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’s (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)
How does this giveaway work?
You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – Debut 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.
Debut Novel Finalists
To Have and to Hold by Deb L. Brown – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.
When life doesn’t go according to plan, perfectionist Amelia must trade control for faith—and find joy in the beautiful mess of becoming a mother.
To Have and to Hold is a contemporary Christian novel that weaves heartache, humor, and hope into the unpredictable journey toward parenthood. Amelia Greathouse is a meticulous event planner who thrives on structure, checklists, and perfection. She wants to have it all—marriage, a career, and a family. Her husband, Melvin, is a creative museum curator with a spontaneous streak that keeps her grounded—and sometimes off balance. Together, they make a loving but unlikely pair.
When infertility turns their plans upside down, their marriage and faith are pushed to the brink. From invasive treatments to a devastating miscarriage, Amelia’s pursuit of motherhood becomes all-consuming. As she supports her best friend’s pregnancy and silently compares herself to the chaotic moms around her, she feels increasingly broken and alone. At work, a major opportunity tempts her to prove her worth—but at what cost?
Just as joy seems within reach, a heartbreaking setback threatens to unravel everything. Told with warmth and wit, To Have and to Hold explores the tension between striving and surrender, and the power of faith to carry us through life’s detours—toward the family we never expected but were meant to have.
Tattooed Woman at the Well by Terri McAdoo -Redemption Press – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.
A tale of revenge, resilience, and redemption awaits in Terri McAdoo’s Tattooed Woman at the Well.Step into the world of Bleu Yarbro, a tough-as-nails truck driver on a mission to right the wrongs of her past.
Across America’s highways, Bleu navigates an unpredictable landscape of bullies, thugs, and heartache. Her only solace is the rooftop garden where she grows irises in memory of her beloved grandpa. But as Bleu’s quest for vengeance consumes her, she must confront the ultimate Will she rise above revenge or sink under its weight?
Buckle up for a fun and dangerous ride through the world of truck driving, tattooing, and temptation. With unlikely heroes and despicable villains at every turn, Tattooed Woman at the Well will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
Can Bleu find redemption on the open road, or will her past catch up with her? Click the BUY NOW button and join Bleu on her unforgettable journey today. Fans of gritty, character-driven novels won’t want to miss this stunning debut from award-winning author Terri McAdoo.
The Tragedy of Old Ricker by Phillip Snyder – Living Tome Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account
A Stražar’s life has never been easy — each day they delve into an enchanted forest that is bent on devouring everything within. Oli has been one of the last Stražar since watching his father die, barely scraping by a living for him and his sister. But everything changes when Léonie Baudelaire arrives, convinced that the kingdom’s only chance of surviving an enemy invasion lies at the heart of that forest. She hires Oli to guide her to the forest’s depths, giving him a chance to earn enough coin to change his life forever.
But everything is more dangerous than it seems.
Can Oli survive the depths of the forest and relive his past traumas? And when the invading army following Léonie arrives, Oli’s sister — Layla — must survive being thrust into a world of violence and death.
Here, in the world of La’Azurus, even the prayed for salvation may become the world’s doom.
Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 22 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK
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