Palm Bay, FL: The American Christian Fiction Writers in person conference at the Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis included their 2022 Awards Gala with a number of significant industry awards. Prolific author and devoted mentor and teacher Gayle Roper was honored with ACFW’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Among other recognitions are the following winners of the 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
A Piece of the Moon by Chris Fabry
Tyndale House
Editor – Sarah Rische
Historical
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli
Tyndale House
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
Dark Intercept by Andrews and Wilson
Tyndale House
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
Editors 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 Lisa Laube and Steve Laube
Debut Author
Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom
She Writes Press
Editors Sandra Byrd and Alexandra Shelley
Congratulations also go to the winners of the 2022 Genesis Contest for to-date unpublished Christian fiction:
- Contemporary—Shelli Littleton for The Memory List
- Historical—Christine Boatwright for The Lion Prophecy
- Historical Romance—Christine J Hill for Winter Bride
- Mystery/Suspense/Thriller—Ann Larson for The Three Panels
- Novella—Annette Griffin for The Knightly Stalker
- Romance—Lori DeJong for Love’s True Calling
- Romantic Suspense—Breana Johnson for Deadly Superstitions
- Short Novel—Lyndee Henderson for Signs of Love
- Speculative—John Leatherman for Capable
- Young Adult—Amy Bryant for Daughter of Lion, Son of Mage
Also announced during the virtual gala were the following:
- Editor of the Year—Stephanie Broene – Tyndale House Publishers
- Agent of the Year—Cynthia Ruchti – Books and Such Literary Agency
- Mentor of the Year—DiAnn Mills
- Volunteer of the Year Award—Becky Yauger
- Member Service Award—Hallee Bridgeman
Special thanks to the contest coordinators: Genesis—Teresa Haugh, Carol Award—Gabrielle Meyer, 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/
TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 12, 2022 — Dr. Christina Barland Edmondson — author, speaker, psychologist, educator, and co-host of the Truth’s Table podcast — will be the plenary speaker during the PubU opening session on November 16 at Lipscomb University in Nashville.
Iron Stream Media is thrilled to have Rose Among Thornes by Terrie Todd as a shortlisted finalist for the Word Awards in the following categories:
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Aug. 2022 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, announces the release of the first print editions of the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Updated Edition (NRSVue).
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 2022 —Thomas Nelson Bibles, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and bestselling authors Michael & Hayley DiMarco announce the release of The TEXT, a new Bible for students, young adults, and new believers.
BLOOMINGTON, MN (August 25, 2022)—On Ukraine’s Independence Day (August 24), Chosen Books—a division of Baker Publishing Group—announced the release of the first trade book covering personal “on the ground” accounts of the Ukraine–Russia conflict. Hope for Ukraine: Stories of Grit and Grace from the Front Lines of War offers part narrative and part wartime dispatch on the millions affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
August 2022 | WESTMONT, IL—James Bryan Smith has signed a contract with InterVarsity Press (IVP) to honor the life of his good friend Rich Mullins twenty-five years after Rich’s death with the release of a new edition of his devotional biography titled Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven. The book will release on February 7, 2023.
NEW YORK – August 16, 2022 — FOX Nation, FOX News Media’s direct to consumer streaming service, is set to release its first original film, marking the platform’s entry into in-house movie production, announced John Finley, Executive Vice President of Development. On Thursday, September 1st, FOX Nation will premiere “The Shell Collector,” a feature film based on a bestselling title by author Nancy Naigle. Over the course of the next year, the streaming service will roll out three additional original films with the next release tied to the holiday season.
Bellingham, WA | August 29, 2022—Lexham Press and Anchor Distributors are pleased to announce a partnership. Effective August 26, Anchor Distributors will provide distribution and fulfillment services for Lexham Press. Anchor Distributors will be the exclusive, authorized distributor for the sale of Lexham titles to all Christian markets, all ABA trade bookstores/general market, and all other distributors nationwide.
“We are so pleased and excited to welcome Lexham Press back into the Anchor Distributors family of partner publishers,” says Karen Fulton, Director of Operations at Anchor Distributors. “We are confident that our warehousing and distribution services will assist them in expanding their reach in North America and beyond. Our dedicated distribution team delivers timely and accurate order processing capabilities from our expansive warehouse which will enable Lexham Press to provide the best possible customer service to their valued customers.
SPCK is pleased to announce that it will become the sole sales and distribution partner for Lexham Press in the UK and the European Union (EU). Lexham Press titles will be available from Wiley Distribution Services from 15th January 2023.




