Blog Blitz for The Christy Award Finalists 2023!

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 by Sara Brunsfold (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. Giveaway began at midnight October 27, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on November 3, 2023. 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!

 

Review: Rocky Mountain Rendezvous by Misty M. Beller

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

In 1837, Juniper Collins and her sisters are shocked by their father's final request in his will for a special set of beads to be returned to a Piegan Blackfoot woman he credits with saving his life during his travels west. Together, the sisters set out for the trapper rendezvous to find the woman, but their mission turns more daunting when they come upon the mass of men and lodges spread out in the Green River Valley.

Riley Turner came west to find peace and quiet and live off the land, but when four unprotected women arrive at the rendezvous, he feels compelled to help them and is more fascinated by Juniper than any other woman he's known.

As their search brings only empty leads and dead ends, the sisters must decide whether to return east or stay in the mountains to continue looking--and that's if the mystery woman is even still alive. Is the risk to honor their father's last request worth the danger they find at every turn?

Discover the majesty--and treachery--of the Rocky Mountains in this unique combination of exhilarating adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance from USA Today bestselling author Misty M. Beller.

My Review

This begins a new series with four sisters from the East, venturing into the mountains on a quest to locate a Native woman who saved their father's life, returning her heirloom beads. Each sister has a unique personality, and I loved the way they complemented each other. Rosemary is the natural leader as the oldest and can be a bit domineering, but they all look to Juniper as well for thoughtful wisdom. Lorelei has a soft heart for animals, nurturing a coyote pup on their journey. Faith is enthusiastic and up for adventure, and follows the lead of her sisters. I was nervous for them as they stayed at the rendezvous with all the mountain men and no protector or guardian, even though they had weapons. Riley immediately saw their need for an advocate and fills the role slightly begrudgingly. The sisters learn to value his input, while not letting him dissuade them from their goal. There was a sense of anticipation with each Indian camp they visit, searching for Steps Right. I loved the natural chemistry between Juniper and Riley, and the sweet, slow burn romance that develops. The sisters made a pact at the beginning of their journey to not depend on any man or start a relationship, which provides the conflict in Juniper's mind as Riley becomes more integral to their mission. While they make some discoveries, the hunt for Steps Right continues and it seems that it will be the overarching plot that connects all the books in the series.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the next book in the Sisters of the Rockies series . . .

 

 

 

Review: Just Add Mischief by Heather B. Moore

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

New neighbor? No, thank you. Peace and quiet? Yes, please.

Fresh from a broken engagement, the last thing Brandy Kane wants is to deal with her standoffish new neighbor, even if his dog is a sweetheart.

Ian Hudson doesn’t like people, which includes the busybody family who’s apparently moving in the property below his private cabin. A place he thought was abandoned for good. He’s secluded himself for a reason, and he isn’t about to allow his peace to be disturbed.

But when the rest of his teetering world takes a nose dive, his new neighbor might be the only one to get him through. It will just take adding a little mischief.

My Review

I was so happy to get back to Everly Falls, and discover how Brandy coped with the breakup from her fiancee, which happened in the first book of the series, Just Add Romance. (This can be read as a standalone, however I loved the first book so don't miss it!) She escapes to the mountains on the outskirts of town, still close enough to be in contact with her family. Ian is also isolating himself, and these two broken hearts find healing with each other. I loved their banter, chemistry, friendship, and the author made it so easy to care about them. Add in an adorable dog, meddling family, and small town charm, and this book was such a great escape!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the other books in the Everly Falls series . . .

Review: The Complete Book of Ground Covers by Gary Lewis

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

“A magnum opus of ground covers that deserves a place in every gardener’s library.” —Tony Avent, founder and owner Plant Delights Nursery

Ground covers are widely thought of as utilitarian—we turn to them when we have a problem that needs a solution. Yet these plants also offer a diverse range of beautiful and intriguing options with a variety of colors, textures, and forms. They can unify a landscape, knit together plantings and hardscape, and add extra layers of beauty, dynamism, and surprise. As a replacement for lawns, they can reduce our use of water, fertilizer, pesticides, herbicides, carbon-based fuels, and transform a yard into a diverse landscape of habitat and food for native insects, birds, and other wildlife.

In this meticulously researched reference, nurseryman Gary Lewis profiles more than 4000 ground covers that can perform these roles with aplomb. No matter what kinds of conditions you’re facing—shade, dry soil, heavy clay, excess moisture—there’s a ground cover that will thrive and beautify your garden. Comprehensive, practical, and copiously illustrated, this indispensable volume belongs on the shelf of every designer, landscape architect, and serious gardener.

My Review

This large book is dense with information about ground cover plants and acts as an encyclopedia of listings in alphabetical order. It's a wonderful resource, and the most helpful part to me was the beginning with guidance on planning and designing. I also learned from the introduction which explained the various types of ground cover and what makes them different from each other. I was completely overwhelmed by the vast amount of plants to learn about, but there are 17 sidebars with lists of plants suggested for various conditions and categories, such as edible, trailing, tight spaces, lawn replacement, deer-resistant, fragrant, and the various soil and light conditions. I found it to be a good place to start, and was able to look up the plants by name rather than try to read through the plant listings beginning to end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.