The Christy Award 2023 Finalists

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023 organized by ECPA and hosted by 

JustRead Publicity Tours! We extend our sincere and enthusiastic congratulations to 

The Christy Award 2023 Finalists & Winners!

YOU ARE INVITED

The Christy Award Gala 2023
Via webcast
November 16, 2023 | 7 pm CT

Featuring Chris Fabry, Davis Bunn, Janette Oke, 

and a host of Christy-winning authors

Hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry, the Christy Award Winners Gala will be held 

Thursday, November 16th at 7pm CT via free webcast to recognize the finalists and announce the winners 

of The Christy Award in nine categories, Book of the Year, and Amplify Award. The event will feature two 

literary greats, Christian fiction legacy authors Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Award presenters will include 

Christy winning authors Amanda Cox, Toni Shiloh, Nicole Deese, Patricia Raybon, Jocelyn Green,

  Sarah Sundin, Terri Blackstock, Karen Witemeyer, Sharon Hinck,

 and Kara Swanson.

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The Christy Award Finalists 2023

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg (Larkspur Press)
All That It Takes by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
To Believe in You by Emily Conrad (Hope Anchor LLC)
To Win a Prince by Toni Shiloh (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

FIRST NOVEL

    

The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Forgotten Life of Eva Gordon by Linda MacKillop (Kregel Publications)
Porch Music by Kathy Maresca (TouchPoint Press Faith)

GENERAL FICTION

   

 

By Way of the Moonlight by Elizabeth Musser (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
When Stone Wings Fly by Karen Barnett (Kregel Publications)
Where the Blue Sky Begins by Katie Powner (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL

   

 

All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar (Tyndale House Publishers)
Within These Walls of Sorrow by Amanda Barratt (Kregel Publications

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

 

The Italian Ballerina by Kristy Cambron (Thomas Nelson Publishers)
The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

 

By Way of Deception by Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn (Harvest House Publishers)
Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)
Forged by Sara Davison (Mountain Brook Ink)
The Souls of Lost Lake by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

SHORT FORM

 

 

Always a Lady (in A Return to Hawthorne House) by Kristi Ann Hunter (Oholiab Creations, LLC)
Hopes and Fears (in O Little Town) by Amanda Wen (Kregel Publications)
Kiss Me on Christmas by Sarah Monzon (Sarah Monzon)

SPECULATIVE

    

Drawn in Ash by John W. Otte (John W. Otte)
Dream of Kings by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)
Yesterday's Gone by Cindy Woodsmall & Erin Woodsmall (Tyndale House Publishers)

YOUNG ADULT

   

 

 

Blood Secrets by Morgan L. Busse (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)
This Dreamer by Sara Watterson (Sara Watterson)
The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd (Scrivenings Press)
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes (Thomas Nelson)
The Wonderland Trials by Sara Ella (Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media)

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive their choice of The Art of Writing registration OR print copies of 

The Christy Award finalist titles for one category!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. 

The giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2023, and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk 

forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2023 EVENTS

The Art of Writing webinars on Thursday evenings, 7 p.m. CT $69
online October 19, October 26, November 2, November 9
This virtual conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators includes access and
recordings to four webinars organized by publishers.

The Christy Award winners webcast on November 16 at 7 p.m. CT. - free but registration is required.
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

REGISTER

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is

 the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more 

information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and 

Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Broken Crown ~ Review

The Broken Crown

The Narrow Gate #1

By Amory Cannon

Emilia Aurelius has been forgotten by her father since the day her mother died as a traitor - for believing in a single God, a God that the Empire's rebels worship. But having served in a military outpost for most of the time since has made her strong and capable. As her father's only heir, her upbringing has ill-prepared her when she is summoned to the imperial city to vie for the crown prince's hand. 

Yup, she is in major trouble. Not only does she not know how to act like a proper princess, she secretly follows the same God that her mother did. Fortunately, the crown prince has entrusted her safety to his most trusted personal guard, Felix.

The Broken Crown is the first book in The Narrow Gate series, and it is packed full of drama as Emilia tries to determine just what she is supposed to do. Does she keep her beliefs secret? Is it her destiny to marry the future Emperor and then reveal her allegiances? It is a lot for a seventeen-year-old girl to figure out while surviving the political perils that are closing in around her.

I found this book to be engaging, and it held my interest from the first sentence. This is written for the YA audience, but it should appeal to older readers too. Readers of Jill Williamson (Blood of Kings series), Melanie Dickerson, Melanie Cellier, and Jennifer Nielsen (False King series) should enjoy this book/series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I offer my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Release Date: May 23, 2016
Genre: Clean YA Fiction

Princess Emilia Aurelius was only seven when she watched her mother die at the hands of her father—martyred for believing in the God of the Atlas Empire’s Insurgo rebels. At seventeen, exiled to a military outpost where no one knows her true identity, she’s vowed to leave her royalty behind and explore the truth of the Insurgo rebels her mother loved.

When the Emperor of Atlas summons the princesses from each of the provinces to the imperial city to choose a wife for the crown prince, Emilia must leave her military life behind to join a royal court rife with cunning and intrigue. Navigating the waters of court politics and budding love are treacherous on their own, but Emilia fears for her life should anyone learn of her Insurgo sympathies.

With an unlikely ally in the captain of the emperor’s guard, Emilia must uncover the truth of the Insurgos, start a revolution, and learn to become the princess she’s vowed never to be, all while protecting her heart from a prince who could sign her death warrant.

The Desolate Reign ~ Review

The Desolate Reign

The Narrow Gate #2

By Amory Cannon

Emilia Aurelius has escaped the capital city with Felix, Hannah, Cecelia, Antony, and a contingent of soldiers with loyalty to Felix. But something about their escape seems too easy. 

And she's more than hurt at Ronan's silence when she was sentenced to death; she's angry. And she is faced with making decisions she never expected to have to make. Does she claim the crown of Borealis following her father's murder? Or does she go in search of the Insurgos?

At 17 years old, Emilia Aurelius has seen more than most young women her age, definitely more than a princess. But Emilia is no ordinary princess, having spent most of her life in exile following her mother's death for treason. She can fight better than most of the soldiers she has trained with. But acting like a princess is something she is not prepared for. And taking the reigns of a nation and leading even less.

But as Emilia finds out, even though she is free from the Empire, she is still being manipulated. But now she is manipulated by more than the royal court. But to bring peace, she will give up what she truly wants. But will her sacrifices bring peace between the Insurgos and Borealis, and by extension, the Empire? 

The Desolate Reign is the second book in The Narrow Way series, and if possible, more intense than The Broken Crown. Emelia and Felix are caught in the circumstances of who they are. Felix is as mysterious as can be - his past is unknown. And both are determined to do their duty, but where will it lead them? Emelia feels a pull and a voice seems to be asking her to do something, but how can she know what the right answer is? 

I found this book to be engaging, and it held my interest from the first sentence. This is written for the YA audience, but it should appeal to older readers too. Readers of Jill Williamson (Blood of Kings series), Melanie Dickerson, Melanie Cellier, and Jennifer Nielsen (False King series) should enjoy this book/series.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I offer my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Release Date: February 20, 2020
Genre: Clean YA Fiction

Emilia Aurelius should be a queen, but she’d settle for not being a fugitive. Taking refuge in the Borealis court seems to be her only chance to find a haven from Emperor Cyrus, who is playing a dangerous game of power with a set of rules all his own. Unfortunately, her own country is on the brink of civil war, attacked from within and without by the very people she’s sworn to save—the Insurgos.

With the truth of the Insurgos’ God and agenda murkier than ever, Emilia embarks on a treacherous quest for truth and her rightful place as queen. Neither will come without a price. Political pressure may force her to choose between her crown and her heart, while the search for ancient secrets unearths more questions than answers.

A mysterious prisoner may hold the information she seeks if she’s willing to bargain. What is the Narrow Gate? Can she finish what she started and save the Insurgos from extinction… even if they don’t want to be saved?

Quest of Fire: Desperation ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog Tour for 

Quest of Fire: Desperation by Brett Armstrong, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Quest of Fire: Desperation 

Quest of Fire #4 

By Brett Armstrong

War has come to Ecthelowall, and the hopes that the Commonwealth can be restored are about to be dealt another severe blow. Thomas Fenwrest's life was changed forever following his parents' deaths. Taken in by his uncle, Baron Fenwrest, Thomas is being mentored by Sir Hurstwell when they are tasked with moving the heirs to the ancient throne of Ecthelowall to safety. But the danger is much closer than they realized, and soon they are in a fight for their lives.

This book has a high level of drama as treachery, and unexpected aid comes into play. This is the fourth book in the series, and it is a worthy addition to the series. I'm looking forward to seeing how exactly everything comes together. The various threads are heading seemingly toward a certain path, but challenges and obstacles keep getting in the way, diverting our heroes and separating them at times. This time we only have quick glimpses of what is taking place for the old storyteller and Aria, as Jason's fate is not yet known.

I have read all the books in this series, and let me just say you have to read these in order! This book is excellent reading, and the Quest of Fire series is perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings. I would say it is in between them in reading difficulty. But I would say middle-grade readers and older will love these books. And, like me, if you delve into this world, you will be wondering what will happen next. I highly recommend this book and series and feel that it will appeal to home-schoolers.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK 

Title: Quest of Fire: Desperation 

Series: Quest of Fire #4 

Author: Brett Armstrong 

Publisher: Expanse Books 

Release Date: September 13, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Epic Fantasy

Guarding his nation’s last hope, a teen must escape enemy lands.

While Anargen, Caeserus, and Bertinand are held captive in Stormridge, the war to restore Ecthelowall’s Commonwealth has been waged for months. Their friend Terrillian is on its frontline and hopes are high.

For Barons Fenwrest and Sornfold the fight is too close to their children, whose union represents the only viable challenge to the Monarchists' claim to Ecthelowall’s ancient throne. Enter Thomas Fenwrest, an orphan and page to Sir Hurstwell, who is captain of Baron Fenwrest’s guard. The pair must escort the teens to Castle Yerst expecting boredom to be their only danger. Everything quickly spirals out of control when the Monarchists somehow deliver a devastating blow to the Restoration army, and Thomas and Sir Hurstwell face the increasingly difficult task of keeping their charges alive. Ancient sorcery and bitter grudges combine to ensnare them. As desperation sets in for the Restoration and Thomas, to where will they turn for hope?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Brett Armstrong, author of the prize-winning novel, Destitutio Quod Remissio, started writing stories at age nine, penning a tale of revenge and ambition set in the last days of the Aztec Empire. Twenty years later, he still tells stories enriched by his Christian faith and a master’s degree in creative writing. His goal with every work is to be like a brush in the Master artist’s hand and his hope is the finished composition always reflects the design God had in mind. He writes to engage, immerse, and entertain with deep, thoughtful stories. Continually busy at work with one or more new novels to come, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and playing with his beautiful wife and son. Brett’s book The Gathering Dark is a 2020 Selah Awards Finalist in the Speculative Fiction category.

Connect with Brett by visiting brettarmstrong.net to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(2) winners will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a copy of Quest of Fire: Desperation,
a digital map of the western Lowlands, a digital copy of a limited-release short story 

about a character in Desperation, and Quest of Fire's theme music.

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on November 8, 2022, 

and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 15, 2022. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and 

given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Presenting The Christy Award Finalists 2022

Welcome to the Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 

organized by ECPA and hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! 

Today is all about the Christy Award Finalists for 2022.

See who is up for each category, and get ready to cheer on your favorite.

Which is, in several cases, hard - having read many of these books 

I don't envy the judges having to pick one winner.

Congratulations to ALL The Christy Award 2022 Finalists!

May the odds be ever in your favor!

The Christy Award Finalists 2022

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

All That Really Matters by Nicole Deese (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), Bookshop by the Sea by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson Publishers), Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong (Kregel Publications)

FIRST NOVEL

All That Is Secret by Patricia Raybon (Tyndale House Publishers), Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media), Sugar Birds by Cheryl Grey Bostrom (She Writes Press)

GENERAL FICTION

The Letter Keeper by Charles Martin (Thomas Nelson Publishers), The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery by Amanda Cox (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group), Under the Magnolias by T. I. Lowe (Tyndale House Publishers)

HISTORICAL

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), Drawn by The Current by Jocelyn Green (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), The Widows of Champagne by Renee Ryan (Love Inspired), Yours is the Night by Amanda Dykes (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group)

HISTORICAL ROMANCE

As Dawn Breaks by Kate Breslin (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham (Barbour Publishing), Shadows of Swanford Abbey by Julie Klassen (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin (Revell/ Baker Publishing Group)

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

Aftermath by Terri Blackstock (Thomas Nelson Publishers), On the Cliffs of Foxglove Manor by Jaime Jo Wright (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group) 

SHORT FORM

A Texas Christmas Carol (in Under the Texas Mistletoe) by Karen Witemeyer (Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group), False Pretense by Heather Day Gilbert (WoodHaven Press), Mr. Nicholas: A Magical Christmas Tale by Christopher de Vinck (Paraclete Press)

SPECULATIVE

A Time to Seek by Tracy Higley (Stonewater Books LLC), Dark Intercept by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson (Tyndale House Publishers), Recorder by Cathy McCrumb (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media), Windward Shore by Sharon Hinck (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)

YOUNG ADULT

A Gentle Tyranny by Jess Corban (Wander, an imprint of Tyndale House Publishers), Realms of Light by Sandra Fernandez Rhoads (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media), Shadow by Kara Swanson (Enclave Publishing, a division of Oasis Family Media)

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive print copies of The Christy Award finalist titles from one category of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway began at midnight on November 3, 2022, 

and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 10, 2022. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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REGISTER FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD 2022 EVENTS

YOU ARE INVITED:

Art of Writing on November 17, 12:30-5 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville $99
A conference for writers, storytellers, and publishing curators.

The Christy Award Gala on November 17, 7-9 pm at Lipscomb University in Nashville, $89
Celebrate this year's finalists and winners with authors, editors, publishers, and readers!

Bundle the Art of Writing Conference & The Christy Award Gala $139

REGISTER*

The Christy Award® is a program of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and is the foremost award honoring and promoting excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. For more information about ECPA, visit ECPA.org. For more information about the Christy Awards and Art of Writing conferences, visit ChristyAwards.com or email TheChristyAward@ecpa.org

*First 100 to register are entered to win a set of Jan Karon novels!

The first 100 registered for The Christy Award events will automatically be entered to win a full set of The Mitford Series novels by our evening's honoree, Jan Karon -- including a signed copy of At Home In Mitford. Karon will address our attendees via video cast.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!