Meisel/Susan Downs, Editors)

Don’t Look Back by Lynette Eason (Revell – Andrea Doering, Editor)

Pursuit of Justice by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale Publishers – Karen Watson, Editor)

Short Contemporary:

The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Love Inspired – Allison Lyons)

A Father for Zach by Irene Hannon (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Winter’s End by Ruth Logan Herne (Love Inspired – Melissa Endlich, Editor)

Short Contemporary Suspense:

Night Prey by Sharon Dunn (Love Inspired Suspense – Emily Rodmell, Editor)

Legacy of Lies by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Love Inspired Suspense – Emily Rodmell, Editor)

Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Love Inspired Suspense – Tina James, Editor)

Short Historical:

Her Healing Ways by Lyn Cote (Love Inspired Historical – Tina James, Editor)

Promise of Tomorrow by S. Dionne Moore (Barbour – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

The Columns of Cottonwood by Sandra Robbins (Barbour – JoAnne Simmons, Editor)

Speculative Fiction:

The Wolf of Tebron by C. S. Lakin (AMG Publishers – Rick Steele, Editor)

Rooms by James L. Rubart (B&H Publishing – Julee Schwarzburg, Editor)

König’s Fire by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press – Jeff Gerke, Editor)

Suspense/Thriller:

Predator by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan – Sue Brower/Dave Lambert, Editors)

Fear No Evil by Robin Caroll (B&H Publishing – Karen Ball, Editor)

Medical Error by Richard L. Mabry (Abingdon Press – Barbara Scott, Editor)

Women’s Fiction:

Beaded Hope by Cathy Liggett (Tyndale Publishers – Jan Stob/Lorie Popp, Editors)

They Almost Always Come Home by Cynthia Ruchti (Abingdon – Barbara Scott, Editor)

Beyond Summer by Lisa Wingate (NAL – Ellen Edwards, Editor)

Young Adult:

Anything But Normal by Melody Carlson (Revell – Lonnie Hull Dupont, Editor)

Healer’s Apprentice by Melanie Dickerson (Zonderkidz – Jacque Alberta, Editor)

Katy’s New World by Kim Vogel Sawyer (Zonderkidz – Jacque Alberta, Editor)

A heartfelt congrats goes to all of the 2011 Christy Award winners! Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think about them? I see many wonderfully fine authors on the list! You can view a full list of the nominees here.
~Cecelia Dowdy~

Contemporary Romance

Sworn to Protect
by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas/
The Reluctant Prophet
by Nancy Rue (David C. Cook)

Contemporary Standalone/

Almost Heaven
by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

First Novel/

Heartless
by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical/

While We’re Far Apart
by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers,
a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance/

The Girl in the Gatehouse
by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Suspense/

The Bishop
by Steven James (Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Visionary/

To Darkness Fled
by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press)

Young Adult/

Motorcycles, Sushi, and One
Strange Book
by Nancy Rue (Zondervan)

A heartfelt congrats goes to all of the 2011 Christy Award nominees! Have you read any of these books? If so, what did you think about them?I see many wonderfully fine authors on the list!
~Cecelia Dowdy~

Contemporary Romance

Blood Ransom
by Lisa Harris (Zondervan)

Indivisible
by Kristin Heitzmann (WaterBrook Press)

Sworn to Protect
by DiAnn Mills (Tyndale House Publishers)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas/
The Reluctant Prophet
by Nancy Rue (David C. Cook)

The Thorn
by Beverly Lewis (Bethany House Publishers,
a division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Waiting
by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Revell Books,
a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Contemporary Standalone/

Almost Heaven
by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

Lady in Waiting
by Susan Meissner (WaterBrook Press)

A Season of Miracles
by Rusty Whitener (Kregel Publications)

First Novel/

Crossing Oceans
by Gina Holmes (Tyndale House Publishers)

Heartless
by Anne Elisabeth Stengl (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

A Season of Miracles
by Rusty Whitener (Kregel Publications)

Historical/

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther
by Ginger Garrett (David C. Cook)

For Time & Eternity
by Allison Pitman (Tyndale House Publishers)

While We’re Far Apart
by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers,
a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Historical Romance/

The Girl in the Gatehouse
by Julie Klassen (Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

She Walks in Beauty
by Siri Mitchell (Bethany House Publishers,
a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Within My Heart
by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

Suspense/

The Bishop
by Steven James (Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group)

The Bride Collector
by Ted Dekker (Center Street)

Predator
by Terri Blackstock (Zondervan)

Visionary/

To Darkness Fled
by Jill Williamson (Marcher Lord Press)

Konig’s Fire
by Marc Schooley (Marcher Lord Press)

The Last Christian
by David Gregory (WaterBrook Press)

Young Adult/

The Charlatan’s Boy
by Jonathan Rogers (WaterBrook Press)

The Healer’s Apprentice
by Melanie Dickerson (Zondervan)

Motorcycles, Sushi, and One
Strange Book
by Nancy Rue (Zondervan)

Congrats to the following Rita Award Finalists in the RWA’s Inspirational category:

■A Convenient Wife by Anna Schmidt (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical; Tina James, editor)

■Doctor in Petticoats by Mary Connealy (Barbour Publishing; Rebecca Germany, editor)

■Finding Her Way Home by Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill Love Inspired; Allison Lyons, editor)

■In Harm’s Way by Irene Hannon (Revell; Jennifer Leep, editor)

■Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (Bethany House Publishers; David Long and Julie Klassen, editors)

■Shades of Morning by Marlo M. Schalesky (WaterBrook Multnomah; Shannon Marchese, editor)

■The Wedding Garden by Linda Goodnight (Steeple Hill Love Inspired; Allison Lyons, editor)

■Whisper on the Wind by Maureen Lang (Tyndale House Publishers; Stephanie Broene, editor)

■Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers; Karen Schurrer and Charlene Patterson, editors)

Congrats also to the following Inspirational author who finaled in the Rita Novella Category:

■”Mountain Rose” by Cheryl St. John in To Be a Mother (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical; Patience Smith, editor)

Congrats to the following Inspirational authors for finaling in the Best First Book category:

■Firestorm by Kelly Ann Riley (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense; Tina James, editor)

■A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House Publishers; Karen Schurrer, editor)

For a list of ALL CATEGORIES, ALL FINALISTS, see RWA’s website.

~Cecelia Dowdy~