2025 IAN Book of the Year Award Winners
The 2025 Overall Grand Prize Book of the Year
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth
by Kate Grant
The 2025 Grand Prize Fiction Books of the Year
First Place - Running As Fast As I Can by John David Graham
Second Place - Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh by Joan Fernandez
Third Place - Boys by Roger Newman
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The 2024 Grand Prize Non-Fiction Books of the Year
First Place - The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared
by Casey Mulligan Walsh
Second Place - Back From Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick
by Marie Lisette Rimer
Third Place - Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner
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The 2025 Category Winners and Finalists
Congratulations to all winners and finalists!
Finalists are listed in random order.
Fiction: Action
Winner:
Dark Straits: Sudden Quiet: Book II by Joshua Veith
Finalists:
The Ashen Horse by Daryl Benson
Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe by John Winn Miller
Winner's Curse: A Lynn Dayton Thriller by L. A. Starks
Adrift by Charlie Sheldon
Intrepid Spirit by David Tunno
Ancestor: The Hooded Hero #1 by Matt Ozanich
The Mist From Beyond by RK Jack
Fiction: Adventure
Winner:
Eldryan Elders: The Last Lumenian, Book 5 by S.G. Blaise
Finalists:
Totem by Charlie Sheldon
North Country: A Kat Wallace Adventure by Sarah Branson
Dark Straits: Sudden Quiet: Book II by Joshua Veith
The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption, and a Curse's Wrath by Cheryl Roberts Gale
Her by Katherine Melanie
Tree Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries series by Susan Rogers and John Roosen
Island Endgame by Rebecca Hodge
Fiction: Christian/Religious
Winner:
It Came Even To Me by Drew Hill
Finalists:
The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany by Katherine Koch
Joline: Fr. Tom Series by Jim Sano
The Better Part of Worse: A Novel of Hope by Denise-Marie Martin
A Seed for the Harvest by Greg M. Dodd
The Girl from Chapel Hill Book 2: Legacy of a Praying Mama by Vanester M. Williams
Right Before Their Eyes: Faith Endures Book 2 by Carrie Walker
The Fire and The Serpent: Book One: Sojourners by Dieta Scheidecker
Fiction: Cross Genre
Winner:
Turning Toward Eden by Cate Touryan
Finalists:
The Last Eye of Time by Guy W Nettleton
The Duchess of Kokora by Nikhil Prabala
Holiday Spirit 2: Destroy All Monsters by John DeGuire
Animal Revenge by David Bush
A Moon in All Things by Jennifer Elwell Comeau
ZOEY by JT Hume
Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K. Popa
Fiction: Fantasy
Winner:
The Tyrant King: The Revenge of the Fallen by Michael Robling
Finalists:
Chronicles of the Enchanted Vanguard: Seraphina and the Divine Mandate by Luminescence Goh
Eldryan Elders: The Last Lumenian, Book 5 by S.G. Blaise
Zephyr's Flight: The Dragons' War by Ray Strong
Labyrinth of Shadows: The Witch's Rebirth Part I by Michaela Riley
Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper by Gary Natoli
Pirates of Aletharia: Lesbians, Pirates, and Dragons Book 1 by Britney Jackson
Cursed King: A Vampire Fantasy Romance: Blood and Kisses Book 1 by Danielle Paquette-Harvey
First Novel with 40,000 to 70,000 Words
Winner:
Her Empty Chair: She left without a trace... not even a crumb by Sunna Coleman
Finalists:
Lavender & Gin: A Sapphic Historical Romance by Abigail Aaronson
Wrecked By You: A Spicy Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romantic Comedy by Kate Sweden
The Rostrum by W. T. Sanders
The Scheme: Carson Crime Files by Amethyst Drake
The Fateful Voyage of the Empress of Ireland: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption, and a Curse's Wrath by Cheryl Roberts Gale
Whalers: A Novel by Kyle Farnworth
Rigged: A StarNet Novel by Rose Horn
Fiction: First Novel with 70,000 to 90,000 Words
Winner:
Predestined by Rachel Byrne
Finalists:
Muddy the Water by Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe
The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D R Berlin
A Devious Descent by A.A. Powers
Men in Books Aren't Better by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter
The War Ends At Four by Rosanna Staffa
The Tribune by Paul E. Roberts
Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place by Amy Safford
Fiction: First Novel with over 90,000 Words
Winner:
Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh by Joan Fernandez
Finalists:
Girl With The Silver Hair: The Samson Project by Celia Seupel
The Imperfect Hand of Fate by Wade Monk
Thank God For The Sinners-A Rick Price Novel by Eric Magun
Deadly Vision by T D Severin
The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt
An American Nurse in Paris: Novels of the Great War by John Andrews
The Pale Flesh of Wood: A Novel by Elizabeth A. Tucker
Fiction: First Novella
Winner:
The Dream To End All Dreams by Rebecca Ryder
Finalists:
Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci
The Penguin Games by Nicole Reineke
An Odyssey Home: A Winnipeg Novella by Carol McCullough
Hummingbird by Dobromir Zhekov
Write Me Filthy by Timber Vale
The Great Ice Cream War of Summer 2016 by John A. Brock
The Blackheart: A Military Space Opera Novella by Thom Bedford
Fiction: General
Winner:
Chronicles of the Enchanted Vanguard: Seraphina and the Divine Mandate by Luminescence Goh
Finalists:
Spin Cycle: Notes from a Reluctant Caregiver by Alfredo Botello
Boys by Roger Newman
Turning Toward Eden by Cate Touryan
Born of Bombs and Bullets: An Aaron Thornton Thriller by David A. Dummer
Missing From Me by Kathleen Stone
Blue Miracle by Blair Harton
The Reluctant Visionary by Datta Groover
Fiction: Historical Fiction Pre 20th Century (Before 1901)
Winner:
Daughters of Green Mountain Gap by Teri M. Brown
Finalists:
Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh by Joan Fernandez
The Scott Boys: A Civil War Novel-Inspired by Actual Events by S. Scott Anderson
1871: Rivers on Fire by Paul Buchheit
The Colonel's Contraband by Adrianne Summer
The Weight of Cloth: A Novel by Dee Mallon
Blood for Pearls: 1498 The First American Genocide by Peter Von Perle
Under Water by Rachel Callaghan
Fiction: Historical Fiction 20th Century (1901-2000)
Winner:
The Sower of Black Field: Inspired by the True Story of an American in Nazi Germany by Katherine Koch
Finalists:
The Sands Shall Witness by Walter Williamson
An American Nurse in Paris: Novels of the Great War by John Andrews
Running As Fast As I Can by John David Graham
Lenswoman in Love: a novel of the 1960s & '70s by Kim R Gottlieb Walker
The Refugee's Daughter by Carolyn Newton
Boys by Roger Newman
Dogs Don't Cry: Novels of the Great War by John Andrews
Between the Clouds and the River by Dave Mason
Fiction: Holiday
Winner:
Holiday Spirit Book Two: Destroy All Monsters by John DeGuire
Finalists:
Call Me Crazy: A Dickens Holiday Romance by Kathryn Hills
Becoming Santa by Springs Pacelli illustrated by Alisa Krotov
Augie's Big Leap by Pamela K. Ellis, illustrated by Alejandra Barajas
A Christmas Hearth for Ivy: Love for the Holidays by Susan Jean Ricci
Fiction: Horror
Winner:
Never Have I Ever by Harker Jones
Finalists:
Broken Things by Diane Corso
Holiday Spirit Book Two: Destroy All Monsters by John DeGuire
The Dead Weight by Jo Salazar
Misery Plaza by J.J. Alo
Gangsters and Demons by Rowan O'Neill
The Carousel Man by Stephen Paul Sayers
Deepstone: A Safewell Mission: Book One by Dean Lappi
Fiction: Humor/Comedy/Satire
Winner:
The Silver Squad: Rebels With Wrinkles by Marty Essen
Finalists:
Lights Out Lizzie by James Hanna
Cute: A darkly comic near-future dystopian satire by Bob Palmer
Indifferent Universe by Joseph Blackhurst
Study Guide for Murder: A Master Class Mystery by Lori Robbins
Aim for the Middle: How to Achieve Happiness, Success, and Love Through the Unbridled Power of Mediocrity by M.K. Jackson
The Goodbye Girls: Putting the fun in funerals by Juliet Domvile
Why Is My Bra Still On? by Kristen Wasyliszyn
Fiction: Inspirational
Winner:
Running As Fast As I Can by John David Graham
Fiction:
Time and the Tree: a novel by Róisín Sorahan
Through Quick and Quinn by Erica Mimran Sherlock
The Better Part of Worse: A Novel of Hope by Denise-Marie Martin
Parallel Lives: A Story of the Greatest Generation by Peter Turnham
It Came Even To Me by Drew Hill
Promising Young Man by Elias Axel
Right Before Their Eyes by Carrie Walker
Fiction: LGBTQ+
Winner:
Pirates of Aletharia: Lesbians, Pirates, and Dragons Book 1 by Britney Jackson
Finalists:
Bound by Her by MZ Rylan
The Taste of Her Silence by Sara Scott
The Making of BRIO McPRIDE by RA Ruegg
The Fondling of Details by Panayotis Cacoyannis
Regna Born by Erick Holmberg
Istanbul Crossing by Timothy Jay Smith
It Was a Riot by Daniel Hall
Fiction: Literary
Winner:
Running As Fast As I Can by John David Graham
Finalists:
To Die Is Different Than Supposed by Alissa Butterworth
The Pale Flesh of Wood: A Novel by Elizabeth A. Tucker
It Came Even To Me by Drew Hill
The Sound of Her Smile: A Jensy Willett Novel by Sara Scott
Spin Cycle: Notes from a Reluctant Caregiver by Alfredo Botello
Seeds of the Pomegranate: A Novel by Suzanne Uttaro Samuels
Zone Trip by Kitty Turner
Fiction: Military/War
Winner:
Songs for the Deaf by Kenneth A Silver
Finalists:
Sky Thunder: Colt Hawkins Series by Charles Stewart
Rescue Run: Capt. Jake Rogers' Daring Return to Occupied Europe by John Winn Miller
Between the Clouds and the River by Dave Mason
Our Desperate Hour: Novels of the Great War by John F Andrews
Cherry Blossoms: A Riveting Soldier's Story of the Korean War, Friendship, and Love in Post-War Japan in Winter by Michael J. Summers
Beyond the Bukubuk Tree: A World War II Novel of Love and Loss by Loretta Goldberg
The Spear and the Sentinel by J.L. Hancock
Fiction: Multicultural
Winner:
Boys by Roger Newman
Finalists:
108: An Eco-Thriller by Dheepa R. Maturi
Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind by Scarlet Ibis James
The Immortal Woman: A Novel by Su Chang
The American Translator: From San Francisco to Battlefields in Iraq by Ahmed Alshuwaikhat
The Revelation by JJ Winston
Leaving Naples by Brian Hackett
Fiction: Mystery/Crime/Detective/Noir
Winner:
Hazardous Lies by Stephen J. Wallace
Finalists:
Ding Dong Ditch: The Shadows of Big East, A Dystopian Detective Mystery and Crime Thriller by Noz
The Blue Recruit: Nikolai Drew by R.E. Livingston
Mouse In The Box by Lewis Allan
Homecoming Queen: A Small Town Political Thriller by Chad Boudreaux
Unshackled: A Camille Delaney Mystery by Amanda DuBois
The Depths of Marla Adams by Patrick Hanford
Friends are Forever by Mike Martin
Fiction: Cozy Mystery
Winner:
A Hush at Midnight: Secrets, Scandals and a Recipe for Murder by Marlene M. Bell
Finalists:
Murder on the Green by Christine Knapp
Dying of Curiosity by Cyn Lubow
Study Guide for Murder: A Master Class Mystery by Lori Robbins
You Say Goodbye by Keith Steinbaum
Murder at First Light by Christine Knapp
Jury Duty is Murder by Kate Damon
Murder Between Neighbors by Michelle Corbier
Fiction: Novella
Winner:
Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind by Scarlet Ibis James
Finalists:
Meet Me at Lanikai Beach by Susan Jean Ricci
A Place More Dark by Nathaniel M Wrey
Letters from the Olive Tree by Reese Balducci
The Great Ice Cream War of Summer 2016 by John A. Brock
Finding Salvation Part One by JT Hume
ASH by Nikole Young
Boy of Heaven by Morris Hoffman
Fiction: Paranormal/Supernatural
Winner:
Creatures of Chaos by Julie Hall
Finalists:
In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum
Bitten Shifter: The Bitten Chronicles by Brogan Thomas
The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt
Somnus' Palace by C.V. Vobh
The Poe Consequence by Keith Steinbaum
Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place by Amy Safford
The Aurora Revelations: A Paranormal Mystery Novel by Michael Walker
Fiction: Political/Government
Winner:
The Next Target by Nancy Dane
Finalists:
The Sum Of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0 by William R. Douglas
Article 9: A Gripping Western Political Thriller by Daniel Holub
Black Sun Rising by Otho Eskin
Malipolitan: A novel by Christopher Dainton
Stop The Wind by Gregor Pratt
Kelsey's Crossing by David Randal
Paradigm Shift by Anthony Muss
Fiction: Romance
Winner:
Lenswoman in Love: a novel of the 1960s & '70s by Kim Gottlieb Walker
Finalists:
A Dagger in the Ivy by Dorothy Dreyer
Bound by Her by MZ Rylan
Devil in Our Hearts: a steamy historical romance by Lizzie Jenks
That Girl: A small town, second chance, sports romance by Jennilynn Wyer
The Next Round by Eva Frances
Dangerous Pursuit by Bethany Rosa
Blue Miracle by Blair Harton
Fiction: Science Fiction
Winner:
The Matriarch Messiah: Mystery of the Matriarchs Book 2 by Maxime Trencavel
Finalists:
Comets of Omen: The Presser Arc by Charles Weindorf
Reliquary of the Dead by David A. Falk
Humanity At Fault by Philroy Hinds
Hive: Madders of Time Book 1 by D. L. Orton
Project Mind River: Techs Future Promise and Peril by Dave Spacer
Homo Machina by P. A. Vasey
Journey to 2125: One Century, One Family, Rising to Challenges by Gary F Bengier
Fiction: Science Fiction/Dystopia/Post-Apocalyptic
Winner:
Imber by Deborah Mistina
Finalists:
Expectation of Pain by Juliet Rose
DeInception by Sarena Straus
North Country: A Kat Wallace Adventure by Sarah Branson
Hive: Madders of Time Book 1 by D. L. Orton
Network Error by Steven Lombardi
The Infernal Age: Demon Gate by Anson Joaquin
Tribal Logic: Book Four of The Tribal Wars by Stella Atrium
Fiction: Short Story Collection
Winner:
The Chambers Files by Charles R Rogers
Finalists:
Pride and Perjury: Twelve Short Stories inspired by Pride and Prejudice by Alice McVeigh
The Clock in My Mother's House and other stories by Annalisa Crawford
The Secret History of Famous People: Ten Short Stories by Rich Elliott
Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories by Elizabeth Bruce
Imagine: An Anthology by Windtree Press Authors edited by Paty Jager
Screaming into the Canyon by Joseph Meyer
19 Doors by Rob Roy O'Keefe
Fiction: Spiritual
Winner:
The Color of Dreams by Michael Zajaczkowski
Finalists:
The Doctor, the Witch and the Rose Stone by Joanne Coyle
The Fire and The Serpent: Book One: Sojourners by Dieta Scheidecker
Rhythm and Design: A Platinum Chocolate Romance by Long Temple
The Way of Wildfires and hard luck believers by Brian David Cinadr
Beware the Midnight Train by Anna Faversham
The Land of the Dancing Rabbits by Sharon E Yarbrough
The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly by John Fuller, illustrated by Aletha Heyman
Fiction: Suspense
The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D R Berlin
Winner:
Muddy the Water by Matt Barrows and Jessica Barrows Beebe
The Edge of Guilt: A Gripping Legal Thriller of Grief, Betrayal, and the Fight for Justice by David Miraldi
The Goldilocks Genome: A Medical Thriller by Elizabeth Reed Aden
Leashes, Love, and Lies by Marianne Middelveen
Hazardous Lies by Stephen J. Wallace
Fortress Of Dreams by C.B. Heinemann
Warrior Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries by Susan Rogers and John Roosen
Fiction: Thriller
Winner:
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang
Finalists:
Jake Fox: Ties That Blind by Michael Stockham
Boardroom Assassin: The Elena Kolonik Files by R L Hare
Vatican Daughter: A Novel by Joni Marie Iraci
Echoes of Fortune: The Search for Braddock's Lost Gold by David R Leng
Ghosts of the Unfound by Jennifer Crown
Broken Promises: A DCI Gerald Croft Crime Thriller by Sarah Stuart
Spectra: The Intensity of Light as it varies with Wavelength by Lee A Starks
Fiction: Women’s
Winner:
Chick Singer: A Novel by Lorraine Devon Wilke
Finalists:
Lenswoman in Love: a novel of the 1960s & '70s by Kim R Gottlieb Walker
No Ordinary Love by BB Gabriel
Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh by Joan Fernandez
The Gift: A Novel by C. D'Angelo
Daughters of Green Mountain Gap by Teri M. Brown
Vincent's Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent van Gogh by Donna Russo
Roadside Sisters: A Novel by Catherine Matthews
Fiction/Non-Fiction New Adult
Winner:
Through Quick and Quinn by Erica Mimran Sherlock
Finalists:
Blue Miracle by Blair Harton
The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor by D R Berlin
The Making of BRIO McPRIDE by RA Ruegg
Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K. Popa
The Catalyst by Nat Bickel
Lizard Larson and the Time Keeper by Gary Natoli
Promising Young Man by Elias Axel
Fiction/Non-Fiction: Young Adult/Teen
Winner:
The Ayeee to Z Adulting Guide: How to Navigate Adulthood Like a Boss! by E. Z. Grace
Finalists:
Predestined by Rachel Byrne
Through Quick and Quinn by Erica Mimran Sherlock
Vibrations : Children of Atlantis by A. R. Alexander
The Boyfriend List: A Sweet YA Romance by J.L. Wyer
At the Heart of the Game by Paula Benge
Journey to Superhero School: An Oliver and Jessica Prequel to The Vork Chronicles by Gracie Dix
Dragonfly Down by Annette Masters
Fiction/Non-Fiction Children’s Middle Grade Ages 8-12
Winner:
The Extraordinary Journey of an Ordinary Dragonfly by John Fuller, illustrated by Aletha Heyman
Finalists:
Vork Chronicles: Welcome to Superhero School by Gracie Dix
Intergalactic Jack and the Child of the Prophecy by Christopher Kezelos and Christine Kezelos
Bigfoot Is a Jerk by Julie Ditchburn Patton
If Roses Were Blue by Debbie Jenae
Because of the Night by Rue L'Hommedieu
Grandma's Bucket of Mercy by Robin Carole
Rolo on the Planet of the Cats by Hans Ness
Fiction/Non-Fiction Children’s Early Readers Ages 6-8
Winner:
Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzmán
Finalists:
Loose Lips Sink Ships by Hilary Lawrence
Maury Becomes a Super Saver! by David Maurice Sharp
Autism: A New Friend by Evelyne Perez
I Got a New Hearing Aid by Dr. Dana Walker
Miri and Jade's New Clothes by Mical Rezoni
You are SUPER, Penny!: My Food Allergen Service Dog by Candace Laskowski
Okay Anyway by Chandra Bozier
Fiction/Non-Fiction Children’s Pre-School Ages Newborn to 5
Winner:
Being Kind is Cool by Rebecca Almeida
Finalists:
Winslow Scarecrow: Scarecrows are supposed to be scary by Stephen G. Bowling
Boo Bear's Light: An A B C Rhyming Picture Book for Children by Catherine Ann Russell
A Leopard Never Changes its Spots by Hilary Lawrence
Daisy, Minnie, and the Sugar Plum Kitty by Jessica Azenberg
You are SUPER, Penny!: My Food Allergen Service Dog by Candace Laskowski
What If Roxy by Jessica Ann
First Day Feels: I'm Going to Kindergarten by Amy Sage
Fiction/Non-Fiction Children’s Illustrated Picture Book
Winner: Tie
Not Everyone Walks The Stage by Sierra Andrews and Nicholas Seidler, illustrated by Alisa Tverdokhleb
Gentle Hugs by Lily Guzmán, illustrated by Dorota Rewerenda
Finalists:
Harriet's Hungry Worms by Samantha Smith, illustrated by Melissa Johns
Just Like You by Natalia Wesley, illustrated by Pervin Ozcan
Ezra’s Day Off by Hope Hershey and Lori Hershey, illustrated by Jeremy
The Adventures of Mrs. Crockess and Ivy: No Pockets? No Problem! by Julia Kolouch, illustrated by Petros Bouloubasis
Do Butterflies Make Butter? by Brandall Laughlin
The Grass May Not Be Greener by Hilary Lawrence, illustrated by Katherine Summerville
Let's Celebrate You!: A Graduation Keepsake for Little Graduates by Junia Wonders, illustrated by Clarissa Corradin
Non-Fiction
Non-Fiction: Adventure
Winner:
Once Upon a Continent: A Memoir of South American Adventures Unplugged by Susanna Janssen
Finalists:
Pushing Miles: A chronicle of Motorcycles, Mayhem and Mettle by Wendy Crockett and Ian McPhee
Fool's Gear: A Completely Devastating Thing I'll Probably Do Again by Dylan William Nigh
Heartland Highways: In Search of America by John Butler
Non-Fiction: Animals/Pets/Nature
Winner: Tie
Frogs on the Mountain: The Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs in Yosemite by Adalgisa Nico and David Nico, illustrated by Andy Atkins
Shadow by Mary L Schmidt
Finalists:
Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds by M.J. Evans
Listen to Your Animals: They Know More Than You Think by Karen Wickerson
Ribbons and Moths Poems for Children by Laura Rodley
Khan: A Maine Coon by Marie J. S. Phillips
So Much to Drool About: Lessons for Living Large by Barbara Stone
The Way of Life Method: How to Heal Your Relationship with Your Dog and Raise a Sound, Strong, and Spirited Companion (At Any Age) by Souha Ezzedeen
Lying Down with Dogs by Linda Caradine
Non-Fiction: Arts: Art/Music/Performance Arts
Winner:
A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Michael Pronko
Finalists:
Countermelodies: A Memoir in Sonata Form by Ernestine Whitman
Chinatown Troubadour: A True Story by Pres Maxson
The Landers: Biography of a Theater by Kara DeBacker
Fifteen Minutes: Bamboozled in Buffalo by Michael F. Rizzo
TCHA-KA TCHA: Understand and Master Rhythm on Guitar through Vocalizing by Stefan Gruber
Your Words Your Love by Louise Bélanger
Non-Fiction: Biography/Autobiography
Winner:
Blackwildgirl: A Writer’s Journey to Take Back Her Superpower by Menah Adeola Eyaside Pratt
Finalists:
The Murmur of Everything Moving: A Memoir by Maureen Stanton
Hello? Who Is This? Margaret?: Essays by Dani Alpert
Meet Lusia (Lucy) Harris-Stewart: The Amazing, Amazing Female Basketball Sensation by Rena Newson Lott
Crossing the Yellowstone: The Saga of a Montana Ranch Family by Mary Anne Mercer
An Odyssey of Becoming: That Summer of ’72 by Celeste Johnson and Bobby Young
Filthy!: The Rise and (Pending) Death of Vic Lagina by Vic Lagina
Silver Charm: And the Old Friends Who Save the Thoroughbreds by M.J. Evans
Non-Fiction: Business/Leadership/Management
Winner:
Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner
Finalists:
Layered Leadership: Drive Double-Digit Growth and Dominate Your Competition with Creative Strategies and Execution by Lawrence Armstrong
Leadership Impact : How Leaders Develop Others and Create True Impact by Aaron Patience
The Win-Win Workplace: How Thriving Employees Drive Bottom-Line Success by Angela Jackson
Tech Confidential: The Insider's Playbook for Daring Entrepreneurs by Denise Koessler Gosnell and Kathryn Erickson
What Lights You Up?: Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career by Mary Olson-Menzel
Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI by Faisal Hoque
Win Win: Helping organizations mitigate legal risk for the common good by Rebecca Sposita
Non-Fiction: Business/Money/Finances
Winner:
Financial Epiphany: Discover Your Ability to Multiply Money and Reimagine Your Financial by Scott Yamamura
Finalists:
The Investor's Golden Playbook: 12 Rules for Achieving Real Wealth by Frank J Buchholz
Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future by Mark J. Higgins CFA CFP®
If They Won't Bend, Break Them!®: Tips, Tactics and Strategies You Need to Negotiate Like a Pro by Geoffrey Michael
Leadership Impact : How Leaders Develop Others and Create True Impact by Aaron Patience
Heal Your Relationship With Money: Understand your "why," let go of past financial dysfunction, and make peace with your money in just 28 days by Kara Stevens
Non-Fiction: Career/Occupational
Winner:
What Lights You Up?: Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career by Mary Olson-Menzel
Finalists:
Cultivate: The Power of Winning Relationships by Morag Barrett
Death of the Resume: A Revolutionary Roadmap for Job Seekers & Recruiters Steering Through the Age of AI and Skills-first Hiring by Nadeem Lutfullah
Climb Greater Heights: How to Accelerate Your Business Growth, Amplify Your Success, and Build a Legacy of Significance by Tony Jeton Selimi
Control Your Career: 5 Steps to Stand Out and Get the Job You Want by Soozy Miller
Wanted -> My First Career: The Definitive Playbook For Landing Your First Job In A Fulfilling Career by Marlo Lyons
Behind the Star: A Guide to Mastering the Craft of Stand-In Work and Thriving Beyond the Set by Chad Gregory
From Apollo To Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA by Herb Baker
Non-Fiction: Education/Reference
Winner:
I Still Love Teaching Despite Having All The Reasons In The World To Quit: Observations Of The Education System by Renes Lophanor
Finalists:
Wanted -> My First Career: The Definitive Playbook For Landing Your First Job In A Fulfilling Career by Marlo Lyons
The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel by Karin Adams
The Innovative Guide to Fashion and Beauty: 2025 by Murielle Gagné
How to Think Like Plato and Speak Like Cicero by Neel Burton
Bakke's Shakespeare: Macbeth by Anthony Bakke
Teach, Pray, Drink : Watering and Harvesting The Roses From The Concrete by Dr. Giani Clarkson
Vademecum of English: A Complete Reference Guide for Teachers and Learners by Ana María López Jimeno
Non-Fiction: First Non-Fiction
Winner:
Back From Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick by Marie Lisette Rimer
Finalists:
The Bandana Express: The True Story of the 1980 Giles Spartans by Jeremy Haymore
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth by Kate Grant
I Love You More: A Reluctant Memoir by Joan Burleson
Me, Mom, & Jesus: An Unlikely Love Story of Two Broken Hearts and One Miracle-Working God by Nikki White
You Can’t Take Them with You by Megan Bannon
Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis by Jenny Cafaro
Tennis Players as Works of Art by David Linebarger
Non-Fiction: General Non-Fiction
Winner:
Restoring Our Sanity Online: A Revolutionary Social Framework by Mark Weinstein
Finalists:
Building Men: Character Lessons from Influencers by Jim Tracy
From Apollo To Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA by Herb Baker
Success With Hydrangeas: A Gardener's Guide by Lorraine Ballato
AI Today: OI Tomorrow: The Dawn of Organoid Intelligence: Opportunities, Ethics, and the Future of Humanity by Edmund J.B. White
Confessions of a U.S. Classroom Teacher by Christopher Simpson
No Way but Forward: Life Stories of Three Families in the Gaza Strip by Brian K Barber
Framed: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media by Tim O'Hearn
Non-Fiction: Grief/Hardship
Winner:
The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared by Casey Mulligan Walsh
Finalists:
The Maniac with No Knees by Tyler Kania
What My Brother Knew: A Memoir by Kristina Amelong
Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search by Amanda LaPera
Blackbird: A Mother's Reflections on Grief, Loss, and Life After Suicide by Betsy Stephenson
The Hole in Your Life: Grief and Bereavement by Bob Rich
Back From Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick by Marie Lisette Rimer
Through the Darkness: A Story of Love from the Other Side by Charlie Bynar
Finding Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: An End to the Search by Amanda LaPera
Non-Fiction: Government/Politics
Winner:
Inside Impeachment—Diary of a Congressman: Lessons Learned by Honorable Clifford B. Stearns
Finalists:
Trumped Up: Trump's First Term and the Beginning of America's End by Spike Dolomite
Beyond the Kakotopias of the Liberal State and its Nemeses by Ivan Muñiz-Brown
Is MAGA a Terrorist Movement? by Russell Jack
Non-Fiction: Health/Medicine/Fitness/Dieting
Winner:
Taming Cancer: 21st Century Biology and the Future of Cancer Medicine by Drew Kelner
Finalists:
I Blew My Diet! Now What?: The Easy, Proven 21-Day Plan to Drop Pounds & Bounce Back Boldly by Connie Bennett
To Your Health: A Lifestyle of Health, Happiness and Confidence by Esther Avant
Toxic Infertility: Detoxification Solutions to Improve Natural Fertility by Deidre Bloomquist
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Health Every Woman Injured in Childbirth by Kate Grant
The Best Care for Those with the Least: An Empowering Guide to Bridge the Socioeconomic Gap in Medical Care by Kristen Davis-Coelho PhD.
The Doctor's Future: A Blueprint for Future-Proofing Your Profession and for Healthcare Decision Makers Leading the Evolution of AI/Robotics-Powered Medicine by Pietro Emanuele Garbelli
You Can’t Take Them With You by Megan Bannon
Non-Fiction: History
Winner:
Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 by Norman Jetmundsen and Karin Fecteau
Finalists:
Crossing the Yellowstone: The Saga of a Montana Ranch Family by Mary Anne Mercer
Steel Soldier: Guadalcanal Odyssey by James J Messina and Charles Messina
Mrs. Orcutt's Driveway: A Legendary Road - An Unstoppable Woman by C. V. Wooster
Delaware at Christmas: The First State in a Merry State by Dave Tabler
Odar: Jido, A Journey Through Community by Denice Peter Karamardian
1942: When British Rule in India was Threatened by Krishna Kumar
Investing in U.S. Financial History: Understanding the Past to Forecast the Future by Mark J. Higgins CFA CFP®
Non-Fiction: How-To
Winner:
Navigating Life's Challenges: Mindful Resilience for Zodiacs by Luminescence Goh
Finalists:
How To Celebrate Your Fandom by Nicholas Seidler
ChatGPT AI Book Writing Formula by Caryl Westmore
Control Your Career: 5 Steps to Stand Out and Get the Job You Want by Soozy Miller
Non-Fiction: Inspirational
Winner:
Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis by Jenny Cafaro
Finalists:
10 Little Rules for a Double-Butted Adventure by Teri M Brown
Against All Odds: A Memoir by Tristian Smith
Welcome to the Creative Club: Make Life Your Biggest Art Project by Pia Mailhot-Leichter
Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma by Mitchell Raff
You Can’t Take Them with You by Megan Bannon
Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner
No Way but Forward: Life Stories of Three Families in the Gaza Strip by Brian K Barber
Non-Fiction: LGBTQ+
Winner:
Back From Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick by Marie Lisette Rimer
Finalists:
Fairyboy: Growing Up Gay and Out in Pre-Stonewall New York and Beyond by Garrett Glaser
The Boughs of Love: Navigating the Queer Latter-day Saint Experience During an Ongoing Restoration by Nathan Kitchen
Walk a Mile in My Shoes: Surviving Life's Challenges by Paul Bradford
This Is Not The Greatest Book Ever! by Ava Maria Ochoa and Ava Marie Stardust
What My Brother Knew: A Memoir by Kristina Amelong
You've Been Blocked: The Search for Gay Male Perfection by Joseph Contorer MA
Non-Fiction: Memoir
Winner:
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth by Kate Grant
Finalists:
Unearthed: The Lies We Carry & The Truths They Bury by Chanchal Garg
Our Lives in Pieces: A Collection of Flash Memoir Essays by Tracie Adams
The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared by Casey Mulligan Walsh
Back From Suicide: Before and After the Essential Patrick by Marie Lisette Rimer
Behind Bulletproof Glass: My Story About Prenatal Testing and Abortion in the United States by Linda Rönn
Spared: Escaping Genocide in Rwanda and Finding a Home in America by Clementine Msengi
Yesterday Was Not So Long Ago by Ruth Benario and Peter Benario
Odyssey Moscow: One American's Journey from Russia Optimist to Prisoner of the State by Michael Calvey
Non-Fiction: Military/War
Winner:
Never Too Old For War by Robert J. Shano MSGT Ret.
Finalists:
Steel Soldier: Guadalcanal Odyssey by James J Messina and Charles Messina
Welcome Home Warzone: A Memoir by Gregory Asgaard
Because: A CIA Coverup & A Son's Odyssey To Find The Father He Never Knew by James B Wells
The Duty of Memory: Le Devoir de Memoire by Vicki Olsen
Born From War: A Soldier’s Quest to Understand Vietnam, Iraq, and the Generational Impact of Conflict by Patrick W. Naughton Jr.
Love, Norm: Inspiration of a Jewish American Fighter Pilot by Norman M. Shulman
The Thread That Held: A true story of two lives torn by war, and one love that refused to die by Shawn Taylor and Nahrain Taylor
Non-Fiction: Mind/Body/Spirit
Winner:
Through the Darkness: A Story of Love from the Other Side by Charlie Bynar
Finalists:
The Dreaming Way: Courting the Wisdom of Dreams by Toko-pa Turner
Awaken the Healer Within: Overcome Stress, Anxiety, and Illness to Reclaim Your Power by MarBeth Dunn
Be Human, Be Happy, Be YOU!: A journey finding inner lightness, freedom, and ease by Raditia Lasry
Empathic Evolution: An Invitation from the Council of We by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore
AND: The Tiny Word That Can Radically Transform Your Life by Bree Rosenblum PhD
The Vibrant Sage: Arousing Energy for Health and Happiness by Nancy Waring
Finding My Way Home: Fighting Depression Backpacking in Central Florida by Rob Rogers
Non-Fiction: Multicultural
Winner:
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth by Kate Grant
Finalists:
Dear Orchid: Letters and New Beginnings—True Stories and Fiction filled with Heart, Humor, and Hope by Carol Van Den Hende
Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces & poses by Jennifer Lang
Alicia's Journey to the Past: Revisiting the Komagata Maru Incident by Parabjot Kaur Singh
Non-Fiction: Parenting/Family/Relationships
Winner:
The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared by Casey Mulligan Walsh
Finalists:
The Road to Motherhood: Where the Journey Begins - The Hilarious, Relatable and Unfiltered Truth of Motherhood by Joanne Cook
The Heart of Homestay: Creating Meaningful Connections When Hosting International Students by Jennifer Robin Wilson
Text Messages to My Sons: A Guide to Using Mobile Devices to Connect and Communicate with Your Kids by Tammy J Cohen
Fire It Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship by Carolyn Sharp
Raising Future Adults: How You Can Help Ensure Your Children Grow Up to be Thriving Adults by David Krasky
Building Men: Character Lessons from Influencers by Jim Tracy
My Extraordinary Son: The Triumph And Tragedies Of Raising A Child With Down Syndrome by Patricia Marston White
Non-Fiction: Religion/Christian
Winner:
The Book of Enoch by Luke Rodger and Timothy Alberino
Finalists:
Be Who God Created You To Be: Living Out Your Faith in Today’s World by Russ Bradley
Disappearing Dads by Dwight E DeRamus Jr.
Unconverted: Memoir of a Marriage by Polly Merritt Ingraham
A GIFt: Discovering God's Presence in Ordinary and Extraordinary Ways by Lee Ann Marie
The Magnificence of the 3 by Timeout A Taumua
Flawed to Fruitful: Hope for Men by Rolland Kenneson
Me, Mom, & Jesus: An Unlikely Love Story of Two Broken Hearts and One Miracle-Working God by Nikki White
Non-Fiction: Self-Help
Winner:
The Quest for Happiness: To Be Happy, Or Not to Be Happy. The Choice is Yours. by Paula Price
Finalists:
9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning: How to Unlock Your Mind, Happiness, Power, and Your Enemy's Demise by Rick Walker
AND: The Tiny Word That Can Radically Transform Your Life by Bree Rosenblum PhD
The Productive Perfectionist: A Woman’s Guide to Smashing the Shackles of Perfection by Kathryn C Mayer
What If You're Right? Discover How Right You Are in a World That Makes You Feel So Wrong by Dr. Emily Colwell
Joy Prescriptions: How I Learned to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection by Dr. Tiffany Moon
The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help For Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter by Katherine Fabrizio
Reclaim Your Mind: Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully by Jay Vidyarthi
Non-Fiction: Social Issues
Winner:
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth by Kate Grant
Finalists:
The Best Care for Those with the Least: An Empowering Guide to Bridge the Socioeconomic Gap in Medical Care by Kristen Davis-Coelho PhD
Teenage Runaway: Memoirs of a 1960s Hippy by Ronald Schulz
Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction by Hanna Hasl-Kelchner
A Graver Danger: White Chalk Crime, The Stunning First-Ever Explanation for School Shootings & How We End Them by Karen Horwitz
What's So Bad About Being Poor?: Our Lives In the Shadows of the Poverty Experts by Deborah M Foster
Proudly Made: A Story of Reinvention in the Big Woods and Small Towns of the Pennsylvania Wilds by Tataboline Enos
Constructed Movements: Extraction and Resistance in Mexican Migrant Communities by Ragini Shah
Non-Fiction: Spiritual
Winner:
The Boughs of Love: Navigating the Queer Latter-day Saint Experience During an Ongoing Restoration by Nathan Kitchen
Finalists:
What My Brother Knew: A Memoir by Kristina Amelong
Connecting to Create: The Transformative Power of Divine Love by Xhila Dorsman
Empathic Evolution: An Invitation from the Council of We by Jennifer Elizabeth Moore
Landed: A yogi's memoir in pieces & poses by Jennifer Lang
Eating Chocolate & Watching the Moon: Spiritual Awakening through Loss and Karmic Resolution by Catherine N Steinberg
Love to the Extreme: A Miracle Unfolds by Dr. Fang Miao
It's Never Personal: Weaving Psychology, Neuroscience, and Ancient Wisdom Through a 5-Step Process to Finally Let It Go by M Victoria Kennedy
Non-Fiction: Travel/Travel Guide
Winner:
Tokyo Tempos by Michael Pronko
Finalists:
Once Upon a Continent: A Memoir of South American Adventures Unplugged by Susanna Janssen
Heartland Highways: In Search of America by John Butler
Pushing Miles: A chronicle of Motorcycles, Mayhem and Mettle by Wendy Crockett and Ian McPhee
A Guide to Jazz in Japan by Michael Pronko
Fool's Gear: A Completely Devastating Thing I'll Probably Do Again by Dylan William Nigh
Now Is the Time: A Van Life Road Trip by Andrew Singer
Non-Fiction: True Crime
Winner:
The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.'s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir by Judge Belvin Perry Jr. and Amy Mitchell
Finalists:
Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom by McCracken Poston Jr.
Greg Scarpa, Legendary Evil: The Many Faces of a Mafia Killer by Jonathan Dyer
Rooting Out Shame: A Son's Account of Child Sexual Abuse and Recovery by Frank Root III
Non-Fiction: True Story
Winner:
Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma by Mitchell Raff
Finalists:
Never Too Old For War by Robert J. Shano MSGT Ret.
Because He Loved Me: A Story of the Transformative Power of True Love by Margie Crowe Wildblood
Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom by McCracken Poston Jr.
The Long Flight Home: A True Story of Years Lost and Love Found by Beth Aubrey and Jim Aubrey
Good Seeds: A Memoire by Linda McIntyre
Waiting For Myself : An Inspirational Memoir by Timothy Walkley
The Beyond is Part of the Here Now Book 2: Biblical Parapsychology by June Raleigh
Non-Fiction: Women’s
Winner:
Becoming HER: Straight Talk for Healing, Embodying, and Radiating as Your Most Powerful Self by Monica Yates
Finalists:
Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis by Jenny Cafaro
AND: The Tiny Word That Can Radically Transform Your Life by Bree Rosenblum PhD
No Woman Left Behind: A Journey of Hope to Heal Every Woman Injured in Childbirth by Kate Grant
Let's Talk About It: A Healing Journey Through Pain to Peace by Denise Stajkowski
Empowered Postpartum Wellness: A Practical Guide to Recover After Birth, Build Mental Resilience, and Redefine Self-Care for a Thriving Mom Life by Jade Padlan RN
Finding Home: From Cairo to New York: A Memoir by Djenane Nakhle
So Drunk A Tooth's Gotta Go: Essays on Dating Hacks, Breakups, Traveling, Comedy, The Gig Economy, & More by Joy Alicia
Non-Fiction: Writing/Publishing
Winner:
The One Week Writing Workshop: 7 Days to Spark, Boost or Revive Your Novel by Karin Adams
Finalists:
Unwritten: The Thought Leader’s Guide to Not Overthinking Your Business Book by Emily Crookston
ChatGPT AI Book Writing Formula by Caryl Westmore
YouTube for Authors: How to Use Video to Sell More Books and Build Your Brand by Dale L. Roberts
Poetry
Winner: Tie
Unbreakable: A Journey of Survival and Truth by Kayla Namio
Eternal Love: A Poetic Pathway to God's Heart and Mind by C. Peggy Atoche
Finalists:
Brute: A Poetry Collection by Steven Bruce
Clock Counting: Poems by A.F. King
Connecting to Create: The Transformative Power of Divine Love by Xhila Dorsman
How to Find God on the Dance Floor by Marlene Rhein
Thunderstroke: A Poetry Memoir Inspired by a True Story by Terence Ang
Love, Light & Other Beautiful Lies: A Poetic Memoir of Spiritual Materialism by Sean Phoenix Russell
365 Sonnets: Celebrating Each Day with a Little Song by Paul Buchheit
