Category: Carol Awards

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 Saturday 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 – Romance 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.

Romance Finalists

Before Grace by Anna Daugherty – Black Rose Writing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Young mother and widow Katie Kaminski is chasing happiness at any cost—even to her children. When her in-laws ask her to photograph Grace Church’s fall festival, Katie reluctantly agrees to spend a week in her late husband’s hometown. But where she expected to find ghosts of his past, she instead finds her own.

Standing next to her in-laws is former flame Isaac Torres. The soldier-turned-police officer isn’t at church for God, though. He has no need for religion or women—especially the ones who have lied to him, like Katie.

As the past and present collide, a week on the Texas coast turns into two when an accident forces Katie to stay. The pain she runs from is catching up to her, threatening what remains of her family. For two people who know the high cost of love, will it be worth the risk?

An inspirational, second-chance story, Before Grace is the stand-alone prequel to the best-selling Grace Church Series from award-winning author Anna Daugherty. For realistic stories with a Biblical worldview and clean romance, grab a copy and enter the world of Grace Church today.

Small Town Harmony by Milla Holt – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

She chased her dream. Now her marriage is paying the price.Ezra Falconer always took the lead—onstage with his brothers’ Christian band, and at home with his quiet, dependable wife, Martha. But everything changed when Martha found her voice. Dropping 100 pounds, she ditched her frumpy style and emerged as the sultry, powerhouse star known as “Morgan.”

Now her music career is soaring. Ezra’s is stalling. And the marriage they once relied on is quietly burning down behind the scenes.

When they’re asked to record a charity duet, the studio becomes a battleground of buried resentment and lingering love, forcing them to face the growing silence between them. How can they rediscover harmony while they’re singing in different keys?

Hearts in Circulation by Sarah Monzon – Bethany House – Giveaway Options : US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

Little Creek’s bookmobile is more of a death trap on wheels than a vehicle of literary delights, and circulation librarian Haley Holt is afraid it’s going to careen down a mountainside with her in it. Yet she sees it as a way to serve her community and be worthy of the liver transplant that saved her life as a child. However, her fears come true when the bookmobile breaks down and a rockslide traps her in the small hollow of Turkey Grove.

Reclusive mechanic Levi Redding lives in tiny Turkey Grove to get away from people. He can handle getting the bookmobile running again, but the endless chatter and unsettling touch from the vibrant librarian leaves him overstimulated. When forced proximity leads to a misunderstanding, a note of apology begins an epistolary friendship, proving that sometimes the happiest of endings aren’t contained within the bindings of a book.

Sarah Monzon pens a charming story for fans of books about books, the forced-proximity and grumpy-sunshine tropes, and pen-pal romances. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/11/17/hearts-in-circulation-giveaway/

Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant – Sunrise Publishing – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience?

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad…but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family. But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 18 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

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 Springfield, Missouri (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2026 – 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.

Novella Category Finalists

A Bible and a .44 (in From This Moment On : Two Kind Meadows Novellas) by Robin Lee Hatcher – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

BIBLE AND A .44 : A past to redeem, a love to reclaim, and a faith to guide the way.

Jesse Graham returns to Kings Meadow a changed man, determined to atone for the mistakes of his wild youth. He longs to rebuild his relationship with his widowed mother and make amends to those he wronged—especially Willow Foster, the pastor’s granddaughter who once loved him despite his wicked ways. Willow has spent years trying to forget Jesse, guarding her heart against the pain he caused. But his return stirs emotions she thought she’d buried, and she must decide if she can trust the man he’s become.

With a heart surrendered to Jesus, Jesse faces the consequences of his past while serving the community he once shamed. As he works to prove his transformation, he finds himself falling for Willow in a new and lasting way—and hoping for a future that holds more than her forgiveness.

The Christmas Book Flood by Roseanna M. White – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

In this charming World War II historical romance novella inspired by Jolabokaflod, Iceland’s Christmas Book Flood, an author falls in love with a man who doesn’t know he is her editor.

Iceland. December 1944. Tatiana Eliasdottir is looking forward to welcoming her niece Elea for Christmas. She’s determined to give the little girl a joyful holiday and take her mind off troubles at home. Soon, however, the publishing house where Tatiana works is flooded with orders thanks to the first issue of a seasonal book catalog. With the war causing so many shortages, Icelanders are eager to give their loved ones something that isn’t rationed, and books are the perfect solution to their dilemma.

Anders Johannsson is an editor who shares Tatiana’s love for stories. While he wishes to know her better, he’s never dared pursue more than friendship. They are first and foremost colleagues. But when Tatiana’s attempts to cheer Elea fail, Tatiana recruits him to help, a plea he can’t refuse. He is, after all, not only an editor but a beloved children’s book author and devoted uncle to his adoring nieces and nephews.

As the two creatively bring Icelandic Christmas traditions to life for Elea and frantically work to meet the demands of the publisher’s holiday rush, Tatiana finds herself increasingly drawn to kind, thoughtful Anders. But if a love is to grow between them, she will need to reveal her closely held she is the mysterious author of a popular new novel . . . and Anders is her editor.

A standalone World War II historical Christmas novella. A sweet holiday romance with a friends-to-more trope. Features a bookish heroine and hero. Christian fiction great for fans of Lynn Austin and Sarah Sundin. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/10/14/the-christmas-book-flood-giveaway/

A Star in the West (On a Midnight Clear Collection) by Karen Witemeyer – Bethany House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback or ebook, International – ebook with a US kindle account.

Friendly correspondence with Stella Barrington evolves into something more when Harvard mathematics professor Frank Stentz arrives in Waco, Texas. As the two experiment with extending their relationship beyond letters, an impossible dilemma arises between love and logic. Will her wise man be able to calculate a way for them to be together?

Draw will be held and winner announced on Wednesday July 24 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

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 – Mystery/Suspense/Thriller 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.

Midnight Masquerade by Elle E. Kay – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

When everyone wears a mask, who can you trust?

CIA operative Dante Reyes stumbles onto a chilling discovery in this Christian romantic suspense. American women, including his former SEAL teammate’s sister Wendy, are being trafficked overseas to fuel a terrorist plot, orchestrated through a sinister dating app scheme. Thrust into forced proximity with HSI Agent Lisa Harper, a sharp-witted investigator with a painful past, Dante faces a task force shadowed by suspicion.

Lisa, hardened by life and skeptical of faith, must lead the mission despite a mysterious leak threatening their every move. As they race to dismantle the network, Dante’s quiet strength and protective nature chip away at Lisa’s defenses in this enemies to lovers romance, igniting an attraction neither can ignore.

The trail leads to a glittering masquerade ball, where international buyers gather for a final, explosive transaction. With high stakes and time running out, Dante and Lisa must navigate a web of deception, where trust in each other and something greater becomes the ultimate weapon and their hearts the greatest risk.

In a world where loyalties shift like shadows, can they overcome their fears and forge a bond strong enough to save the innocent, or will betrayal from within shatter everything they hold dear?

Every Hour Until Then by Gabrielle Meyer – Bethany House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

Gifted with the ability to time-cross between Victorian-era London and World War II Washington, DC, Kathryn faces two lives fraught with danger. In 1938 amid the looming shadow of war, Kathryn is invited to the London Museum as a guest curator to create a groundbreaking exhibit on Jack the Ripper and his reign of terror. As she delves into her grim research, she uncovers a chilling discovery: her own sister is destined to become the Ripper’s final victim decades earlier.

In 1888, in a race against fate, Kathryn is assisted by her handsome childhood friend in hunting down history’s most elusive killer. As they unravel the threads of mystery woven through time, Kathryn must decide if she’ll unmask the murderer history has chosen to hide, forfeiting a life with the man she loves to save her sister.

Bestselling author Gabrielle Meyer presents yet another thrilling time-travel tale of intrigue, loyalty, and romance–threaded with suspense and decisions that could change history.

Innocence Sold by B.F. Randall – Iron Stream Media – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

In 1978, Detective Lieutenant Bobby Richards takes his family on an outing to the San Francisco Headlands, where his sons briefly go missing. He soon finds them near a wildly painted VW bus, totally mesmerized by strangers whose appearance easily identify them as part of the current hippie culture. The strangers become belligerent when Bobby tells his sons that it’s time to go, but he quickly defuses the situation by flashing his badge. But, something about the strangers, the incident, the bus stays with Bobby. Months later, while investigating a missing-child case, he connects a similar VW bus sighting to a larger pattern and the incident from the Headlands quickly unravels into a haunting investigation of unthinkable crimes, revealing the darkness lurking beneath the surface of society.

Bobby learns too well that in the shadows, watching, waiting, are those who need but a moment to rip the heart out of a family and steal the most precious gift God ever gave them.

Steeped in suspense, faith, and the raw realities of crime and redemption, this gripping thriller from a pastor and former police officer will pull you into a world where justice comes at a cost—and sometimes, where the greatest battles are fought in the soul.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 20 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

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 – Historical Romance 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.

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, 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.

Clean and wholesome, marriage-of-convenience historical romanceFilled with love, faith, and adventure. Inspirational historical fiction that’s perfect for fans of Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Tamera AlexanderIncludes discussion questions for book clubs https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/08/28/the-lawyer-and-the-laundress-giveaway/

The Collector of Burned Books by Roseanna M. White – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

In this gripping World War II historical about the power of words, two people form an unlikely friendship amid the Nazi occupation in Paris and fight to preserve the truth that enemies of freedom long to destroy.

Paris, 1940. Ever since the Nazi Party began burning books, German writers exiled for their opinions or heritage have been taking up residence in Paris. There they opened a library meant to celebrate the freedom of ideas and gathered every book on the banned list . . . and even incognito versions of the forbidden books that were smuggled back into Germany.

For the last six years, Corinne Bastien has been reading those books and making that library a second home. But when the German army takes possession of Paris, she loses access to the library and all the secrets she’d hidden there. Secrets the Allies will need if they have any hope of liberating the city she calls home.

Christian Bauer may be German, but he never wanted anything to do with the Nazi Party—he is a professor, one who’s done his best to protect his family as well as the books that were a threat to Nazi ideals. But when Goebbels sends him to Paris to handle the “relocation” of France’s libraries, he’s forced into an army uniform and given a rank he doesn’t want. In Paris, he tries to protect whoever and whatever he can from the madness of the Party and preserve the ideas that Germans will need again when that madness is over, and maybe find a lost piece of his heart.

A Song in the Dark by Kimberley Woodhouse – Bethany House – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Against the simmering backdrop of the impending WWII, blind virtuoso pianist Chaisley Frappier embarks on a concert tour through a rapidly changing Europe despite the dangers. When she learns that Hitler’s escalating regime of injustice is targeting other disabled people, Chaisley realizes she is in a prime position to help those who are threatened reach safety. But the Führer’s growing fascination with the celebrated musician endangers her undercover mission and forces her to walk a tightrope between her fame and her calling.

When Rick Zimmerman receives his next assignment from the British Secret Intelligence Service, he’s surprised to learn he’ll be acting as the personal driver of a world-renowned pianist as she traverses Europe. The role gives him the perfect cover to complete side missions of sabotage and intelligence-gathering, but he soon suspects the brilliant, alluring pianist has secrets of her own. As Chaisley and Rick confront evil at every turn, it will take every bit of faith and courage they possess to triumph over hate–and survive.

Bestselling author Kimberley Woodhouse crafts a stirring story of fighting for hope, love, and justice amid the tumultuous European continent on the brink of war.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 13 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

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 – Historical Fiction 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.

The Fourth Magi by Bryan E. Canter – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

A biblical historical adventure for any season.

A sign in the heavens. A journey into the heart of an empire. A secret mission that could cost them everything.

A rare celestial event not seen in a thousand years sends three Parthian magi on a covert quest to find a newborn king prophesied to change the world. They are joined by Artaban, a brilliant but skeptical scholar haunted by his father’s tragic legacy.

Thrust into a world of deadly political intrigue, the magi are pursued by shadowy agents from their own court and haunted by the ever-watchful legions of Rome. Their treacherous journey across unforgiving deserts is fraught with bandit attacks, sinister plots, and the ghosts of Artaban’s own past.

From the opulent courts of Parthia to the dusty streets of Bethlehem, The Fourth Magi is a sweeping tale of historical richness, heart-pounding suspense, and profound spiritual discovery. It is an unforgettable reimagining of the Christmas story, exploring the clash of empires, the weight of legacy, and the power of a single moment to transform a life of doubt into one of unshakable faith—a story whose themes resonate long after the manger fades from view.

Experience the authentic world of the Nativity story, where faith and doubt intertwine beneath heavenly signs, and discover that sometimes the most valuable gift is the one we least expect to give.

The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account.

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn AustinA compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgivenessIncludes discussion questions for book groups.

Last Light Over Galveston by Jennifer L. Wright – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – paperback, ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle.

Galveston, Texas. September 1900. Only months ago, Kathleen McDaniel returned from finishing school in Switzerland to her family home in New York’s Hudson Valley with a future of promise and privilege set before her. But one horrific event shattered her picturesque life. Now she has fled as far as the train line and a pocketful of money would take her, finding refuge at the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum on Galveston Island, where she helps the nuns care for their young charges and prays her past will not find her. Despite her tenuous standing at the orphanage—and the grief and betrayal that drove her from home—Kathleen slowly begins to make friends. There is Emily, the novice nun she rooms with; Maggie, the tempestuous young girl who only bonds with Kathleen; and Matthew, a kind, handsome man recently employed by Isaac Cline at Galveston’s office of the US Weather Bureau.

Then in one fateful day, Kathleen’s fragile new life begins to crack as it becomes clear that she can’t run far enough to escape the reach of her former life. Meanwhile, as troubling news about a storm crossing the Gulf from Cuba swirls in the Weather Bureau offices, Matthew holds fast to Cline’s belief that no hurricane can touch Galveston. But as darkness falls on the island, Kathleen must gather her courage and reach for a strength beyond her own if she—and those she loves—are to survive.

A stand-alone historical novel about the 1900 Galveston hurricaneA gripping read inspired by true eventsFeatures themes of resilience, found family, and redemptionIncludes discussion questions perfect for book clubs. https://kavsbestreads.ca/2026/02/18/last-light-over-galveston-giveaway/

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday June 6 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK

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 —Contemporary 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.

Contemporary Finalists

Before I Go : Frank’s Story by Marilyn K. Blair – independently published – Giveaway Options: US – ebook, Canada – ebook, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Frank Happy hoped he could flee the violence that plagued his growing up years and start a new life with his mother and brother in the quiet coastal town of Eastport, Maine. But building a life when anger resides on one shoulder and fear on the other is not an easy task.

Delving deep into the complexities of family relationships and the devastating consequences of anger and unforgiveness, Before I Go, the prequel to the first novel of The Eastport Series, takes you on a tender, faith-filled, and at times gut-wrenching journey through Frank Happy’s life–from his teenage years through adulthood.

Fans of Lisa Wingate and Jan Karon will want to add this gripping tale to their collections.

What the River Keeps by Cheryl Grey Bostrom – Tyndale – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

Hildy Nybo is a successful biologist, her study of the Pacific Northwest’s wild fish both a passion and a career. But behind her professional brilliance, Hildy’s reclusive private life reflects a childhood fraught with uncertainty. Despite her father’s love and her mother’s sympathy, she grew up constantly losing even her most cherished belongings, unable to recall where she misplaced them. Haunted by the confusion of those early years, she now records her life in detailed diaries and clings tightly to memory-prompting keepsakes.

Then her mother’s health fails, and Hildy accepts a job near her childhood home, joining a team of scientists who will help restore her beloved Elwha River after the demolition of two century-old dams. There Hildy settles into one of the cabins on her family’s rustic resort—a place she both loves and dreads, for reasons she can’t fully explain.

When local artist Miranda Rimmer rents an adjacent cabin for her pottery studio, Hildy shrinks from such a close neighbor. But then Miranda’s carpenter brother, Luke, shows up to help with construction and captures Hildy’s attention. Now a few years beyond a tragedy that brought him to his knees, Luke recognizes a kindred soul in Hildy, and they build a relationship that dismantles the walls Hildy’s built to keep people out. As troubling pieces of the past surface, Hildy dares to wonder if she can banish the shadows that have burdened her and follow her river’s course to freedom.

A compelling story of forgiveness, redemption, and overcoming painful secrets that explores the beauty of the natural world

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher – Revell – Giveaway Options: US – paperback or ebook, Canada – ebook or audible, International – ebook with a US Kindle account

She’s ready for adventure–isn’t she?

Kate Cunningham is facing the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she’s spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they just might publish it. It’s the kind of challenge Kate has been waiting for, and she’s eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn’t as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain–and the bears–better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes. But they’re not the only ones with an interest in the park’s most famous bear. And his motives are far from innocent.

A clean, kisses-only contemporary romance and summer read by Suzanne Woods Fisher for wildlife, travel, and photography enthusiasts set in Grand Teton National Park.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday May 30 2026. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

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 2025 at 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 —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 Finalists

When Plans Go Awry by Denise M. Colby – Scrivenings Press – Editors: Linda Fulkerson and Regina Merrick – Giveaway options: US: ebook, Canada: paperback or ebook, International: ebook with a US Kindle account.

Olivia Carmichael escapes her past to be the next schoolmarm in the small ranching community of Washton, California. Her plan? Live a quiet spinster life, alone, never to depend on anyone ever again.

Luke Taylor selected a mail-order bride, a necessity to help raise his two younger sisters, and the only way he knew to protect his heart. His plans don’t include being responsible for the beautiful new schoolmarm, who threatens his resolve between his need to stay away and his need to be near to make sure she stays safe.

Along the way, neither feel much in control of their circumstances. Olivia’s carefully laid-out plans are challenged at every turn. Luke’s mail-order bride is not what he expected.
Will Luke and Olivia learn to trust God’s plan for their lives?

CORE Deception by Jeremiah Friedli – Indie – Editors: Jon Tilton and Jeanette Windle – Giveaway options: US: ebook, Canada: unavailable, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

In a world where the government’s CORE systems see and track everyone, seventeen-year-old hacker Seth Alvarez is determined to save his sister from being placed in a reeducation facility. Armed with a cryptic letter, Seth embarks on a search for the valuable incognito devices—cyber master keys that can set his sister free. But with only three weeks remaining, he finds himself wedged between two powerful forces who will stop at nothing to get the devices first.

Protector by Megan Schaulis – White Crown Publishing – Editors: Janelle Leonard and Marisa Stokely – Giveaway options: US and Canada: ebook, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

As the orphaned daughter of a traitor, Novalise grew up in hiding with an outlawed religious group hated by the Crown. She dreams of aiding her people as a scientist and begs her overprotective brother for a chance to assist in his schemes against the government. All her hopes of making a difference implode when she’s kidnapped and forced to compete against the Enhanced—a group of highly trained, biologically upgraded young women—for a position as the king’s Protector.

Plagued by insomnia, King Zadien is still reeling from his father’s untimely death. When his council suggests a competition as the way to choose his new bodyguard, he lacks the confidence to oppose the plan. Given the role he played in his father’s murder, choosing the right Protector could mean relieving his guilt or repeating his worst mistakes. Can he trust the intriguing and beautiful candidate who’s nothing like the others?

 After discovering a long-hidden connection between the Enhanced and her father, Novalise realizes winning the competition would give her people the strategic advantage they desperately need. But is that leverage worth compromising herself, body and soul?

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 16 2024. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

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 2025 at 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 —Young Adult 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.

Young Adult Fiction Finalists

The Nightmare Virus by Nadine Brandes – Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media) – Editor: Rebecca Reynolds – Giveaway options: US: print or ebook, Canada: ebook or audible, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe, trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus. 

Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind. 

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare–to change it by mere thought. 

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod–and access to a cure–in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul. 

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

Rift by Steven James – Sky Turtle Nova (Oasis Family Media) – Editor: Rebecca Reynolds – Giveaway options: US: print or ebook, Canada: print or ebook or audible, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

Some doors were never meant to be opened. Some tales were never meant to be set free. When seventeen-year-old Sahara O’Saughnessy discovers a rift into the realm of lore, the most haunting stories she’s been telling her friends come to life, and she must find a way to stop them before they tear her world apart. RIFT explores loss, longing, and courage with spine-chilling suspense. Set within the Appalachian Mountains, it walks the boundaries between the known and the unknown.

Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs – Enclave Publishing (Oasis Family Media) – Editors: Sarah Grimm and Lisa Laube – Giveaway options: US: ebook, Canada: ebook or audible, International: ebook with US Amazon account.

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again. 

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.”

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 9 2025. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

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 2025 at 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—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

The Castle Rose by Tabitha Caplinger – Blue Ink Press – Editors: Christa Leonheart and Liz Sheth – Giveaway options: US: paperback or ebook, Canada: paperback or ebook, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

Bastian Roux lived and died a hundred years ago. Kind of. He certainly feels like nothing more than a ghost as he haunts the abandoned Castle Rose Theatre, his only solace found in the notes of his piano. That is until Odette arrives.

Odette Durand moved to New Orleans for a fresh start. The coffee-addicted local bookshop manager never expected to be pulled into something supernatural and she certainly doesn’t believe in ghosts. But seeing a man no one else can see and hearing music that shouldn’t exist makes a girl question her beliefs–and her sanity.

With a mysterious and somewhat charming Southern gentleman thrown in the mix, Odette finds herself entangled in a century-old rivalry bound by a curse. If she’s the only one who can see Bastian, is she also the only one who can break whatever is keeping him stuck in the realm between the living and the dead? As Odette and Bastian navigate the shadows of Bastian’s past, they must grapple with the ultimate question: Will breaking the curse give Bastian his life back or take it away forever?

Lightshed by Crystal D. Grant – Quill & Flame Publishing House – Editor: Meghan Kleinschmidt – Giveaway Options: US and Canada: ebook, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

The coveted Shadowstone is finally his. But what will it cost him?

Empowered by his new role as Shadowman, Mason Grey has strengthened his resolve against the Steward Army and the prince he has sworn to kill. But his heart is torn between justice for his brother and desire for the girl who stands with his enemy. Determined to bridge the gap, he risks everything he’s worked for to try to win her over to his side.

Convinced there is still good in him, Seria Gayle makes up her mind to point Mason to the truth, even if it means betraying the Stewards she has befriended. When the dark Emperor Jader turns his sights on the Gateway between his realm and theirs, Seria makes a bold decision that takes her far from home and into enemy territory. But standing between light and darkness comes with a price, and she fears the cost for Mason’s salvation may be too high to pay. 

As tensions heat up on both sides of the Gateway, Mason is given a challenging assignment that will strengthen his master’s army for years to come-but it could mean losing Seria forever. To make matters worse, his abilities as a Reader begin spiraling out of control. Will this mission of vengeance bring him the closure he needs…or destroy him from the inside out?

Drawn by Light by John W. Otte – Indie – Editor: Megan Gerig – Giveaway Options: US and Canada: ebook, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

Can they reunite to save everything they know?

After a staggering betrayal that felled her husband and captured his throne, Queen Everys retreated to the Cold Light Forest. She thought she’d be able to regroup and face her enemies–the invading Dalark Imperium and now King Brencis, who stole her husband’s crown. But the return of an ancient evil reveals what’s truly at stake. Everys is determined to overcome these challenges for both her kingdom and her Siporan people. But alongside these threats, the temptations of her power have never been so strong, and her grief and fear are suffocating after the loss of her husband.

Except Narius is still alive, hidden within the Dalark Imperium. His rescuers want his help with an audacious plan, one that could bring about peace between the Imperium and Narius’s Dynasty. But doing so would mean he can’t have the one thing he wants: Everys, safe in his arms.

Long-held secrets, old animosities, and difficult realizations threaten to reshape everything they know. If they want to stop their enemies, they’ll have to risk everything. To whatever end, between the power of Everys’s magic and Narius’s faithful determination, the Dynasty will never be the same.

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday August 2 2025. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.

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 2025 at the ACFW Gala in New Orleans, Louisiana (wouldn’t you love to be there?!)

How does this giveaway work?

You select which of the Carol Award finalists 2025 —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

Twenty-One Stones by Janice Boekhoff – Indie – Editor: Linda Yezak – Giveaway options: US and Canada: ebook (also available on Kindle UnLimited), International: ebook with US Kindle account.

A genius with a reckless streak. A risky scientific breakthrough. Is saving a life worth the cost?

Mars Lockporte lives for excitement. Brilliant but impatient, the quantum physics major chases each new blood-pumping high with the cockiness of an action hero. So when his best friend is murdered, the loyal adrenaline junkie doesn’t hesitate to use his untested invention to jump back in time and stop the killer… but instead ends up in the middle of the Civil War.

Scrambling to survive the Battle of Antietam, Mars is shocked to discover his foe’s distant ancestor is a male nurse patching up wounded Union soldiers. And with scant hours left before he’s returned to his own era, the bright young scientist fears his only opportunity to alter his friend’s deadly fate means destroying an innocent life.

Will Mars change history at the price of his soul?

Twenty-One Stones is the intriguing first book in the Leap Limit time-travel science fiction series. If you like smart but flawed heroes, historical backdrops, and facing difficult decisions, then you’ll love Janice Boekhoff’s fascinating what-if.

Matchmaking the Cowboy by Emily Conrad – Indie – Editors: Brandi Aquino and Judy DeVries – Giveaway Options: US and Canada: paperback or ebook (also available on Kindle UnLimited) International: ebook with US Kindle account.

What’s a little covert matchmaking between friends?

Lucy Aveline’s ex has a knack for making her feel small and helpless. She’d avoid him entirely, but he still owns a piece of her heart in the form of the pets he purchased for her but kept for himself. She visits Rosie and Jasmine when she can, vows to avoid another controlling boyfriend by staying single, and focuses on her large animal veterinary practice. Or that’s the plan until some longtime family friends attempt to set her up with former rodeo star Hollis Price. Lucy convinces them to drop the plot only when she promises to find Hollis a good match herself.

Hollis is more concerned with surviving his first Christmas after losing his dad than with finding love. Dad’s champion horse is aging, and rumors started by an unhappy client threaten the horse training business Hollis inherited from his father. When the kind and talented Lucy offers friendship, he accepts simply to add cheer to the season.

It’s not long before his interest in Lucy deepens, but so do problems at his ranch. Saving his father’s legacy begins to look as impossible as earning Lucy’s trust. Especially when her ex continues to use her love of animals against her and she won’t stop pushing her single friends at Hollis long enough to notice she’s the one he’s falling for.

Return to Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters in this Christian Christmas Romance.

Waiting for Gilbert by Tasha Hackett – Indie – Editors: Megan Schaulis and Crystal Nelson – Giveaway options: US: paperback or ebook, Canada: paper, ebook or audible, International: ebook with US Kindle account.

“I’m just a girl, standing in front of a phone, asking her landlord to come to dinner.”

Cute and fun Cordelia is history. From now on, I’m serious and focused CJ Thompson. No more snappy one-liners. No more dance-parties-for-one in restaurant booths. Anne-girl is out. Marilla Cuthbert is in. It’s time to grow up!
If only it were that easy. With less than two weeks until a massive work deadline, I signed a 12-month lease on a cottage sight-unseen because I couldn’t bear to stay in the city another day after my broken engagement. It’s all well and good until my landlord knocks on my door at two in the morning.

Who knew living next to a house-flipping, cello-playing, swooney-smiling, flesh-and-blood man named Gilbert would be so distracting?

To Do…
17. Finish unpacking
18. Drink coffee
19. Ask Gilbert to marry me

*********
This is a no-door, kisses only romance with beautiful raw emotions and silly and wonderful characters.

My Review: https://kavsbestreads.ca/2024/12/17/waiting-for-gilbert-giveaway/

Amish Witness to Murder by Dana R. Lynn – Love Inspired – Editor: Tina James – Giveaway Options: US and Canada: paperback or ebook. International: ebook with US Kindle account.

To identify her father’s killer…she must stay alive.

After finding her family’s barn in flames and witnessing her father’s murder, Beth Troyer becomes the killer’s next target. She narrowly escapes death when the murderer turns on her, but now she’s left temporarily blind. She’ll have to rely on former family friend Gideon Bender to keep her safe until her eyesight returns. But with a killer who’ll stop at nothing to find her, staying alive might just be impossible…

Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday July 26 2025. REMEMBER TO CHECK EDITION AVAILABILITY FOR EACH BOOK.