2022 Book of the Year Award Winners
The 2022 Grand Prize Book of the Year
Black, White, and Gray All Over: A Black Man's Odyssey in Life and Law Enforcement
by Frederick Reynolds
The 2022 Fiction Books of the Year
First Place - Mint by Teresa A. Swift
Second Place – The Chameleon: A Jake Palmer Novel by Ron McManus
Third Place - Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
The 2022 Non-Fiction Books of the Year
First Place - The Stress Book: Forty-Plus Ways to Manage Stress & Enjoy Your Life
by D Terrence Foster
Second Place - Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
Third Place - Midnight Flight to Nuremberg: The Capture of the Nazi who put Adolf Hitler into Power by Marcus Nannini
The 2022 Category Winners and Finalists
Congratulations to all winners and finalists! Finalists are listed in random order.
FICTION: ACTION/ADVENTURE
*Outstanding Action/Adventure*
The Chameleon by Ron McManus
Finalists
Zebra by Jill Wallace
Deliveries by Paul Smyth
Raptor's Revenge by Jim Malloy
Ripley of Valor by Thoren Syndergaard
A Merry Life by Sarah Branson
True Teryn by S.G. Blaise
Primeval Origins by B.A. Vonsik
FICTION: CHRISTIAN/RELIGIOUS
*Outstanding Christian/Religious Fiction*
The Girl From Chapel Hill by Vanester M Williams
Finalists
Begotten Not Made by Cónal Creedon
This Hallowed Ground by Donna E. Lane
Exile by Brian Shotton
Larimer Street by Timothy Browne
Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli
Stolen Blessing: Fr. Tom Series by Jim Sano
Karmyn: A Story of Hope by Lisa Washington
FICTION: FANTASY
*Outstanding Fantasy*
The Game of War by Glen Dahlgren
Finalists
The Sword and the Spark by C.E. Groom
The Wild Court by E.G. Radcliff
Wind by Ellen Davidson
The Child of Chaos by Glen Dahlgren
Chene by D.C. McElroy
The Wand by Marieke Lexmond
Cali the Destroyer by Sol Luckman
FICTION: SHORT STORY COLLECTION
*Outstanding Short Story Collection*
Once Removed: Stories by Colette Sartor
Finalists
Stumbling Through Adulthood: Linked Stories by John Sheirer
Dewdrops by Dan Flanigan
Looking for Life by Clayton Graham
Unaccustomed to Grace by Lesley Pratt Bannatyne
The Tales I've Told by Ted Fink
Voices from Bangladesh by Anupama Barua
50 States by Richard R Becker
FIRST NOVEL (40,000 to 80,000 Words)
*Outstanding First Novel (40,000 to 80,000 Words)*
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
Finalists
Terriers in the Jungle: A Novel by Georja Umano
The Source of Smoke by Vickie Adams
Killer Killer by Frank May
The Pallbearer by Christa Loughlin
The Beating of Sarah Strong by T.B. Stoner
Em's Awful Good Fortune: A Novel by Marcie Maxfield
Girls, Crimes, and the Ruling Body by Barry R Ziman
FIRST NOVEL (Over 80,000 Words)
*Outstanding First Novel (Over 80,000 Words)*
The Child of Chaos by Glen Dahlgren
Finalists
Rising Star by Michele Kwasniewski
Seen by Julie Delegal
In Search of Joel Gomez by Ted Fink
The Angel Room by Lee Call
Bridgetown Jordan P. Barnes
The Sword and the Spark by C.E. Groom
Ashes, Ashes by Jessica Goeken
FICTION: GENERAL FICTION
*Outstanding General Fiction*
Stolen Blessing: Fr. Tom Series by Jim Sano
Finalists
Do Over by Juliet Rose
Attribution: A Novel by Linda Moore
Just River by Sara B. Fraser
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
Seen by Julie Delegal
Rising Star by Michele Kwasniewski
Bridgetown by Jordan P. Barnes
FICTION: HISTORICAL
*Outstanding Historical*
Mint by Teresa A. Swift
Finalists
Promised Land by Danny Holst
The Last Shades of Scarlet by William A Lamon
The First Door is the Final Exit by Timothy O'Neil
Angel of Alta Langa by Suzanne Hoffman
The Puppet Maker's Daughter by Karla M. Jay
None Stood Taller by Peter Turnham
A Leaf in the Stream by Stephan Foust
FICTION: HOLIDAY FICTION
*Outstanding Holiday Fiction*
The Certainty of Chance by Jacquelyn Middleton
Finalists
Ripples Under the Sea: A Christmas Tale by Susan Jean Ricci
The Daughter Claus by D. Thrush
A Femich Christmas by R.J Amezcua
Family First by Sbrina
FICTION: HORROR
*Outstanding Horror*
Annihilation by Kaylin McFarren
Finalists
Devilish Dust by Erik Dean
Pulse Book One by B.A. Bellec
I Kept a Piece of You by Joanna Wolford
Summoner of Sleep by A. I. Winters
The Brain Drips Yellow by Burn Moor
The Bound Woman by Charles Welch
The Encanto by Arthur Swan
FICTION AND NON-FICTION: HUMOR/COMEDY/SATIRE
*Outstanding Humor/Comedy/Satire*
Oh Daddy Chronicles by Barry Robbins
Finalists
Slade by Robb Grindstaff
Doctor Refurb by Marty Essen
Bastards of the Revolution: A Novel by Pres Maxson
Ghosted: Dating & Other Paramoural Experiences by Jana Eisenstein
Em's Awful Good Fortune: A Novel by Marcie Maxfield
Just Jackie: My Life Is Like a Fruitcake by Jenny Cummings
2021: A Year in Review "The Aftermath" by Tim Doyle
FICTION AND NON-FICTION LGBTQ
*Outstanding LGBTQ*
Half In by Felice Cohen
Finalists
The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone
Biding Time by Lyn Gardner
The Angel Room by Lee Call
The Gray Line by B.J. Cyprian
Just River by Sara B. Fraser
Crystal's House of Queers by Brooke Skipstone
In the Closet: A Triad by Geri Gale
FICTION: LITERARY
*Outstanding Literary Fiction*
The Baseball Widow by Suzanne Kamata
Finalists
Shared Sorrows by Vincent Panettiere
The Essence of Nathan Biddle by J. William Lewis
Mint by Teresa A. Swift
Attribution: A Novel by Linda Moore
Strung by Roske
Touch by Rebecca Miller
Vignettes of the Possibly Dying by KB Eliza
FICTION: MYSTERY
*Outstanding Mystery*
The Death Mask Murders by Gabriel Farago
Finalists
Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
Driftless Treasure by Sue Berg
The Source of Smoke by V. L. Adams
Stolen Blessing by Jim Sano
The Pallbearer by Christa Loughlin
Styled for Murder by Nancy J. Cohen
Machine of War by Jay Cameron Parke
FICTION: NOVELLA
*Outstanding Novella*
The King & Me by Joe Badalamente
Finalists
Howl Of The Ice by Christian Raymond
Dewdrops by Dan Flanigan
The Postmaster of Treblinka by Gabriel Farago
The Treehouse by John Hilton
It's For The Best by Janet K. Shawgo
Ripples Under the Sea by Susan Jean Ricci
Silent Walker by Inge-Lise Goss
FICTION: PARANORMAL/SUPERNATURAL
*Outstanding Paranormal/Supernatural*
Biding Time by Lyn Gardner
Finalists
Cali the Destroyer by Sol Luckman
Playing with Fire by William E Noland
Ghost Town by A.J. Thibault
Cursed Vampire by Brogan Thomas
Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele
Blood Mark by JP McLean
In Your Dreams by Robert Sanborn
FICTION: ROMANCE
*Outstanding Romance*
The Refusal by Eve M Riley
Finalists
Once Upon A Kiss by Selena Robins
Beneath the Destiny Stone by Sarah Charles
The Certainty of Chance by Jacquelyn Middleton
Outlaw's Redemption by T. K. Conklin
Love at On Deck Café by Leah Dobrinska
Secrets in the Palazzo by Kathleen Reid
Hello, Rest of My Life by Rick Lenz
FICTION: SCIENCE FICTION
*Outstanding Science Fiction*
Falcon's Ghost by Mike Waller
Finalists
Ark of the Apocalypse by Tobin Marks
A Merry Life by Sarah Branson
No Freedom by Inge-Lise Goss
True Teryn by S.G. Blaise
Code of Rainbow Book 3 by Weiqi Wang
Warehouse Dreams by Theresa Halvorsen
Gallantry in Action by John Spearman
FICTION: THRILLER/SUSPENSE
*Outstanding Thriller/Suspense*
The Chameleon by Ron McManus
Finalists
The Swords of Blood and Gold by JCR Paulino
The Pallbearer by Christa Loughlin
Leaving Phoenix by Jafe Danbury
The Death Mask Murders by Gabriel Farago
The Big Tilt by Dan Flanigan
The Dance Towards Death by Tejas Desai
No Freedom by Inge-Lise Goss
FICTION: YOUNG ADULT/TEEN/NEW ADULT
*Outstanding Young Adult/Teen/New Adult*
Wind by Ellen Dee Davidson
Finalists
The Game of War by Glen Dahlgren
The Vanishing by David M Slater
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
Why Won't My Boobs Grow... and Other Annoyances by Rebecca Garner
Touch by Rebecca Miller
The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone
FICTION: WOMEN’S FICTION
*Outstanding Women’s Fiction*
Em's Awful Good Fortune: A Novel by Marcie Maxfield
Finalists
Kayla's Girls by Kerry Gibb
Once Removed: Stories by Colette Sartor
Angel of Alta Langa by Suzanne Hoffman
Attribution: A Novel by Linda Moore
The Other Side of the Ledge by Janelle Parmer
The Art of Always by Patricia Friedrich
From Where I Stand by Caroline Igra
FICTION: CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE
*Outstanding Children’s/Juvenile Fiction*
Oliver and the Wishing Star by Jennifer Decker
Finalists
Broken Twigs: Realm by Charlotte L. Taylor
The Mask by Clayton Adams
Big Little Voice: Behind the Smile by M.G. Vaciago
Wind by Ellen Dee Davidson
Zak: The Hew-Man by Mat Labotka
Chloe Counting New York by 5s by Suzan Johnson
Paddock by Winfield Murray
FICTION: CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED
*Outstanding Children’s Fiction Illustrated*
The Night the Monsters Came by Junia Wonders
Finalists
Ms. Ruby and The GiGi Squad by Vickie Rodgers
Lunchbox Is On The Case by Jennifer Schick
Logan and the Lost Luggage by Christine Ricci-McNamee
I Am Different by Crystel Patterson
The Superpower of Your HEART by Lindsey J. Frank
One Flip, Two Flip, Three Flip, Four by Crystel Patterson
I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall by Junia Wonders
We're Really All Just the Same by Rod Cornish
Keisha the Kind in My Little Sister Situation by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn
How Angel Horses Become Unicorns by Diana Tuorto
NON-FICTION: CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE/YOUNG ADULT
*Outstanding Children’s/Juvenile/Young Adult Non-Fiction*
Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? by Junia Wonders
Finalists
What Is Coronavirus? by Sabbithry Persad MBA
Black History by Barbara J. Freeman
Queen Bee's Alphabet Cookbook by Mariah Ecker an Teri Ecker
Sophia's Gift by Karen B Kurtz
Zoey Meets David by Pat Tolve
Monologues for Kids and Tweens II by Mike Kimmel
Harry Goes To Heaven by Jane Sayre Denny
NON-FICTION: ARTS: ART/MUSIC/PERFORMING ARTS
*Outstanding Arts: Art/Music/Performing Arts*
The Unstoppable Artist by Barbara L. McCulloch
Finalists
Monologues for Teens II by Mike Kimmel
Woo! by Dave Thomson
Reflections of Intimacy by Jewel Mensah
NON-FICTION: BIOGRAPHY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY
*Outstanding Biography/Autobiography*
Living among the Dead by Adena Astrowsky
Finalists
One Hit Wonder by Kevin R Kehoe
Witchcraft Legacy by Richard Warren Brewster
One Hell of a Ride by Pierre Charette
The Burning Light of Two Stars by Laura Davis
Midnight Flight to Nuremberg by Marcus A. Nannini
Wilhelm's Way by Teresa Wilhelm Waldof
Letters from Vietnam by Dennis Hoy
NON-FICTION: BUSINESS/SALES/FINANCE
*Outstanding Business/Sales/Finance*
Brands Don't Win by Stan Bernard
Finalists
Twelve-Minute Risk Management by Ivy Walker
100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 2 by Ross Brand
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur by Gregory Diehl
Never Sit in the Lobby by Glenn Poulos
Unlocking Unicorns by Michael Bervell
Survive & Thrive by Paul Kewene-Hite
Leading in a Social World by R. Aaron Templer
NON-FICTION: CAREER/OCCUPATIONAL
*Outstanding Career/Occupational*
Skills: The Common Denominator by Asha Aravindakshan
Finalists
Wanted -> A New Career by Marlo Lyons
Leadership in 100 Words by Mainak Dhar
Values First by Laura Eigel
Hacking the System Design Interview by Stanley Chiang
On Your Marks, Get Set... LEAD! by Anna Marshall
The Making of a Physician by Harry L. Graber
NON-FICTION: EDUCATION/REFERENCE
*Outstanding Education/Reference*
Monologues for Adults by Mike Kimmel
Finalists
Sharing the Transition to College by Jennifer Sullivan and Jacquelynn Connell
Ramping Your Brand by James Richardson
Study, Sleep, Repeat by Joel Randall
Let’s Talk Vaccines by Dr. Gretchen LaSalle MD
Contrary to Conception by Madeline V. Pasimio
What the Pet Food Industry Is Not Telling You by Dr. Stephanie Krol
Women Driven Mobility by Katelyn Davis and Kristin Shaw
FIRST NON-FICTION
*Outstanding First Non-Fiction*
An Impossible Life by Sonja Wasden and Rachael Siddoway
Finalists
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds
Hold, Please by Richard Hester
All The Leavings by Laurie Easter
The Kickass Couple by Dr. Gloria Lee
Twelve-Minute Risk Management by Ivy Walker
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
Brands Don't Win by Stan Bernard
Wanted -> A New Career by Marlo Lyons
GENERAL NON-FICTION
*Outstanding General Non-Fiction*
The Stress Book by D Terrence Foster, MD
Finalists
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds
Press for Champagne by Christopher S. Ruhland
Dying With Dad by Yvonne Caputo
The Accomplice by Melissa Jacobus
Sharing the Transition to College by Jennifer Sullivan and Jacquelynn Connell
Char's Gift by Steve Harryman
Balance, Pedal, Breathe by Claire Unis
NON-FICTION: GRIEF/HARDSHIP
*Outstanding Grief/Hardship*
From Two to One by Rosina Leigh Eller
Finalists
On the Other Side of TERMINAL by Allen Chankowsky
Sober Daughter by Fawna Asfaw
Rue's Butterfly by Donna McCart Welser
The Journey Home by Gabriel Bron
Life Giving Dementia Care by Toni Kanzer
Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death by Dan Flanigan
The B Word by Simona Altavilla Moss
NON-FICTION: GOVERNMENT/POLITICS
*Outstanding Government/Politics*
100 Years of Deception by Alan Adaschik
Finalists
Blindsided by Dawn Downey
Liberty, Science and Wealth by Ralph L. Bayrer
The Algerian Dream by Andrew G. Farrand
The Battle of Lincoln Place by Dennis Hathaway
The Human Paradox by Gilbert E. Mulley
Manufacturing versus Corruption by Ramy Harik Joseph Khoury
NON-FICTION: HEALTH/MEDICINE
*Outstanding Health/Medicine*
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes
Finalists
Fast Forward to Hope by Indira Ahluwalia
Let’s Talk Vaccines by Dr. Gretchen LaSalle MD
Contrary to Conception by Madeline V. Pasimio
Type One Determination by Lauren Plunkett
The Stress Book by D Terrence Foster, MD
Health in Flames by Vimal George
The Accidental Plague Diaries by Andrew Duxbury
NON-FICTION: HISTORY
*Outstanding History*
Midnight Flight to Nuremberg by Marcus A. Nannini
Finalists
The Journey: From Shackles and Chains to the White House by Donald Armstrong
The Party Dolls by George Hayward
Black History by Barbara J. Freeman
Oregon Loves New York by Sally Bourrie
So Far from Home by Robert Wilhelm
Women: Down through The Ages by Jerry Schaefer
NON-FICTION: MEMOIR
*Outstanding Memoir*
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds
Finalists
An Impossible Life by Sonja Wasden and Rachael Siddoway
Rue's Butterfly by Donna McCart
Catching Rain by Sandi Paris
The Journey Home by Gabriel Bron
Balance, Pedal, Breathe by Claire Unis
Hold, Please by Richard Hester
All The Leavings by Laurie Easter
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
The Burning Light of Two Stars by Laura Davis
NON-FICTION: PARENTING/FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS
*Outstanding Parenting/Family/Relationships*
I Love My Kids But I Don't Always Like Them by Franki Bagdade
Finalists
The Journey Home by Gabriel Bron
The Accomplice by Melissa Jacobus
Dying With Dad by Yvonne Caputo
The Kickass Couple by Gloria Lee
Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond by Erin Leigh
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
My Scar Is Beautiful by Caryn Shender
NON-FICTION: RELIGION/CHRISTIAN
*Outstanding Religion/Christian*
Why Does God Feel So Distant? by Charlie Miller
Finalists
God's Gift (Woman) by Freddie Floyd
What Is Heaven Like? by Richard R Eng
Be Held by Him by Karen Brough
Jesus Speaking by Mike Lutz
Char's Gift by Steve Harryman
The Day My Heart Turned Blue by Karla J Noland
Son Down, Son Up by Brenda Seals
NON-FICTION: SELF-HELP/HOW-TO
*Outstanding Self-Help/How-To*
Three Things Matter Most by Brett Atlas
Finalists
Artist: Awakening the Spirit Within by Jocelyn Jones
Crush Medical Debt by Virgie Bright Ellington
Flying Penguin by Dr. Asoka Jinadasa and Felicio Ferraz
The Other Side of the Ledge by Janelle Parmer
The Stress Book by D Terrence Foster, MD
Survive & Thrive by Paul Kewene-Hite
Uncolonized Latinas by Valeria Aloe
NON-FICTION: SOCIAL ISSUES
*Outstanding Social Issues*
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
Finalists
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur by Gregory Diehl
Women Driven Mobility by Katelyn Davis and Kristin Shaw
The Battle of Lincoln Place by Dennis Hathaway
Being A Black Man... It's Harder than You Think by Toneal Jackson
Changemaker Playbook by Henry De Sio
EYO! Educate Your Opinion by Mystqx Skye
Shine a Light by Corrine Wilson
NON-FICTION: SPIRITUAL/INSPIRATIONAL
*Outstanding Spiritual/Inspirational*
The Blessing Book by Francis Shaw
Finalists
Bhakti Shakti by Pranada Comtois
Lost in Wonder by Leslee Clark
Thrive by Jeffrey Froh
The Day My Heart Turned Blue by Karla J Noland
Healing Yesterday's Tears by Kyli Santiago
Marathon Man by Alan Corcoran
Joy in Plain Sight by Katya Davydova
NON-FICTION: TRAVEL/NATURE
*Outstanding Travel/Nature*
A New Day Dawns by Terry Lister
Finalists
We Can Save the World by Kashinath Padhiary
Unlost by Cory Mortensen
Holding Fast by Susan Cole
Out of the Corner of Your Eye by Richard Fidler
Nature Norm's North Woods by Norman Weeks
Our Threatened Kin - Fur, Feather & Fin by Dev Shah
NON-FICTION: TRUE STORY
*Outstanding True Story*
Rue's Butterfly by Donna McCart Welser
Finalists
Kat the Dog by Alyson Sheldrake
Midnight Flight to Nuremberg by Marcus A. Nannini
One Hit Wonder by Kevin R Kehoe
The Party Dolls by George Hayward
Mia's Odyssey by Mia Odeh and Mike Ball
Dying With Dad by Yvonne Caputo
Tales of a Future Cat Lady by Starr M.D.
NON-FICTION: WRITING/PUBLISHING
*Outstanding Writing/Publishing*
Turn Words Into Wealth by Aurora Winter
Finalists
Century's Witness by Mary Llewellyn McNeil
Story and Structure by Leon Conrad
NON-FICTION: WOMEN’S
*Outstanding Women’s Non-Fiction*
Uncolonized Latinas by Valeria Aloe
Finalists
A Winner in Spite of . . . by Evelyn S Booker
Mia's Odyssey by Mia Odeh and Mike Ball
Tales of a Future Cat Lady by Starr M.D.
They Called Us Girls by Kathleen Stone
The Accidental Virgin by Amanda Quisenberry
Blue Plastic Cow by Barbara Attwood
To the Monsters of My Past by Cameron Crews
POETRY
*Outstanding Poetry*
Fractures by Carlos Andrés Gómez
Finalists
Stop the World I Want to Get Off by Jacky Power
Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death by Dan Flanigan
One Heart-Many Breaks by Sandeep Kumar Mishra
Healing Yesterday's Tears by Kyli Santiago
Make it a Double by Randall McNair
So Fragile Are the Beautiful Things by Luke Levi
Love and Such V by Ramona Powell-Poole
*Outstanding Action/Adventure*
The Chameleon by Ron McManus
Finalists
Zebra by Jill Wallace
Deliveries by Paul Smyth
Raptor's Revenge by Jim Malloy
Ripley of Valor by Thoren Syndergaard
A Merry Life by Sarah Branson
True Teryn by S.G. Blaise
Primeval Origins by B.A. Vonsik
FICTION: CHRISTIAN/RELIGIOUS
*Outstanding Christian/Religious Fiction*
The Girl From Chapel Hill by Vanester M Williams
Finalists
Begotten Not Made by Cónal Creedon
This Hallowed Ground by Donna E. Lane
Exile by Brian Shotton
Larimer Street by Timothy Browne
Hope Beyond the Waves by Heidi Chiavaroli
Stolen Blessing: Fr. Tom Series by Jim Sano
Karmyn: A Story of Hope by Lisa Washington
FICTION: FANTASY
*Outstanding Fantasy*
The Game of War by Glen Dahlgren
Finalists
The Sword and the Spark by C.E. Groom
The Wild Court by E.G. Radcliff
Wind by Ellen Davidson
The Child of Chaos by Glen Dahlgren
Chene by D.C. McElroy
The Wand by Marieke Lexmond
Cali the Destroyer by Sol Luckman
FICTION: SHORT STORY COLLECTION
*Outstanding Short Story Collection*
Once Removed: Stories by Colette Sartor
Finalists
Stumbling Through Adulthood: Linked Stories by John Sheirer
Dewdrops by Dan Flanigan
Looking for Life by Clayton Graham
Unaccustomed to Grace by Lesley Pratt Bannatyne
The Tales I've Told by Ted Fink
Voices from Bangladesh by Anupama Barua
50 States by Richard R Becker
FIRST NOVEL (40,000 to 80,000 Words)
*Outstanding First Novel (40,000 to 80,000 Words)*
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
Finalists
Terriers in the Jungle: A Novel by Georja Umano
The Source of Smoke by Vickie Adams
Killer Killer by Frank May
The Pallbearer by Christa Loughlin
The Beating of Sarah Strong by T.B. Stoner
Em's Awful Good Fortune: A Novel by Marcie Maxfield
Girls, Crimes, and the Ruling Body by Barry R Ziman
FIRST NOVEL (Over 80,000 Words)
*Outstanding First Novel (Over 80,000 Words)*
The Child of Chaos by Glen Dahlgren
Finalists
Rising Star by Michele Kwasniewski
Seen by Julie Delegal
In Search of Joel Gomez by Ted Fink
The Angel Room by Lee Call
Bridgetown Jordan P. Barnes
The Sword and the Spark by C.E. Groom
Ashes, Ashes by Jessica Goeken
FICTION: GENERAL FICTION
*Outstanding General Fiction*
Stolen Blessing: Fr. Tom Series by Jim Sano
Finalists
Do Over by Juliet Rose
Attribution: A Novel by Linda Moore
Just River by Sara B. Fraser
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
Seen by Julie Delegal
Rising Star by Michele Kwasniewski
Bridgetown by Jordan P. Barnes
FICTION: HISTORICAL
*Outstanding Historical*
Mint by Teresa A. Swift
Finalists
Promised Land by Danny Holst
The Last Shades of Scarlet by William A Lamon
The First Door is the Final Exit by Timothy O'Neil
Angel of Alta Langa by Suzanne Hoffman
The Puppet Maker's Daughter by Karla M. Jay
None Stood Taller by Peter Turnham
A Leaf in the Stream by Stephan Foust
FICTION: HOLIDAY FICTION
*Outstanding Holiday Fiction*
The Certainty of Chance by Jacquelyn Middleton
Finalists
Ripples Under the Sea: A Christmas Tale by Susan Jean Ricci
The Daughter Claus by D. Thrush
A Femich Christmas by R.J Amezcua
Family First by Sbrina
FICTION: HORROR
*Outstanding Horror*
Annihilation by Kaylin McFarren
Finalists
Devilish Dust by Erik Dean
Pulse Book One by B.A. Bellec
I Kept a Piece of You by Joanna Wolford
Summoner of Sleep by A. I. Winters
The Brain Drips Yellow by Burn Moor
The Bound Woman by Charles Welch
The Encanto by Arthur Swan
FICTION AND NON-FICTION: HUMOR/COMEDY/SATIRE
*Outstanding Humor/Comedy/Satire*
Oh Daddy Chronicles by Barry Robbins
Finalists
Slade by Robb Grindstaff
Doctor Refurb by Marty Essen
Bastards of the Revolution: A Novel by Pres Maxson
Ghosted: Dating & Other Paramoural Experiences by Jana Eisenstein
Em's Awful Good Fortune: A Novel by Marcie Maxfield
Just Jackie: My Life Is Like a Fruitcake by Jenny Cummings
2021: A Year in Review "The Aftermath" by Tim Doyle
FICTION AND NON-FICTION LGBTQ
*Outstanding LGBTQ*
Half In by Felice Cohen
Finalists
The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone
Biding Time by Lyn Gardner
The Angel Room by Lee Call
The Gray Line by B.J. Cyprian
Just River by Sara B. Fraser
Crystal's House of Queers by Brooke Skipstone
In the Closet: A Triad by Geri Gale
FICTION: LITERARY
*Outstanding Literary Fiction*
The Baseball Widow by Suzanne Kamata
Finalists
Shared Sorrows by Vincent Panettiere
The Essence of Nathan Biddle by J. William Lewis
Mint by Teresa A. Swift
Attribution: A Novel by Linda Moore
Strung by Roske
Touch by Rebecca Miller
Vignettes of the Possibly Dying by KB Eliza
FICTION: MYSTERY
*Outstanding Mystery*
The Death Mask Murders by Gabriel Farago
Finalists
Murder at the Wedding by Christine Knapp
Driftless Treasure by Sue Berg
The Source of Smoke by V. L. Adams
Stolen Blessing by Jim Sano
The Pallbearer by Christa Loughlin
Styled for Murder by Nancy J. Cohen
Machine of War by Jay Cameron Parke
FICTION: NOVELLA
*Outstanding Novella*
The King & Me by Joe Badalamente
Finalists
Howl Of The Ice by Christian Raymond
Dewdrops by Dan Flanigan
The Postmaster of Treblinka by Gabriel Farago
The Treehouse by John Hilton
It's For The Best by Janet K. Shawgo
Ripples Under the Sea by Susan Jean Ricci
Silent Walker by Inge-Lise Goss
FICTION: PARANORMAL/SUPERNATURAL
*Outstanding Paranormal/Supernatural*
Biding Time by Lyn Gardner
Finalists
Cali the Destroyer by Sol Luckman
Playing with Fire by William E Noland
Ghost Town by A.J. Thibault
Cursed Vampire by Brogan Thomas
Shoes on the Stairs by Jan Steele
Blood Mark by JP McLean
In Your Dreams by Robert Sanborn
FICTION: ROMANCE
*Outstanding Romance*
The Refusal by Eve M Riley
Finalists
Once Upon A Kiss by Selena Robins
Beneath the Destiny Stone by Sarah Charles
The Certainty of Chance by Jacquelyn Middleton
Outlaw's Redemption by T. K. Conklin
Love at On Deck Café by Leah Dobrinska
Secrets in the Palazzo by Kathleen Reid
Hello, Rest of My Life by Rick Lenz
FICTION: SCIENCE FICTION
*Outstanding Science Fiction*
Falcon's Ghost by Mike Waller
Finalists
Ark of the Apocalypse by Tobin Marks
A Merry Life by Sarah Branson
No Freedom by Inge-Lise Goss
True Teryn by S.G. Blaise
Code of Rainbow Book 3 by Weiqi Wang
Warehouse Dreams by Theresa Halvorsen
Gallantry in Action by John Spearman
FICTION: THRILLER/SUSPENSE
*Outstanding Thriller/Suspense*
The Chameleon by Ron McManus
Finalists
The Swords of Blood and Gold by JCR Paulino
The Pallbearer by Christa Loughlin
Leaving Phoenix by Jafe Danbury
The Death Mask Murders by Gabriel Farago
The Big Tilt by Dan Flanigan
The Dance Towards Death by Tejas Desai
No Freedom by Inge-Lise Goss
FICTION: YOUNG ADULT/TEEN/NEW ADULT
*Outstanding Young Adult/Teen/New Adult*
Wind by Ellen Dee Davidson
Finalists
The Game of War by Glen Dahlgren
The Vanishing by David M Slater
Valiance by Vanessa Caraveo
Why Won't My Boobs Grow... and Other Annoyances by Rebecca Garner
Touch by Rebecca Miller
The MoonStone Girls by Brooke Skipstone
FICTION: WOMEN’S FICTION
*Outstanding Women’s Fiction*
Em's Awful Good Fortune: A Novel by Marcie Maxfield
Finalists
Kayla's Girls by Kerry Gibb
Once Removed: Stories by Colette Sartor
Angel of Alta Langa by Suzanne Hoffman
Attribution: A Novel by Linda Moore
The Other Side of the Ledge by Janelle Parmer
The Art of Always by Patricia Friedrich
From Where I Stand by Caroline Igra
FICTION: CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE
*Outstanding Children’s/Juvenile Fiction*
Oliver and the Wishing Star by Jennifer Decker
Finalists
Broken Twigs: Realm by Charlotte L. Taylor
The Mask by Clayton Adams
Big Little Voice: Behind the Smile by M.G. Vaciago
Wind by Ellen Dee Davidson
Zak: The Hew-Man by Mat Labotka
Chloe Counting New York by 5s by Suzan Johnson
Paddock by Winfield Murray
FICTION: CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED
*Outstanding Children’s Fiction Illustrated*
The Night the Monsters Came by Junia Wonders
Finalists
Ms. Ruby and The GiGi Squad by Vickie Rodgers
Lunchbox Is On The Case by Jennifer Schick
Logan and the Lost Luggage by Christine Ricci-McNamee
I Am Different by Crystel Patterson
The Superpower of Your HEART by Lindsey J. Frank
One Flip, Two Flip, Three Flip, Four by Crystel Patterson
I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall by Junia Wonders
We're Really All Just the Same by Rod Cornish
Keisha the Kind in My Little Sister Situation by Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn
How Angel Horses Become Unicorns by Diana Tuorto
NON-FICTION: CHILDREN’S/JUVENILE/YOUNG ADULT
*Outstanding Children’s/Juvenile/Young Adult Non-Fiction*
Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be? by Junia Wonders
Finalists
What Is Coronavirus? by Sabbithry Persad MBA
Black History by Barbara J. Freeman
Queen Bee's Alphabet Cookbook by Mariah Ecker an Teri Ecker
Sophia's Gift by Karen B Kurtz
Zoey Meets David by Pat Tolve
Monologues for Kids and Tweens II by Mike Kimmel
Harry Goes To Heaven by Jane Sayre Denny
NON-FICTION: ARTS: ART/MUSIC/PERFORMING ARTS
*Outstanding Arts: Art/Music/Performing Arts*
The Unstoppable Artist by Barbara L. McCulloch
Finalists
Monologues for Teens II by Mike Kimmel
Woo! by Dave Thomson
Reflections of Intimacy by Jewel Mensah
NON-FICTION: BIOGRAPHY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY
*Outstanding Biography/Autobiography*
Living among the Dead by Adena Astrowsky
Finalists
One Hit Wonder by Kevin R Kehoe
Witchcraft Legacy by Richard Warren Brewster
One Hell of a Ride by Pierre Charette
The Burning Light of Two Stars by Laura Davis
Midnight Flight to Nuremberg by Marcus A. Nannini
Wilhelm's Way by Teresa Wilhelm Waldof
Letters from Vietnam by Dennis Hoy
NON-FICTION: BUSINESS/SALES/FINANCE
*Outstanding Business/Sales/Finance*
Brands Don't Win by Stan Bernard
Finalists
Twelve-Minute Risk Management by Ivy Walker
100 Livestreaming & Digital Media Predictions Volume 2 by Ross Brand
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur by Gregory Diehl
Never Sit in the Lobby by Glenn Poulos
Unlocking Unicorns by Michael Bervell
Survive & Thrive by Paul Kewene-Hite
Leading in a Social World by R. Aaron Templer
NON-FICTION: CAREER/OCCUPATIONAL
*Outstanding Career/Occupational*
Skills: The Common Denominator by Asha Aravindakshan
Finalists
Wanted -> A New Career by Marlo Lyons
Leadership in 100 Words by Mainak Dhar
Values First by Laura Eigel
Hacking the System Design Interview by Stanley Chiang
On Your Marks, Get Set... LEAD! by Anna Marshall
The Making of a Physician by Harry L. Graber
NON-FICTION: EDUCATION/REFERENCE
*Outstanding Education/Reference*
Monologues for Adults by Mike Kimmel
Finalists
Sharing the Transition to College by Jennifer Sullivan and Jacquelynn Connell
Ramping Your Brand by James Richardson
Study, Sleep, Repeat by Joel Randall
Let’s Talk Vaccines by Dr. Gretchen LaSalle MD
Contrary to Conception by Madeline V. Pasimio
What the Pet Food Industry Is Not Telling You by Dr. Stephanie Krol
Women Driven Mobility by Katelyn Davis and Kristin Shaw
FIRST NON-FICTION
*Outstanding First Non-Fiction*
An Impossible Life by Sonja Wasden and Rachael Siddoway
Finalists
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds
Hold, Please by Richard Hester
All The Leavings by Laurie Easter
The Kickass Couple by Dr. Gloria Lee
Twelve-Minute Risk Management by Ivy Walker
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
Brands Don't Win by Stan Bernard
Wanted -> A New Career by Marlo Lyons
GENERAL NON-FICTION
*Outstanding General Non-Fiction*
The Stress Book by D Terrence Foster, MD
Finalists
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds
Press for Champagne by Christopher S. Ruhland
Dying With Dad by Yvonne Caputo
The Accomplice by Melissa Jacobus
Sharing the Transition to College by Jennifer Sullivan and Jacquelynn Connell
Char's Gift by Steve Harryman
Balance, Pedal, Breathe by Claire Unis
NON-FICTION: GRIEF/HARDSHIP
*Outstanding Grief/Hardship*
From Two to One by Rosina Leigh Eller
Finalists
On the Other Side of TERMINAL by Allen Chankowsky
Sober Daughter by Fawna Asfaw
Rue's Butterfly by Donna McCart Welser
The Journey Home by Gabriel Bron
Life Giving Dementia Care by Toni Kanzer
Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death by Dan Flanigan
The B Word by Simona Altavilla Moss
NON-FICTION: GOVERNMENT/POLITICS
*Outstanding Government/Politics*
100 Years of Deception by Alan Adaschik
Finalists
Blindsided by Dawn Downey
Liberty, Science and Wealth by Ralph L. Bayrer
The Algerian Dream by Andrew G. Farrand
The Battle of Lincoln Place by Dennis Hathaway
The Human Paradox by Gilbert E. Mulley
Manufacturing versus Corruption by Ramy Harik Joseph Khoury
NON-FICTION: HEALTH/MEDICINE
*Outstanding Health/Medicine*
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes
Finalists
Fast Forward to Hope by Indira Ahluwalia
Let’s Talk Vaccines by Dr. Gretchen LaSalle MD
Contrary to Conception by Madeline V. Pasimio
Type One Determination by Lauren Plunkett
The Stress Book by D Terrence Foster, MD
Health in Flames by Vimal George
The Accidental Plague Diaries by Andrew Duxbury
NON-FICTION: HISTORY
*Outstanding History*
Midnight Flight to Nuremberg by Marcus A. Nannini
Finalists
The Journey: From Shackles and Chains to the White House by Donald Armstrong
The Party Dolls by George Hayward
Black History by Barbara J. Freeman
Oregon Loves New York by Sally Bourrie
So Far from Home by Robert Wilhelm
Women: Down through The Ages by Jerry Schaefer
NON-FICTION: MEMOIR
*Outstanding Memoir*
Black, White, and Gray All Over by Frederick Reynolds
Finalists
An Impossible Life by Sonja Wasden and Rachael Siddoway
Rue's Butterfly by Donna McCart
Catching Rain by Sandi Paris
The Journey Home by Gabriel Bron
Balance, Pedal, Breathe by Claire Unis
Hold, Please by Richard Hester
All The Leavings by Laurie Easter
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
The Burning Light of Two Stars by Laura Davis
NON-FICTION: PARENTING/FAMILY/RELATIONSHIPS
*Outstanding Parenting/Family/Relationships*
I Love My Kids But I Don't Always Like Them by Franki Bagdade
Finalists
The Journey Home by Gabriel Bron
The Accomplice by Melissa Jacobus
Dying With Dad by Yvonne Caputo
The Kickass Couple by Gloria Lee
Navigating the Newborn Months and Beyond by Erin Leigh
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
My Scar Is Beautiful by Caryn Shender
NON-FICTION: RELIGION/CHRISTIAN
*Outstanding Religion/Christian*
Why Does God Feel So Distant? by Charlie Miller
Finalists
God's Gift (Woman) by Freddie Floyd
What Is Heaven Like? by Richard R Eng
Be Held by Him by Karen Brough
Jesus Speaking by Mike Lutz
Char's Gift by Steve Harryman
The Day My Heart Turned Blue by Karla J Noland
Son Down, Son Up by Brenda Seals
NON-FICTION: SELF-HELP/HOW-TO
*Outstanding Self-Help/How-To*
Three Things Matter Most by Brett Atlas
Finalists
Artist: Awakening the Spirit Within by Jocelyn Jones
Crush Medical Debt by Virgie Bright Ellington
Flying Penguin by Dr. Asoka Jinadasa and Felicio Ferraz
The Other Side of the Ledge by Janelle Parmer
The Stress Book by D Terrence Foster, MD
Survive & Thrive by Paul Kewene-Hite
Uncolonized Latinas by Valeria Aloe
NON-FICTION: SOCIAL ISSUES
*Outstanding Social Issues*
Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope by Carmen Maria Navarro
Finalists
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur by Gregory Diehl
Women Driven Mobility by Katelyn Davis and Kristin Shaw
The Battle of Lincoln Place by Dennis Hathaway
Being A Black Man... It's Harder than You Think by Toneal Jackson
Changemaker Playbook by Henry De Sio
EYO! Educate Your Opinion by Mystqx Skye
Shine a Light by Corrine Wilson
NON-FICTION: SPIRITUAL/INSPIRATIONAL
*Outstanding Spiritual/Inspirational*
The Blessing Book by Francis Shaw
Finalists
Bhakti Shakti by Pranada Comtois
Lost in Wonder by Leslee Clark
Thrive by Jeffrey Froh
The Day My Heart Turned Blue by Karla J Noland
Healing Yesterday's Tears by Kyli Santiago
Marathon Man by Alan Corcoran
Joy in Plain Sight by Katya Davydova
NON-FICTION: TRAVEL/NATURE
*Outstanding Travel/Nature*
A New Day Dawns by Terry Lister
Finalists
We Can Save the World by Kashinath Padhiary
Unlost by Cory Mortensen
Holding Fast by Susan Cole
Out of the Corner of Your Eye by Richard Fidler
Nature Norm's North Woods by Norman Weeks
Our Threatened Kin - Fur, Feather & Fin by Dev Shah
NON-FICTION: TRUE STORY
*Outstanding True Story*
Rue's Butterfly by Donna McCart Welser
Finalists
Kat the Dog by Alyson Sheldrake
Midnight Flight to Nuremberg by Marcus A. Nannini
One Hit Wonder by Kevin R Kehoe
The Party Dolls by George Hayward
Mia's Odyssey by Mia Odeh and Mike Ball
Dying With Dad by Yvonne Caputo
Tales of a Future Cat Lady by Starr M.D.
NON-FICTION: WRITING/PUBLISHING
*Outstanding Writing/Publishing*
Turn Words Into Wealth by Aurora Winter
Finalists
Century's Witness by Mary Llewellyn McNeil
Story and Structure by Leon Conrad
NON-FICTION: WOMEN’S
*Outstanding Women’s Non-Fiction*
Uncolonized Latinas by Valeria Aloe
Finalists
A Winner in Spite of . . . by Evelyn S Booker
Mia's Odyssey by Mia Odeh and Mike Ball
Tales of a Future Cat Lady by Starr M.D.
They Called Us Girls by Kathleen Stone
The Accidental Virgin by Amanda Quisenberry
Blue Plastic Cow by Barbara Attwood
To the Monsters of My Past by Cameron Crews
POETRY
*Outstanding Poetry*
Fractures by Carlos Andrés Gómez
Finalists
Stop the World I Want to Get Off by Jacky Power
Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death by Dan Flanigan
One Heart-Many Breaks by Sandeep Kumar Mishra
Healing Yesterday's Tears by Kyli Santiago
Make it a Double by Randall McNair
So Fragile Are the Beautiful Things by Luke Levi
Love and Such V by Ramona Powell-Poole