Christy Awards 2026 Finalists – First Novel + Giveaway

What are the Christy Awards?

The Christy Award is destined to nurture creativity and quality in the writing and publishing of fiction written from a Christian worldview and showcase the diversity of genres. These 2026 finalists are books published in 2025. 

How does this Giveaway work?

You select one of the First Novel finalists you would like to receive if your name is drawn. Mention the title in a comment. If you win that’s the book that will be sent to you. Easy Peasy. Here are the finalists. (I have provided links to my reviews of the books I have read.)

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.

A Simple Kindness in Flatsboro, Heather Norman Smith
Kregel Publications, 9780825455643

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

A small dose of kindness can go a long way

Andy Clark has always been different. But it isn’t just the tumorous mass covering half his face that sets him apart—it’s his quiet kindness. As an anonymous do-gooder in Flatsboro, North Carolina, Andy lives out what his mama taught him, even though she’s no longer there.

Della Rose Miller, a well-known former beauty queen, escapes her crumbling marriage to arrogant Wade Miller and moves back to her hometown in hopes of finding reprieve. She and her daughter settle into a little Flatsboro apartment and quickly learn that they’re in the same complex as a childhood classmate whose heart Della Rose broke in third grade.

With her life turned upside down, Della Rose is uneasy about starting fresh, but when unassuming Andy turns his generosity toward her daughter, an unlikely friendship rekindles. When a heroic act suddenly pushes Andy into the spotlight, he risks his anonymity and quiet day-to-day habits to stand up for what’s right.

As Della Rose navigates the end of her marriage and Andy continues his secret philanthropy, they navigate grief and trusting God. Heather Norman Smith weaves a charming and heartwarming Southern story to remind you of the power of simple kindness. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/02/26/a-simple-kindness-in-flatsboro-giveaway/

In the Light of the Sun, Angela Shupe
WaterBrook, an imprint of PRH Christian, 9780593601938

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Two sisters, separated by oceans and global conflict, are bonded through music and love in this gripping novel based on true events from World War II.

The Philippines, 1941. Young and gifted, Italian Filipina Caramina Grassi dreams of voice training in Italy to become an opera singer like her older sister, Rosa, and their Nonna before her. But when the Japanese military invades, Caramina’s family is forced to flee to the mountainous Luzon jungle. Finding comfort in her music, she must find the strength to not only survive but fight to protect her siblings and overcome the devastation of war.

Meanwhile, amidst the opulence of the Florentine opera, budding star soprano Rosa Grassi is soon to finish her time at Luigi Cherubini Conservatorio and debut professionally. As Italy falls deeper under the shadow of Mussolini and his henchmen, the Blackshirts, Rosa discovers that secrets run rampant in times of war. When Nazi jackboots march on Florence, Rosa joins la Resistenza to fight the Germans and Duce’s regime. A fog of intrigue clouds what she knows to be true in her closest relationships. In a time when family or friend could be foe, Rosa will learn that performing isn’t just for the stage. Facing deep betrayal, she’ll risk everything to protect the one she loves.

Based on events inspired by the author’s family history throughout the war, In the Light of the Sunleaves the reader with hope to the rich tones of beautiful music.

The Lawyer and the Laundress, Christine Hill Suntz
Tyndale House Publishers, 9798400507762

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Lawyer James Kinney isn’t looking for love, and laundress Sara O’Connor doesn’t want to be found. When their paths cross in a British colony on the brink of rebellion, a marriage of convenience may be their best hope of survival.

Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with the neighbor children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life. 

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James offers an unexpected become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady. 

If Sara can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together, his logical proposal could keep her secret secure forever. But soon, the forces of rebellion unravel their tidy arrangement. When James is accused of treason, Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/08/28/the-lawyer-and-the-laundress-giveaway/

Where Stillness Speaks, Chelsey Welwood
Chelsey Welwood, 9798298040112

Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

An unwanted engagement. A new life where she struggles to belong. One lie that might save her–but binds her with the very man who wants her gone.

The last place Audra Bancroft wants to be is trapped in the glittering world of the elite—paraded as little more than a decoration on some gentleman’s arm. She longs to be truly known and understood, but as the niece of a wealthy businessman, she is anything but. When her uncle announces her betrothal to a man she despises—a man whose power could ensure she never escapes the gilded cage—she makes the only choice her heart can to disappear.

Hiding her true identity, Audra takes a position on a family-run farm in another state, where faith runs deeper than blood and work is done with calloused hands. Though unaccustomed to the honest toil of the laboring class, she is determined to prove herself. Winning over the sharp-eyed eldest son, Tobias Haystead, is another matter entirely. He finds her suspicious, far too outspoken—and a threat to his family’s carefully guarded secret.

When Audra’s past catches up to her, she tells a desperate lie to save herself—one that binds her fate to Tobias in a way neither of them saw coming.

A tale of courage, faith, found family, and unexpected love. WHERE STILLNESS SPEAKS is perfect for fans of wholesome clean historical Christian romance with depth and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers journey.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 26 (after 12 pm)  REMEMBER TO CHECK GIVEAWAY EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH TITLE!

41 thoughts on “Christy Awards 2026 Finalists – First Novel + Giveaway”

  1. Oooh!! In the Light of the Sun sounds amazing! I enjoy WWII-era books, and I haven’t read many that take place in the Pacific Theater. It’s cool that both fronts are included, and I’d love to see how she handles that challenge. I love the cover too. I’ll be recommending this book to my manager for consideration at the library where I work. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Karen R (kcrhoadesATroadrunnerDOTcom)

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    1. This one intrigues me too and I love the cover. Hopefully your library will acquire In the Light of Sun now that it’s on THE CHRISTY finalist list. I know my library doesn’t often (if ever) get a debut CF novel in. Guess they feel it’s too risky? Anyway, good luck, Karen!

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  2. If I were so fortunate to be selected, I would love the opportunity to read THE LAWYER AND THE LAUNDRESS by Christine Hill Suntz. Love reading debut author’s books and this one sounds amazing. Thank you so much for the chance to win a copy!

    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  3. The Lawyer and the Laundress is my pick. I’m so excited to see all the wonderful books that are up for the Christy Award…..there’s some very well deserved authors!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  10. Oooh, this is such a hard choice, because I LOVED The Lawyer and the Laundress (which I read from the library), but I have Where Stillness Speaks on my TBR and haven’t read that one yet!
    I think I’ll go with The Lawyer and the Laundress though, because I just really loved that one🥰

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  13. Where Stillness Speaks would be my choice.

    I must to mention the only one on this list that I’ve read is The Lawyer and the Laundress and it’s fantastic!

    perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com

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  15. I hadn’t heard of Where Stillness Speaks until this post, and it sure does sound like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for introducing me to it and for the giveaway opportunity! Jolene – iwant2save34 at gmail dot com

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  16. Where Stillness Speaks would be my choice. The others sounds good, too. I have a copy of The Lawyer and the Laundress but haven’t started it yet. It’s near the top of my TBR pile.

    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

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  17. Kav, put me down please for The Lawyer and the Laundress. I recently read Christine’s second novel The Heiress and the Woodsman and absolutely loved it. Now I want to read this first one of hers. Thanks for the chance to win it, Kav! 🙂

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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