2026 Carol Award Finalists – Short Novel + 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 2026 finalists are books published in 2025. 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 August 29 2026 at the ACFW Gala in Memphis, Tennessee (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Short Novel 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.

Short Novel Finalists

One Nine by Sara Davison – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Detective Chase Washington knows Brooke Turner is guilty of murdering her best friend. What he can’t comprehend is how she has managed to elude capture for six months. With Lenora Chambers’ blood calling out to him from the ground, Chase will stop at nothing to find Brooke Turner and bring her to justice.

When he finally tracks her down, nothing is as black and white as Chase thought. Lost in the wild with no way to communicate with the outside world and another possible suspect on their trail, Chase and his prisoner have become the prey in a desperate quest to survive.

Fans of riveting, edge-of-your-seat suspense with clean romance and spiritual truths will love this fast-paced offering. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/01/21/one-nine-giveaway/

To Capture a Mountain Man by Robin Lee Hatcher – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

She came seeking adventure. He never expected her to find him.

Lady Amanda Whitcombe dreamed of the untamed beauty of the American West from the moment Buffalo Bill’s Wild West dazzled her during the Queen’s Jubilee. But nothing could prepare her for the rugged wilderness of Yellowstone—or the man who would change her life forever.

When Amanda is swept into the icy currents of a park river, game scout Isaiah Coltrane rescues her. Used to solitude and determined to avoid entanglements—especially with a woman as refined as Amanda—he’s eager to return her to civilization. Yet her courage and quick wit soon prove there’s more to her than the polished exterior of an English lady.

Bound by circumstance and danger, Amanda and Isaiah must navigate the perils of poachers, rustlers, and a growing affection he is not ready to admit. Isaiah believes Amanda belongs in the world of fine society, not the remote mountains he calls home. But Amanda’s heart has already chosen him—and she’s willing to fight for the man who believes he’s unworthy of her love.

A romance of courage, love, and an unbreakable bond forged in the wild.

To Reveal a Reckless Love by Robin Lee Hatcher – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

In a desperate attempt to find her missing brother, Victoria Castleton leaves behind the comforts of Boston for the wild beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Her search leads her into the path of Roger Bernhardt—a gifted British artist with a guarded heart. What begins as a chance meeting soon becomes a journey neither expected.

Roger came to America seeking inspiration, not entanglement. But from the moment he sees Victoria’s determined gaze, he’s drawn to her quiet strength—and the mystery of the brother she’s willing to risk so much to find.

As their path leads from the wonders of Yellowstone to an Idaho ranch called Eden’s Gate and the small town of Gibeon, Victoria and Roger discover that God’s plans often look nothing like their own. When danger threatens the town and hearts are tested by fear and longing, they must decide if the love growing between them is only temporary—or the home they’ve both been searching for.

A story of second chances, steadfast love, and the courage to follow where God leads.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 1 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK