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 – Speculative 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.
Speculative Finalists
Forever by Gina Detwiler – Ally Press – Giveaway options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.
The End Times have arrived.
Grace Fortune leads the rebellion against the United Earth, devastated by the belief that her husband, Jared Lorn, has joined the dark side as the son of the ruthless Supreme Lord Grigori Zazel.
But Jared, now known as the gladiator and demigod Baldyr, is locked in a desperate battle with his fallen angel father. His father’s plan? To annihilate not just Israel but the entire world.
As the apocalypse looms, will Grace and Jared find a way to reunite before the world is destroyed? Can they survive the coming devastation? And what happens when a new, even more terrifying enemy emerges—one who will exploit their love and humanity to bring about their downfall?
All these questions and more will be answered in the thrilling conclusion of The Forlorn series.
Echo Nova by Clint Hall – Enclave Escape – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.
Dash Keane is about to become the biggest star in history.
As a poor teenager living in the Dregs, Dash Keane can only escape his dismal reality by competing in illegal rooftop races and staying up late to watch the timenet with his younger brother.
When there is an opportunity to participate in a competition set thousands of years in the past, he uses his rooftop racer skills to catch the eye of Mr. Myrtrym, head of entertainment for the massive Dominus Corporation.
It is the chance of a lifetime when Dominus Corp. hires Dash to be a timestar—the focus of his own series in which he must survive some of the most dangerous periods in history, including the Cretaceous period, feudal Japan, the Wild West, and the Golden Age of Piracy.
But when empathy for the people of the past conflicts with the desires of his new employer, he must decide whether the price of fame is worth it, a decision that may cost him everything.
Darkfell by Amanda Wright – Quill and Flame Publishers – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.
His is a life of books and peace…until a dying warrior’s touch ignites an ancient magic within his blood.
For years, Thom Darkfell has used his cartography skills to advise Lomair’s king of the country’s shifting borders. A valued academic, Thom is excluded from the military drafts until whispers of dark abominations and mass casualties reach the king’s ears. The resulting conscription thrusts Thom into Lomair’s losing army. A realist, Thom ignores the wild myths circling through the ranks—until a monster’s jaws snap through the folds of reality and crush a man before Thom’s eyes.
With his dying breath, the Realm Walker passes an impossible task to Thom. Hours later, the visions begin. The Creator, a deity Thom knows only from rituals spoken over meals and graves, appears to him while a girl with starlight in her blood calls from beyond the veil.
Armed with a cryptic map, a biscuit-loving tutor, and the brawn of his best friend, Thom sets out to find the star daughter and lock the barrier to bind the dark realm of Zakar.
If he fails, it will be the end of all.
Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 8 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK
Kav's Best Reads 
If I were fortunate enough to be selected, I would love the opportunity to read ECHO NOVA by Clint Hall.
While it is the only one offered in paperback, it is the one that caught my attention in the description over the other. While not usually on my radar, this genre would allow me to step out of my comfort zone, one of my to do things on my list for reading this year.
Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy!
May your Monday start you off on a fabulous new week with sunshine, cool temperatures, and wonderful books to read.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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