2025 Carol Award Finalists – Novella + Giveaway

First off — what exactly are the Carol Awards?

They are awards given out by American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in recognition of outstanding Christian fiction in the previous calendar year. So these 2025 finalists are books published in 2024. You might have read them already, you might not. I’ll include links to books I’ve read and reviewed.

Carol Award Winners will be announced on September 6 20245at the ACFW Gala in Springfield, Missouri (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2025 —Novella Category you would like to receive. Mention the title in your comment (or an email if you’re entering that way) and if you win, that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. 

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

Giveaway details may vary with each book (print, ebook only or winner’s choice of either, plus audible options for Canadians.) Edition availability will be noted in bold after the title/author/publisher of each entry. ALSO NOTE: Giveaway is for US and Canada OR ebook international if you have US Kindle account.

Downfall (from the Cornered novella collection) by Lynn H. Blackburn – Revell – Editors: Kelsey Bowen and Jessica English – Giveaway options: US: choice of paperback or ebook copy of the Cornered Novella Collection (Eason, Blackburn, Walters), Canada: ebook copy of Downfall only OR audible edition of the Cornered Novella Collection. International: ebook of the Cornered Novella Collection for US Kindle account.

When their lives hang in the balance, they’ll have to rethink the meaning of following their dreams. 

All Cassie Quinn has ever wanted is to run her own restaurant. She left home to pursue her dream, but circumstances beyond her control destroyed it, and she returned to Gossamer Falls to regroup. When she’s given an offer she can’t refuse–to fill in as chef at a fine dining restaurant for the social elite–she jumps at the chance to restore her reputation. 

But when the kitchen is destroyed, it becomes clear that Cassie is in danger. She’s forced to accept the help of her ex-boyfriend, Officer Donovan Bledsoe, to find the culprit and secure her safety. Donovan’s primary mission is to keep her safe. His secondary mission is to win her back. 

Escape the web of deceptive criminals in this fast-paced romantic suspense novella with themes of cooking and culinary expertise, hometown reunion, and second chance romance.

My Review: https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/11/25/cornered-giveaway/

Jingle Bell Matchmakers (from ‘A Match Made at Christmas’) by Lori DeJong – Scrivenings Press – Editors: Linda Fulkerson and Elena Hill – Giveaway options: US: ebook only, Canada: choice of paperback or ebook, International: ebook with a US Kindle account.

When country music star Aubrey Mayfield is lured home after years away, she’s bewildered when she and ex-fiance-now-widowed-dad Cody Lansdale keep finding themselves in the same place at the same time. As they become reacquainted, however, old feelings stir. Aubrey’s at a crossroads in her career and is contemplating a change. But when a chance at headlining her own tour takes her back to Nashville, Cody realizes her dreams may once again come between them. Unless God, with a little help from the Jingle Bell Committee, has a better plan.

Sleigh Bells and Stalkers (from the ‘Christmas in Nutfield’ Collection) by Robin Patchen – Indie – Editors: Ray Rhamey and Pegg Thomas. – Giveaway options: US and Canada: choice of paperback or ebook. International: ebook with a US Amazon Kindle account.

Threats lurk in the shadows this Christmas season.

It was strange enough when a woman Daniel Nolan had taken on one date suddenly showed up everywhere he went, but when he discovered her in his college apartment, he knew he had to go to the police—who did little but snicker when he made his report. Headed home to Nutfield for Christmas break, Daniel decides not to tell his police-detective father. The last thing he wants is for Dad to think he’s scared of a girl. Which he’s not, of course. He just wants her to leave him alone. He’s looking forward to a fun, relaxing, and stalker-free holiday at home with his family.

After Mom abandoned the family—and with Dad away so often on business—Star Brightwell stepped into the role of cook, cleaner, and babysitter to five younger siblings. On top of that, she’s stuck with organizing the live nativity—which used to be Mom’s job—at the annual Christmas festival. Star can’t let the program be canceled. It would devastate her siblings to lose this tradition, especially after Mom’s betrayal. Between her ornery brothers and sisters, her job, and now the nativity, she’s alone and overwhelmed and can’t wait for the season to be over. That is until her older brother’s handsome best friend, Daniel, offers to help. She’s gotten over her longtime crush. Now, she’s just happy for the extra set of hands.

But Daniel’s stalker has followed him to Nutfield, and she doesn’t take kindly to the pretty girl who’s caught his eye. Determined to reclaim Daniel’s attention, the stalker sets her sights on the woman who stands in her way.

A best-friend’s-sister romance and a stalker suspense wrapped up with a sparkly Christmas bow.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 5 2024. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.