August 29, 2026 | Memphis, TN | ACFW held its annual Awards Gala on August 29, 2026 at the close of their annual conference, held this year at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. It was an honor to bestow the following awards:
Recognition of Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Karen Kingsbury. The Lena Nelson Dooley Mentor of the Year Award as well as The Martha Rogers Member Service Award was given to DiAnn Mills. Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency was awarded the Agent of the Year Award, while Deidre Lockhart from Brilliant Cut Editing received the Editor of the Year Award.
In recognition of books released in 2025, the following titles won Carol Awards:
Contemporary
Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Revell: Editor – Andrea Doering
Historical
The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter
Independent Author: Editor – Ed Marlow
Historical Romance
The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz
Tyndale House: Editor: Kathryn S. Olson
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer
Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group): Editors – Bethany Lenderink and Jessica Sharpe
Novella
The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White
Tyndale House: Editors: Elizabeth Jackson and Kathryn S. Olson
Romance
Before Grace by Anna Daugherty
Black Rose Writing: Editor: Denise Harmer
Romantic Suspense
Protecting You by Robin Patchen
Independent Author: Editor: Ray Rhamey
Short Novel
One Nine by Sara Davison
Independent Author: Editor: Jayci Roek
Speculative
Darkfell by Amanda Wright
Quill & Flame Publishing: Editors: Brittany Eden and Jennifer Frankovic
Young Adult
Truth Cursed by Angie Dickinson
Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media): Editors: Avily Jerome and Lisa Laube
Debut Author
The Tragedy of Oli Ricker by Phillip Snyder
Living Tome Publishing: Editors: Emily Whitten and Leilah Wright
