Palm Bay, FL: The American Christian Fiction Writers first virtual conference included a virtual gala, during which their 2020 honors were awarded. Among them were the winners of the 2020 Carol Awards, honoring Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. Congratulations to these Carol Award winning authors and their publishing houses and editors.
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Congratulations also go to the winners of the 2020 Genesis Contest for to-date unpublished Christian fiction, as follows:
Contemporary
Sara Brunsvold – The Indelible Deaths of Mrs. Kip
Historical
Jessica Sly – Puppet Master
Historical Romance
Rhonda Ortiz – The Life We Greet
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Andy Brodrick – Sober
Novella
Joey Rudder – Especially Now
Romance
Kerry Johnson – Mary and Bright
Romantic Suspense
Hope Welborn – Out of Sight
Short Novel
Sami Abrams – Deadly Cold Case Reunion
Speculative
Paige Reed – Rending
Young Adult
Jill K. Willis – The Demons Among Us
Also announced during the virtual gala were the following:
- Editor of the Year—Jocelyn Bailey, HarperCollins Christian Publishing
- Agent of the Year—Cynthia Ruchti, Books & Such Literary Management
- Mentor of the Year—Chautona Havig
Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis Contest Coordinator—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award Coordinator—Nick Kording, ACFW Contests Administrator—Robert Turner, and to the judges, assistants, and ACFW staff.
ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) is a professional organization devoted to the craft of Christian Fiction. Its mission is to “help you tell your stories by inspiring you to partner with God in the creative process, learn the craft, and find your audience.”
For more information about ACFW: https://www.acfw.com/
You can find a link to this press release at https://www.acfw.com/about/press_room/
